212230 — Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in developing the mine site, mining, and/or beneficiating (i.e., preparing) ores valued chiefly for their copper, nickel, lead, or zinc content. Beneficiating includes the transformation of ores into concentrates. Establishments primarily engaged in recovering copper concentrates by the precipitation, leaching, or electrowinning of copper ore are included in this industry.
Exclusions & Cross-References
- Refining copper concentrates--are classified in Industry 331410, Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum)
- Smelting and Refining; and
- Developing the mine site, mining, and/or beneficiating iron and manganiferous ores valued for their iron
- content--are classified in Industry 212210, Iron Ore Mining.
Overview Facts
| NAICS Code | 212230 |
|---|---|
| Industry Title | Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining |
| SBA Size Standard | 1,400 employees |
| U.S. Establishments | 61 (Census CBP, 2023) |
| IRS PBA Code | 212200 (rolled-up match) |
| Sectors Hierarchy | Sector 21 → 212 → 2122 |
| Source / Verified | US Census 2022 NAICS Manual, Census CBP / 2026-06-28 |
Legacy SIC Concordance
Trace the historical mapping chain from the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) to the modern 2022 NAICS code format.
- SIC 1021 - Copper Ores (via SIC1987:1021→NAICS1997:212234→2002:212234→2007:212234→2012:212234→2017:212230→2022:212230)
- SIC 1031 - Lead and Zinc Ores (via SIC1987:1031→NAICS1997:212231→2002:212231→2007:212231→2012:212231→2017:212230→2022:212230)
- SIC 1061 - Ferroalloy Ores, Except Vanadium (via SIC1987:1061→NAICS1997:212234→2002:212234→2007:212234→2012:212234→2017:212230→2022:212230)
Suggested Product Service Codes (Advisory)
The following Product Service Codes (PSCs) are advisory suggestions aligned with this NAICS code. Note: NAICS and PSC codes map to different dimensions of procurement (industry vs. product/service). There is no official binding 1:1 crosswalk.
- PSC 3820 — Mining, Rock Drilling, Earth Boring, and Related Equipment
Source: DoD DPCAP PSC Selection Tool (Ingested: 2026-06-29)
Related Resources & Compliance Guides
Further regulatory reference links for NAICS code 212230:
- Sector 21 Directory Hub — List of related industries in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector.
- SIC ↔ NAICS Crosswalk Tool — Look up mappings between legacy SIC codes and modern classifications.
- SBA Size Standards Guide — Complete rules and averaging periods for small business classifications.
- Calculating Annual Receipts Guide — Detailed worked example of revenue calculation rules.
- IRS Principal Business Activity Guide — How NAICS codes map to corporate and entity tax filings.
Related Industries in 2122
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 212230 a valid 2022 NAICS code?
NAICS 212230 is 'Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining', a 2022 U.S. national industry under Sector 21 (Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction); the SBA small-business size standard is 1,400 employees.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 212230?
The SBA small business size standard for NAICS 212230 is 1,400 employees (based on employees).
What is the legacy SIC code mapping for 212230?
NAICS code 212230 maps to the legacy 1987 SIC codes: 1021 - Copper Ores, 1031 - Lead and Zinc Ores, 1061 - Ferroalloy Ores, Except Vanadium.