Definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the mining and quarrying of construction and industrial sand and gravel, the mining and quarrying of clays, ceramic and refractory minerals, and/or the beneficiation by washing, screening, and otherwise preparing the mined sand, gravel and clays. The principal activity of this industry is the production of sand and gravel for use as aggregates in the construction of buildings and infrastructure (e.g. highways) and a significant share of industry revenue (annually around 25 to 30 per cent) is generated from the mining or quarrying of clays, ceramic and refractory minerals for downstream manufacturing applications. This industry comprises four main segments: NAICS 212321 Construction Sand and Gravel Mining which involves the operation, dredging and preparation of commercial grade sand and gravel. NAICS 212322 Industrial Sand Mining which involves the operation, dredging and preparation of industrial grade sand, often known as ‘silica’, ‘silica sand’ or quartz sand’ which is used glassmaking, foundry, abrasive, and many other industrial applications. NAICS 212324 Kaolin and Ball Clay Mining which involves mining and beneficiation of kaolin or ball clay (e.g., china clay, paper clay, and slip clay) mainly used in the production of paper and refractories (kaolin), and sanitary ware and ceramic tiles (ball clays). NAICS 212325 Clay and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining which involves the mining and beneficiation of clays (except kaolin or ball clays), ceramic and refractory materials such as common clay and shale for production of bricks, lightweight aggregate and cement clinker, fire clay for refractories, fuller’s earth for absorbents, and bentonite for absorbents, drilling mud, foundry bonding agents and iron ore pelletizing.

IBISWorld research reports contain trend analysis, statistics, market size information, industry growth rates as well as market share of competitors.

Major market segments are identified and also those forces affecting demand and supply within the industry. Performance analysis includes emerging industry trends as well as recent results and performance of each key company. Drawing on the depth of information IBISWorld also provides 5 year forecasts for each industry.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure, technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic regional data.

Each comprehensive study also examines details such as the barriers to entry, operating cost structure (including averages), technology & systems and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages and number of companies in the industry, Industry growth and geographic location.