This division includes the extraction of metal ores. The term "ores" applies to metalliferous minerals associated with the substance in which they occur and with which they are extracted from the mine; it also applies to native metals in their gangue (e.g. metalliferous sands).

Preparation of ores for subsequent metallurgical operations, most important by concentrating. The term "concentrates" applies to ores which have had all or part of the foreign matter removed by special treatments.

With the exception of changes resulting from calcination, roasting or firing, operations which do not alter the chemical composition of the basic compound which furnishes the desired metal are included: crushing; grinding; magnetic separation; gravimetric separation; flotation; screening; grading; agglomeration of powders (e.g. by sintering or pelleting) into grains, balls or briquettes; drying; calcination; roasting to oxidise or magnetise the ore; chemical processes aimed at eliminating the unwanted matter (e.g. dissolution).

Exclusion: Mining of uranium and thorium ores is classified in class 1200.