This class includes mining of ores valued chiefly for non-ferrous metal content including ores of aluminium (bauxite), copper, lead, chrome, manganese, nickel, lead-zinc, zinc, tin, ferro-alloys (cobalt, molybdenum, tantalum or vanadium), precious metals (gold, silver or platinum group metals), rare earths or other non-ferrous metal ores.

Exclusions: Uranium and thorium ore mining are classified in class 1200.

Mining of ores valued chiefly for their chemical content, e.g. pyrites, is classified in class 1421 (Mining of chemical and fertilizer minerals).

Production of alumina, mattes of nickel or of copper is classified in class 2720 (Manufacture of basic precious and non-ferrous metals).