Mining of chemical and fertiliser minerals

NACE code 08.91 covers the mining and extraction of chemical and fertiliser minerals, a critical industry that plays a vital role in the global economy. These minerals are essential raw materials for the production of a wide range of chemical products, as well as fertilizers that support agricultural productivity and food security worldwide. The industry's activities encompass the extraction, processing, and preparation of various mineral resources, contributing significantly to the supply of key industrial and agricultural inputs.

The mining of chemical and fertiliser minerals typically involves a combination of surface and underground extraction methods, depending on the geological characteristics of the deposits. Common techniques include open-pit mining, shaft mining, and solution mining. The extracted minerals then undergo various processing steps, such as crushing, screening, washing, and beneficiation, to produce the desired product specifications for industrial and agricultural applications.

The primary inputs for the mining of chemical and fertiliser minerals include the mineral deposits themselves, which are found in specific geological formations. Additionally, the industry requires a range of equipment and machinery, such as excavators, drilling rigs, and processing plants, as well as energy sources, water, and a skilled workforce to carry out the extraction and processing activities.

The main outputs of the mining of chemical and fertiliser minerals industry include a variety of mineral resources, such as potash, phosphate, and sulphur, which are then used as feedstock for the production of 20.15 Manufacture of fertilisers and nitrogen compounds, 20.13 Manufacture of other inorganic basic chemicals, and other related chemical products. These outputs are essential inputs for various downstream industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.