This group covers R&D directed towards processing minerals, other than energy mineral resources.
It includes:
- beneficiated iron ore and other base metal intermediates;
- alumina and other non-ferrous metal intermediates;
- precious metals, heavy mineral sands and other mineral and metal ore intermediate products; and
- processing diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones prior to the cut gem stage.
This group has seven objectives:
840301 Alumina Production
840302 Beneficiation of Bauxite and Aluminium Ores (excl. Alumina Production)
840303 Beneficiation or Dressing of Iron Ores
840304 Beneficiation or Dressing of Non-Metallic Minerals (incl. Diamonds)
840305 Concentrating Processes of Base Metal Ores (excl. Aluminium and Iron Ores)
840306 Production of Unrefined Precious Metal Ingots and Concentrates
840399 First Stage Treatment of Ores and Minerals not elsewhere classified
Exclusions:
a) Preparation and supply of energy mineral resources is included in Group 8503 Preparation and Production of Energy Sources.
b) Manufacture of processed mineral products (including refining and smelting) is included in Groups 8610 Ceramics, Glass and Industrial Mineral Products and 8611 Basic Metal Products (incl. Smelting, Rolling, Drawing and Extruding).
c) Air quality; control of pests, diseases and exotic species; ecosystem assessment and management; flora, fauna and biodiversity; land and water management; rehabilitation of degraded areas; remnant vegetation and conservation areas; soils; and natural hazards in mining environments are included in Division 96 Environment.