NAICS 327992 Quarterly Industry Report
Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 327992Sector: 32Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value industry report for NAICS 327992 integrates data from the U.S. Census Bureau[6] economic profiles, USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries[7], and SBA size standard publications[8]. Our research team analyzes mineral processing segments and end-market demand drivers to provide valuation context for treated mineral operations. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[9].. Updated quarterly, each data point is traced to its originating government or institutional source.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the ground or treated mineral and earth manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing (NAICS 327992) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in calcining, dead burning, or otherwise processing beyond beneficiation clays, ceramic and refractory minerals, barite, and miscellaneous nonmetallic minerals. These operations transform raw mineral inputs through thermal treatment, chemical processing, or advanced physical processing into industrial-grade mineral products with specific performance characteristics.
Products from this industry include calcined kaolin, calcined bauxite, processed diatomaceous earth, treated bentonite, calcined gypsum for industrial use, and various thermally processed mineral powders. These materials serve as functional fillers, coatings, absorbents, catalysts, and refractory components across a wide range of manufacturing industries. According to the U.S. Census Bureau[5], this classification specifically excludes mineral beneficiation activities like crushing, grinding, and screening, which fall under mining sector codes.
The industry operates at the intersection of mining and manufacturing. Establishments purchase beneficiated minerals from mining operations, then add value through calcination kilns, flash dryers, surface treatment equipment, and packaging lines. Product specifications often require tight control of particle size, surface area, brightness, and chemical purity. Customer industries span paper manufacturing, paint and coatings, plastics compounding, foundry operations, oil and gas drilling, and environmental remediation. Quality control testing for particle size distribution, surface chemistry, and thermal stability is critical because end-use performance depends on precise mineral characteristics.
What's Included in This Industry
- Calcined kaolin and clay processing
- Calcined bauxite manufacturing
- Diatomaceous earth processing and treatment
- Bentonite treatment and activation
- Mineral filler grinding and classification
- Barite processing for drilling and industrial use
- Perlite expansion and processing
- Vermiculite exfoliation and processing
- Talc and pyrophyllite processing beyond beneficiation
- Industrial mineral surface treatment operations
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 327 |
| Industry Group | Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 3279 |
| NAICS Industry | All Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 32799 |
| National Industry | Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing | 327992 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 327991 | Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing | Cut stone and stone product manufacturing processes nonmetallic minerals into finished building products rather than industrial-grade treated powders and granules |
| 327910 | Abrasive Product Manufacturing | Abrasive product manufacturing consumes processed mineral powders such as aluminum oxide and silicon carbide as primary raw material inputs |
| 327999 | All Other Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | Other miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing covers mineral products not classified in more specific codes within the same industry group |
| 327993 | Mineral Wool Manufacturing | Mineral wool manufacturing processes mineral raw materials through high-temperature melting rather than calcination and surface treatment methods |
| 212390 | Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying | Other nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying extracts and beneficiates the raw minerals that treated mineral manufacturers purchase for further processing |
| 325180 | Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing | Other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing produces mineral-based chemical products that overlap with treated mineral products in some industrial applications |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 9.1% | 22 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 8.3% | 20 |
| 3 | California | 7.4% | 18 |
| 4 | Ohio | 6.6% | 16 |
| 5 | Illinois | 6.2% | 15 |
| 6 | Indiana | 5.8% | 14 |
| 7 | Florida | 5.0% | 12 |
| 8 | Michigan | 4.5% | 11 |
| 9 | West Virginia | 3.7% | 9 |
| 10 | Oregon | 3.7% | 9 |
% Of Establishments
0%
9%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
8
Total SBA Loans
$40.0M
Total Loan Volume
$5.0M
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.00%
Average Interest Rate
96
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA[8] classifies Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing under NAICS 327992 with a size standard of 600 employees. Many mineral processing plants operate with relatively small workforces given the capital-intensive nature of thermal processing equipment, placing most firms below the SBA threshold. Qualifying businesses can access SBA lending programs[10] for kiln systems, dryer equipment, and packaging line investments that help processors meet increasingly demanding product specifications. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[11] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[12] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | 8 | $40.0M | $5.0M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 327992?
NAICS 327992 covers manufacturers that process nonmetallic minerals beyond basic beneficiation through calcination, dead burning, chemical treatment, or advanced physical processing. These include calcined kaolin producers, processed diatomaceous earth manufacturers, treated bentonite plants, barite processors, and perlite expanders. Per the U.S. Census Bureau[5], the key distinction from mining operations is that these establishments transform mineral properties rather than simply extracting and sizing raw material.
How is NAICS 327992 structured within the classification hierarchy?
NAICS 327992 belongs to Industry Group 3279 (Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing), Subsector 327 (Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing), and Sector 31-33 (Manufacturing). It sits alongside 327910 (abrasive products), 327991 (cut stone), 327993 (mineral wool), and 327999 (miscellaneous nonmetallic products) in the same industry group.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 327992?
The SBA[8] sets the size standard for Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing at 600 employees. Businesses with fewer than 600 employees qualify as small businesses for federal contracting set-asides and SBA-guaranteed financing programs.
What NAICS codes are most closely related to 327992?
Codes 327991 (cut stone), 327910 (abrasive products), 327993 (mineral wool), and 327999 (miscellaneous nonmetallic products) share the same industry group. Mining codes under 2123 supply raw materials. Per Census Bureau classifications[13], the line between mining (beneficiation) and manufacturing (thermal/chemical processing) determines whether an establishment falls under 2123 or 327992.
What industries have the strongest ties to treated mineral manufacturing?
Paper manufacturing uses processed kaolin for coating and filling. Paint and coatings producers consume mineral fillers and extender pigments. Plastics compounders use treated minerals as functional additives. Foundry operations rely on processed clays and refractory minerals. Oil and gas drilling requires barite for drilling mud weight agents.
What specific activities are included in NAICS 327992?
Activities include calcining kaolin and bauxite, processing diatomaceous earth, activating bentonite, expanding perlite, exfoliating vermiculite, surface-treating talc and calcium carbonate, grinding and classifying mineral fillers, and packaging processed mineral products for industrial sale. According to NAICS reference materials, the common element is mineral processing that goes beyond basic extraction and sizing.
Can treated mineral manufacturers access SBA loans?
Yes. Ground or treated mineral manufacturers with fewer than 600 employees qualify for SBA loan programs[10] including 7(a) loans for working capital, 504 loans for calcination kilns and dryer systems, and microloans for smaller equipment purchases. These programs help processors invest in thermal treatment and classification equipment.
Where is treated mineral manufacturing concentrated in the United States?
Processing plants locate near mineral deposits and transportation hubs. Georgia and South Carolina concentrate kaolin processing operations. Nevada and Oregon support diatomaceous earth processing. Wyoming and South Dakota house bentonite treatment facilities. Perlite and vermiculite processing occurs near mining regions in the Western states. Gulf Coast ports support barite processing for the oil and gas drilling sector.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]U.S. Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [7]USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries usgs.gov
- [8]SBA size standard publications sba.gov
- [9]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [10]SBA lending programs sba.gov
- [11]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [12]504 loans sba.gov
- [13]Census Bureau classifications census.gov
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