What this class covers
ANZSIC class 0804 classifies businesses operating in Australia that are primarily engaged in gold ore mining and the initial extraction of gold from that ore. This includes operations that mine gold-bearing ore through various methods and perform the first stage of gold extraction through processes like smelting or chemical extraction. The classification encompasses both traditional underground and open-cut mining operations as well as alluvial mining techniques that recover gold from sedimentary deposits.
Typical operations falling under this classification include large-scale commercial gold mines using heavy machinery for extraction, smaller alluvial mining operations using dredges or sluices in river systems, operations reprocessing historical tailings or mullock heaps to recover residual gold, and sites performing on-site beneficiation through roasting or flotation processes. The common thread is that these businesses are engaged in the physical extraction of gold-bearing material and the preliminary recovery of gold content.
This classification is used by government agencies including the Australian Bureau of Statistics for industry data collection, by tax authorities for business activity coding, and by various state and federal departments for regulatory and policy purposes related to the mining sector.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Mining gold ore through conventional underground or open-pit methods
- Recovering gold from alluvial deposits using dredges, washing plants, or sluicing operations
- Extracting gold from eluvial deposits (weathered rock material)
- Processing mined ore through roasting, flotation, or chemical extraction methods to produce gold bullion
- Reprocessing historical mine waste (tailings) or mullock heaps to recover remaining gold content
- Operating gold dredges in river systems or other water bodies
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes businesses that primarily perform custom smelting or refining of gold for other operations. These activities are classified under ANZSIC class 2139: Other Basic Non-Ferrous Metal Manufacturing. The distinction is important: class 0804 covers operations that both mine the ore and perform initial extraction, while class 2139 covers specialized refining services for gold obtained from other sources.
Businesses engaged in mining other metal ores (such as iron, copper, or nickel) fall under other classes within group 080: Metal Ore Mining. The broader Division B: Mining contains classifications for other mining activities including coal, oil and gas, and non-metallic mineral mining.
Practical guidance
When registering your business or applying for an ABN, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC code that matches your primary activity. For gold mining operations, this is typically 0804. The corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) for statistical purposes is 8040.
State-based workers' compensation authorities may use modified versions of ANZSIC for premium calculations, so confirm with your specific state regulator. Gold mining operations should also be aware of specific state licensing requirements for mining activities and environmental regulations governing ore processing.
Some government grants or industry assistance programs may target specific ANZSIC classifications, so using the correct code ensures proper consideration for eligibility. When completing Business Activity Statements or tax returns, consistent use of your primary ANZSIC code helps maintain accurate industry statistics.