What this class covers
ANZSIC class 2090 covers Australian businesses that manufacture various non-metallic mineral products not classified elsewhere in the manufacturing division. This includes operations that transform processed minerals into finished products through cutting, grinding, expanding, or otherwise modifying their physical properties. The classification captures diverse manufacturing activities that share the common characteristic of working with non-metallic minerals as their primary raw materials.
Typical businesses in this class might include a Queensland factory producing silicon carbide abrasives for industrial grinding applications, a Victorian operation manufacturing mineral wool insulation panels for the construction industry, or a Western Australian company creating synthetic gemstones for both industrial and decorative purposes. Other examples include South Australian businesses expanding perlite for horticultural applications or NSW operations producing resin-coated sand for foundry cores. These businesses typically purchase processed minerals rather than engaging in mining activities themselves.
This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and businesses themselves to track activity in this specialized manufacturing sector. It helps in economic analysis, policy development, and industry benchmarking across Australia's states and territories.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 2090 typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Manufacturing abrasives and polishing compounds from minerals like silicon carbide
- Producing insulation materials from glass fibre or mineral wool for buildings
- Creating synthetic gemstones and industrial diamonds for various applications
- Expanding minerals like perlite and vermiculite for use in construction and horticulture
- Manufacturing various carbon and graphite products (excluding brushes and electrodes)
- Cutting, shaping, and polishing natural stone for monuments and building materials
- Producing ground mineral products including talc, feldspar, and fullers earth
- Manufacturing lightweight aggregates from materials like expanded clay or shale
- Creating acoustic tiles and panels from mineral-based materials
- Producing resin-coated sand for foundry applications
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 2090 and classified elsewhere:
Mining activities involving clay, marble, dolomite, slate, limestone and ornamental stone are included in ANZSIC 0919 (Other Construction Material Mining) rather than this manufacturing class. The manufacturing of refractory products from non-metallic minerals falls under ANZSIC 2029 (Other Ceramic Product Manufacturing).
Specialized applications like coating machine tools with boron nitride are classified under ANZSIC 2293 (Metal Coating and Finishing). The manufacturing of carbon or graphite brushes, electrodes or bearings is included in ANZSIC 2439 (Other Electrical Equipment Manufacturing). Concrete monuments and headstones are classified under ANZSIC 2034 (Concrete Product Manufacturing).
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select your primary activity code. ANZSIC 2090 corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 20900. This classification may affect your workers' compensation premiums as rates vary between manufacturing sectors.
Businesses in this class should maintain clear records distinguishing their manufacturing activities from excluded operations like mining or concrete product manufacturing. This is particularly important for tax purposes and when applying for industry-specific grants or assistance programs.
If your business operations span multiple classifications (for example, both mining and manufacturing activities), you may need to consult with a business advisor to determine your primary activity. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides detailed classification guidelines that can help with complex classification decisions.