What this class covers
ANZSIC class 0806 specifically covers businesses in Australia that are primarily engaged in the mining of nickel ore. This classification applies to operations where nickel extraction is the main commercial activity, regardless of whether the mining occurs through open-cut or underground methods. These operations typically involve locating nickel deposits, extracting the ore, and performing initial processing such as crushing, screening, or washing to prepare the material for further refinement.
In practical Australian terms, this includes mining companies operating nickel mines across Western Australia's renowned nickel provinces, as well as smaller operations in other states where nickel deposits exist. The classification is used by government agencies, statistical bodies, and industry associations to track nickel production, investment, and employment within Australia's resources sector.
Examples of businesses that would typically fall under this classification include:
- Large-scale nickel mining operations with dedicated processing facilities
- Smaller nickel mining companies focused on specific deposits
- Contract mining specialists working exclusively on nickel ore extraction projects
- Companies operating nickel laterite mines in tropical regions
- Operations mining nickel sulphide deposits in traditional mining regions
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses classified under ANZSIC 0806 primarily engage in:
- Extracting nickel-bearing ores from the earth through mining operations
- Operating nickel mines, including both surface and underground mining methods
- Performing initial processing of nickel ore, such as crushing and concentration
- Exploring for and developing nickel deposits for commercial extraction
- Managing nickel mining operations including workforce, equipment, and site management
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes operations where nickel is not the primary metal being mined. If nickel is a by-product of mining other metals, the classification would typically follow the primary metal. Nearby ANZSIC codes include 0801 (Iron Ore Mining), 0802 (Copper Ore Mining), and 0803 (Gold Ore Mining), which cover mining of other specific metals.
The classification also excludes downstream processing activities such as nickel smelting or refining (which fall under 2112 - Basic Non-Ferrous Metal Manufacturing) and mining support services (which are classified separately in division 11). Mineral exploration without actual mining operations is classified separately under 0701 - Mineral Exploration.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select ANZSIC 0806 if nickel ore mining is your primary activity. This classification affects how the ATO categorizes your business for tax purposes and may influence your eligibility for certain resource sector incentives or deductions.
For workers' compensation insurance, nickel mining operations are typically classified under high-risk categories due to the nature of mining work. You'll need to ensure proper coverage through your state's WorkSafe authority. This classification may also be relevant when applying for mining licenses, environmental approvals, or industry-specific grants from state and federal resources departments.
When completing Business Activity Statements or tax returns, maintaining accurate records of your classification helps ensure correct reporting. The related BIC code 8060 corresponds to this classification for statistical purposes, and understanding the mapping to previous classification systems (such as the 1993 code 1316) can be helpful when reviewing historical industry data.