This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities (except site preparation and related construction activities) on a contract or fee basis for the mining and quarrying of metallic minerals and for the extraction of metal ores. Exploration for minerals is included in this industry. Exploration (except geophysical surveying and mapping services) includes traditional prospecting methods, such as taking core samples and making geological observations at prospective sites. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in-- ? Performing geophysical surveying and mapping services for metallic minerals on a contract or fee basis--are classified in Industry 541360, Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services; ? Operating metallic mineral mines or quarries on a contract or fee basis--are classified in Industry Group 2122, Metal Ore Mining, based on the type of ore mined; and ? Site preparation and related construction activities on a contract or fee basis--are classified in Industry 238910, Site Preparation Contractors.