From energy giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron to mining powerhouses like BHP Group and agricultural leaders like Cargill, these companies play a vital role in maintaining global supply chains and economic stability.
The basic industries field encompasses companies that extract and process raw materials essential for manufacturing and production across other sectors. These companies form the foundation of the industrial economy, providing crucial resources like oil, minerals, chemicals, and agricultural products that other industries depend upon for their operations.
Additionally, this comprehensive guide explores lucrative opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs looking to establish side hustles within the basic industries sector. For those curious about “what companies are in the basic industries field,” check out the detailed list of companies below.
Key Takeaways
• Basic industries encompass major sectors like oil & gas, mining, agriculture, chemicals, and paper products, forming the backbone of the global economy.
• Industry leaders like ExxonMobil ($307B revenue), Cargill ($134B revenue), and Dow Inc. ($55B sales) dominate the basic industries landscape.
• Freelance opportunities exist in technical roles, business support, and specialized services, with competitive compensation ranging from $70-125 per hour for manufacturing specialists.
• Small-scale manufacturing ventures can be started with investments ranging from $5,000 – $150,000, depending on the sector.
• The sector faces significant challenges including skilled labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increasing environmental regulations.
List of Companies in the Basic Industries Field
Basic industries form the foundation of the global economy by providing essential raw materials and services that other industries depend on. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the major companies in this field:
Oil and Gas Companies
- World’s largest publicly traded oil & gas company
- Revenue: $307 billion (2022)
- Core operations: exploration, production, refining, and distribution
- Major global energy corporation
- Primary focus: oil, natural gas, and petroleum products
Mining and Metals
BHP Group
- Diversified resources company
- Operations in 90+ locations globally
- Core activities: mineral extraction and processing
- Employs 40,000 people and 40,000 contractors
Newmont Corporation
- World’s largest gold mining company
- Operations across multiple countries including USA, Mexico, Ghana
- Also mines copper, silver, zinc, and lead
- Employs approximately 31,600 people
Agriculture and Food Processing
Cargill
- Revenue: $134 billion
- Employees: 155,000
- Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Operations: agriculture, food ingredients, bio-industrial solutions
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
- Ranked #35 in Fortune 500
- Core operations: food processing and commodities trading
- Operates 270+ plants & 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide
Chemical Companies
DuPont
- Revenue: $20 billion
- Employees: 23,000
- Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
- Specializes in producing raw materials for various industries
Dow Inc.
- Leading chemical manufacturer
- Sales: $55 billion (2021)
- Major producer of industrial chemicals and plastics
Paper and Forest Products
International Paper
- Revenue: $21 billion
- Employees: 50,000
- Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
- Products: pulp, paper products, renewable fiber-based packaging
Manufacturing and Industrial Materials
PPG Industries
- Revenue: $14 billion
- Employees: 47,000
- Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Specializes in paints, coatings, optical products, and specialty materials
These companies play crucial roles in:
What Career Opportunities Are Available in the Basic Industries Field
Based on my in-depth research, here’s an analysis of career opportunities in basic industries:
High-Paying Leadership Positions
- Exploration Manager in Oil and Gas: $308,700 average salary
- Manufacturing Division Executive: $238,494 average salary
- Chemical Process Engineering Manager: $169,735 average salary
- Sustainability Director: $135,033 average salary
Technical and Engineering Roles
Engineering Positions
- Drilling Engineers: Average salary of $101,225 with strong job growth
- Safety Engineers: Focus on health and safety in mining and energy sectors
- Process Engineers: Specializing in chemical and manufacturing processes
Scientific Roles
- Geologists and Metallurgists: Growing demand in mining sector
- Food Scientists: Over 97,000 open positions with 7% growth rate
- Agricultural Scientists: Including agronomists and plant scientists
Production and Operations
Manufacturing Sector
- Steel Workers: 49,000+ positions with 11% growth rate
- Metal Fabricators: 77,000+ positions available
- Quality Control Specialists: Ensuring product standards
Resource Extraction
- Mining Operations Personnel: $143,550 average for management positions
- Oil Rig Workers: Multiple positions from entry-level to advanced
- Petroleum Industry: Employs 5.5% of U.S. workforce
Growth Prospects
- Total job opportunities: Over 24 million positions in the U.S.
- Projected growth: 2.7% increase by 2030
- Agriculture and food sector: 19.8 billion jobs, representing 10.3% of U.S. employment
Entry-Level Opportunities
These positions offer stable employment, competitive benefits, and opportunities for advancement without necessarily requiring advanced degrees.
Opportunities for Freelancers in the Basic Industries Sector
Technical Roles
- Web developers can earn around ₹3,19,812 per year working on industrial websites and software applications
- Manufacturing specialists command rates of $70-125 per hour for product design and development services
- Engineering consultants provide expertise in prototyping, CNC machining, and quality control
Business Support
- Marketing specialists earn approximately ₹3,29,262 annually helping industrial companies with market research and promotional strategies
- Technical writers create product documentation, manuals, and industry content with average earnings of ₹3,43,889 per year
- Graphic designers develop technical illustrations and industrial designs for around ₹2,80,524 annually
Creating a Side Hustle with Manufacturing and Industrial Materials Knowledge
Small-Scale Manufacturing
- Sheet metal manufacturing can be started with $50,000-150,000 investment, serving construction and automotive industries
- Plastic manufacturing offers scalability with initial investments of $20,000-50,000
- Custom furniture manufacturing requires $5,000-20,000 to begin, focusing on specialty pieces
Specialized Services
- 3D printing services for prototyping and product design for manufacturers
- Quality assurance and compliance consulting for industrial processes
- Process engineering and troubleshooting services for manufacturing facilities
Market Opportunities
- Growing demand for sustainable manufacturing solutions in textiles and plastics
- Rising need for custom industrial components and specialized equipment
- Increasing opportunities in eco-friendly product development and green manufacturing
What Are the Greatest Challenges Faced by Companies in the Basic Industries Sector
Here are the major challenges faced by companies in the basic industries sector:
Workforce Challenges
Skilled Labor Shortage
- Critical shortage of specialists in mechanical engineering, welding, robotics, and electrical engineering
- Aging workforce and lack of tech-savvy workers leading to rising labor costs
- Competition for skilled workers driving up wages and creating pressure on existing workforces
Economic Pressures
Inflation and Cost Management
- Increasing costs of raw materials, energy, & transportation
- Margin pressures due to inability to pass all costs to customers
- Global market fluctuations affecting production costs and supply chains
Supply Chain Issues
Inventory and Materials Management
- Supply chain disruptions causing inventory control problems
- Difficulties in real-time tracking of goods and logistics
- Challenges in maintaining reliable stock and quality management
Technology and Innovation
Digital Transformation
- Need for adoption of advanced technologies like AI and IoT
- Limited investment in research and development
- Challenges in implementing automation and modern manufacturing processes
Environmental Concerns
Sustainability Pressures
- Increasing environmental regulations and compliance requirements
- High energy consumption and need for sustainable practices
- Pressure to reduce environmental impact and adopt greener operations
Global Competition
Market Pressures
- Intense competition from countries with more developed manufacturing ecosystems
- Geopolitical tensions affecting trade and supply chains
- Need to maintain quality standards while remaining cost-competitive
Infrastructure and Operations
Operational Efficiency
- Poor connectivity and unreliable power supply increasing operational costs
- Challenges in maintaining quality control and consistent standards
- Need for modernization of manufacturing facilities and equipment
Final Conclusion
The basic industries sector remains a cornerstone of global economic development, with major players continuing to adapt to changing market dynamics. Despite challenges, these companies demonstrate resilience through technological innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic adaptations to market demands. The sector offers diverse opportunities for both established corporations and entrepreneurs, particularly in specialized services and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Future Predictions
- Increased adoption of automation & AI technologies to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency
- Growing emphasis on sustainable practices and green manufacturing processes to meet environmental regulations
- Rise in specialized manufacturing services, particularly in areas like 3D printing and custom industrial components
- Expansion of digital transformation initiatives across traditional industrial processes
- Greater focus on developing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional raw materials
