Mining: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the process of extracting minerals, metals, or other valuable materials from the Earth, typically on a large scale.

• The mining industry is crucial for the economy of many countries.
• They invested in new technologies for more efficient mining.

Used in formal contexts to describe the process of obtaining something from a mixture or compound, or in broader contexts like oil or data extraction.

• The extraction of oil requires advanced technology.
• Data extraction from the database took several hours.

Best for general or small-scale excavation work, often for various reasons like gardening, personal projects, or treasure hunting.

• I spent the afternoon digging in the garden.
• They were digging a hole to plant a tree.

Specific to the process of extracting stone, marble, or other materials from a quarry. Typically used in construction and materials contexts.

• The quarrying of granite has significantly transformed the landscape.
• Quarrying limestone has provided jobs for many in the region.

This term generally refers to the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth. It is commonly used in the context of industries like coal mining, gold mining, etc.

• Coal mining is a significant industry in my country.
• Gold mining has been taking place in this region for hundreds of years.

This term refers to the process of solving complex mathematical problems to add and verify transactions on a cryptocurrency blockchain, while earning new cryptocurrency units as a reward. It is specific to digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

• Cryptocurrency mining requires a lot of computing power and electricity.
• He invested in specialized hardware for cryptocurrency mining.

This term is specific to the process of validating and recording transactions on a blockchain ledger. It's commonly used in the context of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency transactions.

• Blockchain verification ensures the integrity of data across decentralized platforms.
• Smart contracts rely on blockchain verification to execute actions automatically.

This word is used when referring to the process of obtaining minerals or other geological materials from the earth, usually from a mine. It typically includes activities such as drilling, blasting, and hauling.

• Gold mining is one of the most profitable industries in Australia
• || Environmental concerns are often raised about coal mining

This term is used when referring to the act of pulling something out, often with significant effort or specialized tools. It can be applied to substances taken from both natural sources and artificial setups.

• Extracting oil from the ocean floor is a complex task
• || They are extracting DNA samples for the investigation

Digging is generally used for any activity that involves making a hole in the ground with a tool, hands, or machinery. It is a more general term and can apply to gardening, construction, or finding buried items.

• The kids were digging in the sandbox
• || We are digging a trench to lay down the foundation

Quarrying is specific to extracting stone or other materials from a quarry. It is typically used when referring to the process of obtaining construction materials like granite, limestone, or marble.

• The marble used in the monument was obtained by quarrying in Italy
• || Limestone quarrying has left large scars on the landscape