Mining: meaning, definitions and examples
⛏️
mining
[ˈmaɪnɪŋ ]
Definitions
extracting resources
The process of extracting minerals, ores, or other valuable materials from the earth.
Synonyms
digging, extraction, quarrying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mining |
Use when referring to the process of extracting minerals, metals, or other valuable materials from the Earth, typically on a large scale.
|
| extraction |
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.
|
| digging |
Best for general or small-scale excavation work, often for various reasons like gardening, personal projects, or treasure hunting.
|
| quarrying |
Specific to the process of extracting stone, marble, or other materials from a quarry. Typically used in construction and materials contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Gold mining is a major industry in South Africa.
- The environmental impact of mining can be significant.
- Data mining is used to analyze large sets of data for patterns and trends.
crypto
The process by which transactions are verified and added to the public ledger known as the blockchain.
Synonyms
blockchain verification, cryptocurrency mining.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mining |
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.
|
| cryptocurrency mining |
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.
|
| blockchain verification |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- Mining Bitcoin requires powerful computers.
- Many people participate in mining cryptocurrencies to earn rewards.
extracting resources
The act of extracting minerals, ores, or other valuable materials from the earth.
Synonyms
digging, extracting, quarrying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mining |
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.
|
| extracting |
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.
|
| digging |
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.
|
| quarrying |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- They are mining for coal in the mountain.
- The company is mining copper in the region.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The practice of mining dates back to prehistoric times, with ancient humans extracting flint for tools.
- Gold mining began around 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, where the treasure was highly valued and often buried with pharaohs.
- The California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s sparked a massive influx of people seeking fortune, significantly impacting the state's growth.
Technology
- Modern mining equipment includes large machinery like excavators and dump trucks, making the process more efficient and safer for workers.
- Data mining, a technique in computer science, involves extracting useful information from vast amounts of data, much like traditional mining seeks valuable resources.
- Automation and robotics are revolutionizing mining, allowing machines to perform dangerous tasks, which helps keep miners safe.
Environmental Impact
- Mining activities can lead to deforestation and pollution, raising concerns about their effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Reclamation, the process of restoring a mined area to its natural state, is a key practice to mitigate environmental harm.
- The use of sustainable mining practices is being promoted to reduce damage to the environment while still meeting resource needs.
Economics
- Mining is a major industry worldwide, contributing significantly to the economies of resource-rich countries.
- The prices of minerals fluctuate based on market demand, impacting both the mining industry and global consumer products.
- Mining royalties and taxes provide critical revenue for governments, supporting public services and infrastructure.
Cultural Significance
- Mining communities often have strong cultural identities, with traditions and festivals celebrating the mining heritage.
- Songs and literature have captured the experiences of miners, conveying the challenges and camaraderie of life underground.
- In popular culture, movies like 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' portray the allure and danger associated with searching for riches in the earth.
Translations
Translations of the word "mining" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mineração
🇮🇳 खनन
🇩🇪 Bergbau
🇮🇩 penambangan
🇺🇦 видобуток
🇵🇱 górnictwo
🇯🇵 採掘 (saikutsu)
🇫🇷 extraction
🇪🇸 minería
🇹🇷 madencilik
🇰🇷 채굴 (chaegul)
🇸🇦 تعدين (ta‘dīn)
🇨🇿 těžba
🇸🇰 ťažba
🇨🇳 采矿 (cǎikuàng)
🇸🇮 rudarjenje
🇮🇸 námugröftur
🇰🇿 кен өндіру (ken öndіru)
🇬🇪 მოპოვება (mop’oveba)
🇦🇿 mədənçilik
🇲🇽 minería