drift mine

noun

1. a mine the opening of which is dug into an outcrop of coal or ore.
2. an underground placer mine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drift mine¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, Phillip Hill, 44, and Garry Jenkins, 39, died when water flooded the Gleision drift mine, near Cilybebyll, Neath Port Talbot, in September 2011.

From BBC

Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, Phillip Hill, 44, and Garry Jenkins, 39, died when water flooded the Gleision drift mine in September 2011.

From BBC

Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, Phillip Hill, 44, and Garry Jenkins, 39, died when water flooded the Gleision drift mine in Neath Port Talbot on 15 September 2011.

From BBC

Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, Phillip Hill, 44, and Garry Jenkins, 39, were killed when water flooded Gleision drift mine in September 2011.

From BBC

The tiny drift mine, on a hillside near Pontardawe in the Swansea valley, was similar to others in the area at the time.

From BBC