mining

[ mahy-ning ]

noun

1. the act, process, or industry of extracting ores, coal, etc., from mines.
2. the laying of explosive mines.
3. Digital Technology. the act or process by which cryptocurrency transactions, especially bitcoin, are verified and new cryptocurrency is generated: computer networks are used to solve sets of mathematical problems, that, when solved, yield a unit of that currency.

mining

/ ˈmaɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, process, or industry of extracting coal, ores, etc, from the earth
2. military the process of laying mines

Word History and Origins

Origin of mining¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English: “undermining (walls in an attack)”; mine ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Opponents contend that the lands are safeguarded by existing designations and that giving them monument status will unfairly choke off recreation, such as offroading, and small-scale mining.

From Los Angeles Times

An Australian mining company said it would pay the military government of Mali $160 million after the authorities detained three of its executives for over a week in a dispute about taxes.

From New York Times

Education is Australia's fourth biggest export, trailing only mining products.

From BBC

Some spend months underground, and illegal mining has spawned a small economy providing food and cigarettes to the miners.

From BBC

He was arrested last year after he protested about gold mining operations near his village.

From BBC

Related Words

• drilling