English Reference

Word

mining

Phoneticsmin·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈmaɪnɪŋ/

UK/mˈaɪnɪŋ/

Definitions

01extracting minerals

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the industry or activity of digging coal, gold, or other minerals out of the ground.

n. the process or industry of extracting ores, minerals, or fossil fuels from the earth's crust.

“The local economy depends heavily on coal mining to provide jobs for the community.”

“Environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent regarding the waste products generated by open-pit mining operations in the region.”

Usage

often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun.

02cryptocurrency

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. using powerful computers to create new units of digital money like Bitcoin.

n. the process by which transactions for various forms of cryptocurrency are verified and added to the blockchain digital ledger.

“He spent thousands of dollars on specialized computer hardware for Bitcoin mining.”

“The massive energy consumption required for industrial-scale crypto mining has sparked a global debate about its long-term sustainability.”

Usage

uncountable in this context.

03placing explosives

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Military Technical

n. the act of putting explosive mines in the ground or in the water during a war.

n. the strategic deployment of explosive mines in a terrestrial or maritime environment to deter or destroy enemy forces.

“The navy began the mining of the harbor to prevent enemy ships from entering.”

“International treaties strictly regulate the mining of international waters to protect civilian shipping lanes during times of conflict.”

Antonyms

demining

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mining” in context.

Verb

01. prohibit mining in the area

“New legislation was passed to prohibit mining in the area to protect the national park.”

verb + noun + prep + noun

02. regulate mining

“The government struggled to effectively regulate mining in the remote mountainous regions.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. deep-sea mining

“Environmentalists are concerned about the impact of deep-sea mining on fragile marine ecosystems.”

adj + noun

04. open-cast mining

“Open-cast mining has significantly altered the local landscape, leaving behind vast craters.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. data mining

“Modern retailers use sophisticated data mining to predict consumer behavior and trends.”

noun + noun

06. mining operations

“The company decided to suspend its mining operations until safety standards were fully met.”

noun + noun

07. mining rights

“The corporation spent millions to secure the exclusive mining rights for the lithium deposits.”

noun + noun

Real-World Examples

“Kabul has expanded the mining sector, attracting firms from neighbouring China and elsewhere.”
The Guardian 15 Aug 2026
“And, you know, show me an area, whether it’s the oil industry or mining or any of that, where when the resources are gone, the people are better off,” Watkins said.”
The Guardian 16 Aug 2026

Word family

NOUN

Domains

MilitaryMining

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference