# mining

> extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth

**Wikidata**: [Q44497](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44497)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mining

## Summary
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, representing a fundamental economic activity involving the removal of raw materials from the Earth's crust and their conversion into refined products.

## Key Facts
- Defined as the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth
- Classified as an economic activity involving the transfer of goods or services
- Considered an academic discipline with 50 Wikipedia sitelinks
- Underpinned by mining engineering, which involves extracting and processing minerals from naturally occurring environments
- Part of the broader mining industry concerned with removal of raw materials from Earth's crust
- Includes various subcategories such as surface mining, underground mining, deep sea mining, and placer mining
- Associated with heavy industry alongside iron and steel industries
- Has connections to mineral processing and mineral extraction processes
- Notable companies include Cameco (Canadian uranium producer), BHP Group (Australian mining company), and Newmont Mining Corporation (world's largest gold mining corporation)
- Has 109 Wikipedia sitelinks and is categorized under the subject "mines and mining"
- Uses various technologies including aggregate processing plants and mining tourism infrastructure
- Has aliases including "minerals extraction" and is subclass of Q548599
- Wikipedia title is "Mining" with Wikidata description matching the raw definition

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of mining?
A: The fundamental purpose of mining is to extract valuable minerals and geological materials from the Earth's crust for economic use.

### Q: What are the main types of mining operations?
A: Mining operations include surface mining, underground mining, deep sea mining, and artisanal mining, with coal mining being particularly prominent.

### Q: What industries are closely related to mining?
A: Mining is closely related to heavy industry, including iron and steel industries, and is part of the broader mineral industry that converts raw materials into refined products.

### Q: What academic disciplines study mining?
A: Mining is studied as an academic discipline with its own engineering field, known as mining engineering, which involves the practice, theory, and technology of mineral extraction.

## Why It Matters
Mining represents a fundamental economic activity that provides essential raw materials for modern society. It underpins industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to energy production and technology development. The extraction of minerals like copper, uranium, and rare earth elements is crucial for infrastructure development, renewable energy technologies, and technological advancement. While historically associated with heavy industry and resource extraction, modern mining has evolved to include sustainable practices and environmental considerations, addressing the growing demand for minerals while minimizing ecological impact. The discipline has shaped human civilization through centuries of resource development and continues to play a critical role in global economic development and technological progress.

## Notable For
- Being a foundational economic activity that provides essential raw materials for modern society
- Having a dedicated academic discipline (mining engineering) with specialized knowledge and practices
- Supporting heavy industry and the conversion of raw materials into refined products
- Having 109 Wikipedia sitelinks indicating significant global recognition
- Being subclass of the broader category of industrial activities involving resource extraction
- Having established connections to mineral processing and extraction technologies
- Including various specialized mining types like deep sea mining and phytomining
- Being part of the heavy industry classification alongside iron and steel industries

## Body
### Definition and Scope
Mining is defined as the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, representing a fundamental economic activity that involves the removal of raw materials from the Earth's crust. This process encompasses various techniques and technologies tailored to different mineral deposits and geological conditions.

### Academic and Professional Framework
Mining operates within a structured academic and professional framework. It is classified as an academic discipline with 50 Wikipedia sitelinks, and has its own specialized engineering field known as mining engineering. This discipline involves the practice, theory, science, technology, and application of extracting and processing minerals from naturally occurring environments. The field has established connections to geomatics engineering and surveying, with specialized branches like mine surveying focusing on measurement and mapping of mining operations.

### Industry Classification
Mining is part of the broader mining industry, which is concerned with the removal of raw materials from the Earth's crust and their conversion into refined products. This industry is classified as heavy industry alongside iron and steel industries. The sector includes various subcategories such as surface mining, underground mining, deep sea mining, and placer mining, each with distinct techniques and applications.

### Types and Methods
The mining industry employs diverse extraction methods based on the nature of the mineral deposit and geological conditions. Surface mining includes techniques like open-pit mining and strip mining, while underground mining involves creating cavities in mountains. Deep sea mining focuses on mineral extraction from the ocean floor. Additional specialized methods include fire-setting, a traditional technique, and phytomining, which uses hyperaccumulator plants to extract metals from soil. Artisanal mining represents subsistence mining practices.

### Companies and Organizations
The mining industry includes numerous companies and organizations operating globally. Notable entities include:
- **Cameco**: A Canadian public uranium producer founded in 1988, headquartered in Saskatoon, and listed on both Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
- **BHP Group**: An Australian multinational mining company with 47,000 employees, operating in diversified metals and mining sectors.
- **Newmont Mining Corporation**: The world's largest gold mining corporation, based in Colorado, USA.
- **Barrick Mining Corporation**: A major gold mining company with operations worldwide.
- **B2Gold**: A Canadian gold-mining company established in 2007, headquartered in Vancouver.
- **Vale**: A multinational diversified metals and mining corporation with operations in Brazil and other countries.
- **AngloGold Ashanti**: A global gold mining company with over 62,000 employees.
- **Antofagasta PLC**: A Chilean business with operations dating back to 1888.
- **Codelco**: A Chilean copper company founded in 1976.
- **MMX Mineração**: A Brazilian mining company established in 2005.
- **Companhia Vale do Rio Doce**: A major Brazilian mining company with extensive operations.

### Regional and Historical Context
Mining has historical significance across various regions:
- **Cornwall and Devon**: Known for its history of mining in Roman Britain, extracting lead, silver, copper, gold, iron, and coal.
- **Sicily**: Has historical sulfur mining operations.
- **Roman Britain**: Featured extensive mining activities during the Roman period.
- **North Korea**: Has significant mining operations with historical importance.
- **Chile**: Home to major mining companies like Codelco and Antofagasta PLC.

### Technical and Processing Aspects
Mining involves complex technical processes beyond simple extraction. The industry includes mineral processing, which separates commercially valuable minerals from their ores. This involves techniques like crushing, grinding, and separation methods to extract the desired minerals. The sector also includes landfill mining, which extracts solid wastes from landfills for resource recovery.

### Related Disciplines and Technologies
Mining has strong connections to various technical fields:
- **Mining engineering**: The specialized discipline focusing on extraction and processing.
- **Mine surveying**: A branch of mining engineering focused on measurement, mapping, and monitoring of mining operations.
- **Mineral industry**: The broader sector converting raw materials into refined products.
- **Aggregate processing plants**: Facilities used in mining operations for material processing.
- **Mining tourism**: Includes attractions like Mønsted Kalkgruber in Denmark.

### Economic Impact
The mining industry has substantial economic impact:
- Generates significant revenue and employment worldwide
- Supports heavy industry and manufacturing sectors
- Provides essential raw materials for construction, energy, and technology
- Contributes to national economies through resource extraction and export

### Environmental Considerations
Modern mining practices increasingly address environmental concerns:
- Implementation of sustainable mining techniques
- Reclamation and restoration of mined areas
- Management of waste and byproducts
- Reduction of ecological impact through technological advancements

### Global Recognition and Documentation
Mining has extensive documentation across multiple platforms:
- Wikipedia presence with 109 sitelinks and coverage in 17 languages
- Wikidata classification with identifiers including P373: Mining and P3417: Mining-Industry
- Coverage in various academic and technical references
- Representation in multiple authority systems and databases

### Historical Figures and Innovations
The history of mining is marked by significant contributions from:
- **Georgius Agricola**: German mineralogist who documented mining practices in the 16th century.
- **Louis Dollo**: Belgian paleontologist and engineer who contributed to mining knowledge.
- **Friedrich Wilhelm von Reden**: German engineer who played a role in mining development.
- **Peter Palchinsky**: Russian economist who studied mining economics.
- **Johann Jacob Ferber**: Swedish mineralogist with contributions to mining science.
- **Albert de Lapparent**: French geologist who advanced mining understanding.

These figures represent the historical development of mining knowledge and practices across different regions and time periods.

## References

1. [Source](http://statbel.fgov.be/nl/statistieken/gegevensinzameling/nomenclaturen/nacebel/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BBC Things
5. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
6. [Mining | Memory Alpha | Fandom](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Mining)
7. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/gornictwo;3907167.html)
8. KBpedia
9. GF WordNet
10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)