Mining Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J L M P R S T V W
A
A horizontal or nearly horizontal underground tunnel or passage used for accessing a mine.
The highest point or peak of a mountain or ridge.
An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from
which groundwater can be extracted using a well.
B
A rock consisting mainly of aluminum hydroxide minerals, which is the main source of aluminum.
A process in which microorganisms are used to extract valuable minerals or other materials from ore.
A method of mining in which the ore is extracted in horizontal layers, or “benches.”
A hole drilled in the ground for the purpose of inserting explosives for blasting.
The use of explosives to break up rock or other materials for easier extraction or removal.
C
A process in which carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and other sources
are captured and stored underground, rather than being released into the atmosphere.
A process in which ore is crushed and then treated with a solution of cyanide and carbon to
extract gold or other valuable metals.
A process in which ore is crushed and then treated with a solution of cyanide and carbon to
extract gold or other valuable metals.
The process of separating solids from a liquid in order to purify it.
The process of heating an ore to a high temperature in order to remove water or other volatile substances.
The process of breaking down large pieces of ore into smaller pieces using a crusher.
A pipe or tubing used to line a borehole or well in order to prevent the walls from collapsing and to keep
contaminants out.
Methane gas that is found in coal seams and is extracted for use as a fuel.
A mine that extracts coal from the earth.
The process of separating solids from a liquid by spinning the mixture at high speeds in a centrifuge.
The process of separating solids from a liquid by allowing the mixture to stand so that the solids can
settle to the bottom.
A coal mine, including all surface and underground structures and equipment.
A method of mining in which the ore is extracted by drilling and blasting, followed by removal of
the ore using load
A machine used to crush materials, such as rock, ore, or coal, into smaller pieces.
D
The process of removing water from a mine or other excavation site.
A wall or embankment built to prevent the flow of water or to protect against flooding.
A horizontal tunnel or passageway in a mine that allows for the movement of people, equipment, and materials.
The process of removing water from a substance or material.
E
The process of searching for and evaluating mineral deposits or other resources.
A process in which an electric current is used to extract a metal from its ore.
U
A method of mining in which the ore is extracted from the earth through tunnels or shafts.
V
A long, narrow seam or deposit of minerals or coal within a rock formation.
F
A long, narrow crack or opening in rock or other material.
The process of separating a solid from a liquid by passing it through a filter.
The process of forming flocs or clumps from fine particles in a solution.
A process that separates minerals based on their ability to adhere to air bubbles.
G
Waste material, such as dirt, rock, or shale, that surrounds or is mixed with valuable minerals or ore.
Grinding – The process of reducing the size of ore particles through the use of a grinding mill.
A process that separates minerals based on their densities, using the force of gravity.
Energy that is generated by heat from the earth, often used to produce electricity.
H
A structure that supports the hoisting equipment at the top of a mine shaft.
Electricity generated by the movement of water, typically through the use of a dam or waterwheel.
A process in which a solution is used to extract valuable minerals or other materials from ore, with the
solution being applied to a heap of ore.
I
A process in which a solution is injected into an ore body to dissolve minerals, which are then
extracted from the solution.
A mining process in which a solution is injected into an ore body to dissolve minerals, which
are then extracted from the solution.
A system in which ore is crushed and conveyed out of the pit using conveyor
belts, rather than being transported by truck.
J
A type of mineral processing equipment that separates minerals based on their densities.
L
A deposit of valuable minerals, such as gold or silver, found within a rock formation.
A method of mining in which a panel of coal or other minerals is extracted in a single slice,
typically using mechanical shearers.
A process in which a solution is used to extract valuable minerals or other materials from ore.
M
The process of grinding ore or other materials in a mill or other machine in order to extract valuable
minerals or other materials.
A process that separates minerals based on their magnetic properties.
A place where minerals or other materials are extracted from the earth.
The process of preparing a mine site for the extraction of minerals or other resources.
The process of extracting minerals or other materials from the earth.
W
Energy generated by the movement of air, typically harnessed using wind turbines.
The area in a mine where ore is being extracted.
O
A natural substance that contains a valuable or useful mineral, such as gold, silver, or iron, that can be
extracted and sold.
A concentration of minerals that can be mined economically.
The concentration of valuable minerals in an ore.
The process of separating the valuable minerals from the waste material in an ore.
A vertical or inclined tunnel used to transport ore from one level of a mine to another.
The process of separating the valuable minerals from the waste material in an ore.
The material, such as soil or rock, that lies above an ore deposit and must be removed in order to access
the ore.
P
A method of separating gold or other valuable minerals from sediment by swirling the sediment in a pan and
separating the heavier minerals from the lighter ones.
An open excavation used for the extraction of minerals or other materials.
A deposit of loose sediment, such as sand or gravel, that contains valuable minerals that can be
extracted using panning or sluicing.
The process of separating a solid from a solution by causing it to form out of the solution as a solid.
An igneous rock body that forms when magma cools and solidifies below the earth’s surface.
A facility where ore is crushed, ground, and processed in order to extract valuable minerals or other
materials.
Q
An open excavation or pit used for the extraction of stone, sand, gravel, or other materials.
R
The process of restoring land or other resources to their natural state after mining or other resource
extraction.
A known and economically viable deposit of minerals or other resources that can be extracted using current
technology.
The process of reprocessing tailings or other waste material in order to extract additional minerals or
other materials.
A small channel or furrow that carries water, especially one formed by erosion.
The process of purifying a metal or other material.
The process of heating an ore to a high temperature in order to remove impurities or to convert it into a
more useful form.
A method of mining in which a series of rooms are excavated in the ore, with pillars of ore
left in place to support the roof.
S
A vertical or inclined tunnel used for accessing a mine or for hoisting and lowering people, equipment, and
materials.
A process in which a solvent is used to extract valuable minerals or other materials from ore.
A channel or trough through which water is carried, used for separating gold or other heavy minerals from
lighter sediment.
The process of melting ore to extract a metal.
An open excavation in a mine where ore is extracted.
T
Waste material produced during the extraction and processing of minerals or other materials.
A passageway through or under the earth,
The process of increasing the solids content of a slurry or other mixture.
x