Mined

Mined is the past tense and past participle of mine. In general usage, it refers to material that has been extracted from the earth as part of mining operations. Mining is the process of locating, extracting, and processing minerals and metals from ore bodies called deposits. It typically covers solid minerals such as metals (gold, copper, iron), industrial minerals (phosphate, limestone), and coal. It does not usually include the extraction of oil and natural gas, which are obtained by drilling, though some mining operations also occur alongside energy resource development.

For production, mining follows stages: exploration and assessment of ore bodies; extraction through surface (open-pit) or underground mining; and processing to concentrate the valuable minerals (crushing, grinding, separation, smelting, refining). Methods vary by geology: open-pit is common for shallow, near-surface ore; underground mining is used for deep or high-grade ore; placer mining extracts minerals from river gravels; and, in some contexts, undersea mining is used.

Environmental and social aspects are central to modern mining. Operations can impact land, water, and ecosystems; tailings and waste management are important concerns. Regulatory regimes typically require environmental impact assessments, reclamation plans, and closure bonding. Economic significance arises from job creation, supply chains, and material provision for manufacturing and infrastructure. Ongoing innovations in safety, automation, and processing aim to reduce environmental footprint while maintaining resource supply.