Mines

Mines are devices designed to explode when triggered, typically concealed underground or underwater. They are used in warfare to deny access, channel movement, or inflict casualties, and include anti-personnel and anti-vehicle varieties. Land mines are often difficult to detect and remove, creating long-term hazards for civilians. Demining and mine action programs seek to locate, remove, or neutralize mines and to educate at-risk populations. International law has sought to restrict their use, culminating in the Ottawa Treaty of 1997, which bans anti-personnel mines and promotes clearance, stockpile destruction, and risk education; several countries remain outside the treaty or retain other mine types, including anti-tank mines and naval mines.

Mines can also refer to mineral deposits of economically recoverable materials. Mining is the process of extracting these resources from the Earth. The operation includes exploration, feasibility assessment, mine planning, development, extraction, processing, and site rehabilitation. Methods vary: open-pit mining for near-surface deposits and underground mining for deep ore bodies. Processing may involve crushing, grinding, separation, and smelting or refining. Environmental and safety concerns are central, including energy use, water management, tailings containment, dust, and occupational hazards. Regulation typically requires environmental impact assessments, safety standards, and reclamation commitments.

Historically, mining has driven technological and economic development, from ancient quarrying to modern automated operations. The industry remains subject to market cycles, geopolitical factors, and evolving environmental and social expectations.