Mining is the work or business of taking minerals from the earth. A hole or tunnel is dug in the ground to take out metals, coal, salt, or other minerals.

 

　 Most substances obtained from the earth are gotten by mining. Mining provides iron for steel making, salt for food, coal for fuel, and gold, silver, and diamonds for jewelry. Mined materials also include stone for building, phosphate for fertilizer, and gravel for highways.

 

　 There are many methods of mining, dependent on where and how a coal or mineral deposit is found. Some substances are mined relatively cheap because they can be found at or near the earth's surface. Some minerals are found as a compact mass, while others are widely scattered. Other mined materials are found far beneath the surface and removed by tunneling deep underground. Some mined substances are located beneath oceans, lakes, and rivers. Other minerals are concentrated in large bodies of water and are obtained by pumping.