Mine facts for kids

The word mine can mean a few different things! It can be about digging valuable things out of the ground, or it can be about a hidden explosive device used in wars. Let's explore both meanings.

What is Mining (Digging for Resources)?

Mining is the process of digging deep into the Earth to find and take out useful materials. These materials are called minerals or ores. People have been mining for thousands of years to get things like metals, coal, and even precious gems.

Why Do We Mine?

We mine because many things we use every day come from the Earth. For example, the copper in your phone's wires, the iron in steel buildings, and the coal used to make electricity all come from mines. Without mining, we wouldn't have many of the modern technologies and comforts we enjoy.

Types of Mining

There are different ways to mine, depending on where the material is found and how deep it is.

Surface Mining

Surface mining is when materials are found close to the Earth's surface. Miners remove the soil and rock above the valuable material. One common type is open-pit mining, where a large hole or pit is dug.

Mining coal on the surface in an open-pit mine.

Underground Mining

Underground mining is used when materials are deep below the surface. Miners dig tunnels and shafts to reach the valuable deposits. This type of mining can be more dangerous but allows access to resources that are too deep for surface mining.

What Do We Mine?

Miners dig for many different things.

• Metals: Like iron, copper, gold, silver, and aluminum. These are used to make everything from cars to jewelry.
• Fossil Fuels: Such as coal, which is burned to create electricity.
• Industrial Minerals: Like salt, gypsum, and clay, which are used in building materials, chemicals, and even food.
• Precious Gems: Such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, which are used in jewelry.

What is a Mine (Explosive Device)?

A mine can also be a hidden explosive device. These are usually placed on land or in water and are designed to explode when a person, vehicle, or ship comes near them or touches them. They are used in warfare to protect areas or to stop enemy movement.

Landmines

Landmines are explosive devices placed on or under the ground. They are designed to explode when stepped on or driven over.

A cross-section of a model of an anti-tank mine. This shows how the parts fit together inside.

There are different kinds of landmines:

• Anti-personnel mines: These are smaller and designed to injure or kill people.
• Anti-tank mines: These are larger and designed to destroy vehicles like tanks.

Naval Mines

Naval mines are explosive devices placed in water, usually in oceans, seas, or rivers. They are designed to damage or sink ships.

People deploying a naval mine from a ship during the Second World War.

Naval mines can be anchored to the seabed or float just below the surface. They explode when a ship hits them or passes very close by.

Safety and Mines

Because explosive mines are so dangerous, many countries are working to clear them from old war zones. They can remain active and dangerous for many years after a conflict ends, posing a threat to civilians, including children. There are international efforts to ban and remove these weapons.