definition
strict definition
copper mine
A mine extracting natural copper ore deposits, commonly containing copper-bearing minerals such as chalcopyrite.
A copper mine is a site for the extraction of natural copper ore deposits from the earth. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) is a major copper ore mineral. Copper is a chemical element with atomic number 29. Its primary uses are as a thermal or electric conductor, as a construction material, or as a component of metallic alloys.
Copper mines are typically open-pit mines.
The mining use is extraction from a natural copper-bearing deposit. Metal refining, alloy production, or electrical-product manufacture alone does not establish that use.
Related definitions
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bauxite mine
A site where naturally occurring bauxite is extracted from the earth, mainly for aluminum production. -
chromium mine
A mine extracting natural chromium ore deposits, primarily the chromium-bearing mineral chromite. -
coal mine
A site where coal is systematically extracted from the earth through tunnels, open excavation, or blasting. -
gold mine
A mine extracting natural gold deposits from the earth, including both open-pit and underground workings. -
iron mine
A mine extracting natural iron-bearing deposits, including ores such as magnetite and hematite. -
lead mine
A mine extracting natural lead-bearing deposits, either alone or together with metals such as zinc and silver. -
manganese mine
A mine extracting natural manganese ore deposits, commonly containing the mineral pyrolusite. -
nickel mine
A mine extracting natural nickel-bearing deposits, including laterite deposits and ores containing pentlandite. -
phosphate mine
A site where naturally occurring phosphate minerals are extracted from the earth. -
platinum mine
A mine extracting natural platinum-bearing deposits, including recovery alongside nickel or copper. -
salt mine
A mine extracting naturally occurring halite, or rock salt, from deposits within the earth. -
silver mine
A mine extracting natural silver-bearing deposits, often together with ores of other metals. -
tin mine
A mine extracting natural tin ore deposits, principally cassiterite, for recovery of tin. -
titanium mine
A mine extracting natural titanium ore deposits, especially minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. -
uranium mine
A mine extracting uranium from natural deposits for subsequent use, commonly as fuel for nuclear power. -
zinc mine
A mine extracting natural zinc ore deposits, commonly containing the mineral sphalerite.