Mining may be the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials in the earth, from an ore body, vein or (coal) seam. The word includes the removal of soil. Materials recovered by mining include base metals, precious metals, iron, uranium, coal, diamonds, limestone, oil shale, rock salt and potash. Any material that can't be grown through agricultural processes, or created artificially inside a laboratory or factory, is usually mined. Mining inside a wider sense comprises extraction associated with a non-renewable resource (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, or even water).

Mining of stone and metal continues to be done since pre-historic times. Modern mining processes involve prospecting for ore bodies, analysis of the profit potential of the proposed mine, extraction from the desired materials and finally reclamation of the land to organize it for other uses when the mine is closed. gold ore  beneficiation

The nature of mining processes results in a potential negative impact on the environment both throughout the mining operations as well as for years following the mine is closed. This impact has led to the majority of the world's nations adopting regulations to moderate the negative effects of mining operations. Safety has long been an issue too, though modern practices have improved safety in mines significantly. mirror iron ore beneficiation

The process of mining from discovery of the ore body through extraction of minerals and finally to giving back the land to its natural state includes several distinct steps. The very first is discovery of the ore body, which is carried out through prospecting or exploration to locate and then define the extent, location and worth of the ore body. This leads to a mathematical resource estimation to estimate the size and grade of the deposit.

This estimation can be used to conduct a pre-feasibility study to look for the theoretical economics of the ore deposit. This identifies, early on, whether further investment in estimation and engineering studies is warranted and identifies key risks and areas for further work. The next step is to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the financial viability, technical and financial risks and robustness from the project.

This is when the mining company makes the decision to develop the mine or to walk away from the project. Including mine likely to evaluate the economically recoverable part of the deposit, the metallurgy and ore recoverability, marketability and payability of the ore concentrates, engineering concerns, milling and infrastructure costs, finance and equity requirements and an research into the proposed mine from the initial excavation throughout to reclamation. The proportion of the deposit that is economically recoverable is dependent on the enrichment factor of the ore in the area. molybdenum ore beneficiation

Once the analysis determines confirmed ore body is worth recovering, development starts to create use of the ore body. The mine buildings and processing vegetation is built and any necessary equipment is obtained. The whole process of the mine to recuperate the ore begins and continues as long as the company operating the mine finds it economical to do so. Once all of the ore the mine can produce profitably is recovered, reclamation starts to make the land utilized by the mine ideal for future use.