The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to mining: Mining – extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, usually (but not always) from an ore body, vein or (coal) seam. Any material that cannot be grown from agricultural processes, or created artificially in a laboratory or factory, is usually mined.

Basic concepts

Geology of mining

Basic terms

Finding ore

Materials mined

Some examples of materials that are extracted from the earth by mining include:

Types of mining and techniques

Surface mining

Underground mining

Other methods

Mining equipment

Excavation

Heavy machinery

Blasting

Rock blasting

Transport

Engines used in mining

Liquid mining

Safety and environment

Processing

Mining waste

Mining hazards and safety

Geography of mining

Mining, by country

Mining of specific minerals, by country

History of mining

Economics of mining

Future of mining

People associated with mining

Mining scholars

Organizations

Leaders and innovators in mining