Mining Industry Terminology

noun a vertical passage in a building or structure that allows air to circulate and ventilate the area

• The building's ventilation system includes an air shaft for proper circulation.
• I found a secret passage behind the air shaft in the basement.
• Let's hide the stash in the air shaft, no one will ever find it there.
• His emotions were trapped in an air shaft, unable to escape or be expressed.

noun a large cave or a large chamber in a cave

adjective cavernous - resembling a cavern in size, shape, or atmosphere

• The explorers ventured deep into the dark cavern, unsure of what they might find.
• Let's check out that cool cavern we saw on the hike yesterday.
• That cavern was totally lit, we should go back and explore it some more.
• Within the depths of her mind, there existed a dark cavern of suppressed memories.

noun the act or process of leaching

verb to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation

• The chemical process of leaching involves extracting substances from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid.
• I heard that the rain can leach nutrients from the soil, affecting plant growth.
• Don't worry about that spill, I'll just leach it with some water and it'll come right out.
• The constant negative comments from her peers seemed to leach away her confidence over time.

verb to retrieve or recover something that was lost or stolen; to bring back into one's possession or control

• The government is working on policies to help farmers reclaim their land after years of drought.
• I'm going to reclaim my favorite spot on the couch before someone else takes it.
• I need to reclaim my street cred after that embarrassing incident.
• She decided to reclaim her independence and start her own business.

adjective describing something as being as black as coal

• The coal-black night sky was filled with twinkling stars.
• Her hair was a shiny, coal-black color.
• That car has a sleek, coal-black paint job.
• His heart was as cold and coal-black as the darkest night.

noun a short break from work, typically taken to smoke a cigarette or have a snack

• During the designated smoko break, employees are allowed to take a 15-minute rest outside of the workplace.
• Let's meet for a quick smoko break at the back of the office.
• I could really use a smoko right now, I'm feeling so tired.
• Taking a smoko break from all the stress can really help clear your mind.

noun a mineral whose exploitation and trade contribute to armed conflict, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation

• The company disclosed their use of conflict minerals in their supply chain.
• Did you know that some electronics contain conflict minerals?
• I heard that phone was made with conflict minerals, so I decided not to buy it.
• Like conflict minerals, unresolved issues can create tension in relationships.

noun a mineral that is a variety of scapolite, typically occurring in white or colorless crystals

• Abelite is a rare mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks.
• I heard that abelite is really hard to come by, only found in certain geological formations.
• Yo, check out this abelite I found on my hike, it's so cool!
• Her kindness was like a precious abelite, rare and valuable in a world full of negativity.