There are various theories about the etymological origin of the term mine. However, the one that has gained the most weight is determined to be derived from French, specifically from the word "mine" which, in turn, comes from the Celtic "mein", which is synonymous with "gold".
The concept of mine has different uses. One of the most common refers to the deposit from which minerals are extracted .
The term mine can refer to the excavation carried out for extraction and to the facilities linked to the exploitation and treatment of the resource.
A mineral can form from a sedimentation process or from geological activity (such as volcanism or tectonics ). Depending on the way the substance is obtained, the mine can be underground or open pit.
Underground mines require creating a hole on the surface since mining activity takes place underground . With the help of different machines and tools, tunnels and galleries are created that allow us to reach the minerals and then take them outside.
In open pit mines , however, extraction takes place at a surface level. In this case, slopes, banks and other structures are made to carry out the tasks .
Regarding the mineral extracted, we can differentiate between gold mines , copper mines , diamond mines , silver mines , iron mines and others.
In the same way, in relation to this meaning, it must be stated that the concept of mine entrance also exists. This is used to refer to the mouth of the gallery that serves to enter the aforementioned mine.
A mine, on the other hand, is the explosive element that detonates upon contact . Mines are usually camouflaged or buried: if an individual steps on them, or a vehicle passes over them, they explode.
In relation to this other meaning we have to highlight the existence of a well-known video game that goes by the name of Minesweeper. It was invented in the 1980s, specifically in 1989, by Robert Donner and quickly became popular around the world.
Basically the challenge posed to the player is to try to clear a gridded field of mines without any of them exploding. In order to achieve this objective, you have certain clues. Specifically, when you click on one of the boxes, a number will appear indicating the number of bombs that exist around that box.
The graphite rod inside a pencil is also called lead. This material allows you to make strokes, usually black or gray.
We must not overlook that Mina is also a woman's name. A good example of this is the Italian singer Mina Mazzini (1940), who became popular with songs like "Un anno d'amore", "Ancora, ancora, ancora" or "Rose du rose". An artist who has done duets throughout her life with other great voices such as Mónica Naranjo, Joan Manuel Serrat or Diego Torres.
In some South American countries, finally, in lunfardo the notion of mina is used to refer to a woman . For example: "This mine is driving me crazy," "Last night I went out with a mine that my cousin introduced me to , " "This bowling alley is full of mines!" .