mining
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mining
The industrial extraction of natural resources such as coal, ores, or salts from the earth, usually by building tunnels and shafts underground.
Der Bergbau hat die Wirtschaftsgeschichte des Ruhrgebiets über ein Jahrhundert lang geprägt.
Mining shaped the economic history of the Ruhr region for over a century.
The word is made up of 'Berg' (mountain) and 'Bau' (construction/building, from 'bauen' — to build). So it literally describes “building” in or on “mountains” in order to extract natural resources.
Der Bergbau war früher der wichtigste Wirtschaftszweig der Region.
Mining used to be the most important industry in the region.
While 'Bergbau' (mining) refers to the entire industry, the concrete activity of extracting raw materials is often described with the separable verb 'abbauen' (to mine/extract).
In diesem Stollen wird seit 100 Jahren Kohle abgebaut.
Coal has been mined in this tunnel for 100 years.
As a verb phrase, 'Bergbau betreiben' (to engage in mining / to carry out mining) is often used. The work typically takes place 'unter Tage' (underground, below the earth's surface). Frequently mentioned raw materials are 'Kohle' (coal), 'Erz' (ore), and 'Salz' (salt).
Viele Menschen in dieser Stadt arbeiten im Bergbau.
Many people in this city work in mining.
mine
Bergbau refers to the industrial activity of extracting natural resources from the earth. A Bergwerk, by contrast, is the specific facility with tunnels and shafts where this work takes place. Bergbau fits the industry, while Bergwerk refers to a particular workplace.
Der Bergbau war lange der wichtigste Wirtschaftszweig der Region.
Mining was the region's most important industry for a long time.
Das Bergwerk am Rand der Region beschäftigte früher viele Menschen.
The mine on the edge of the region used to employ many people.
