Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Mine \Mine\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mined}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Mining}.]
   1. To dig away, or otherwise remove, the substratum or
      foundation of; to lay a mine under; to sap; to undermine;
      hence, to ruin or destroy by slow degrees or secret means.

            They mined the walls.                 --Hayward.

            Too lazy to cut down these immense trees, the
            spoilers . . . had mined them, and placed a quantity
            of gunpowder in the cavity.           --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.

   2. To dig into, for ore or metal.

            Lead veins have been traced . . . but they have not
            been mined.                           --Ure.

   3. To get, as metals, out of the earth by digging.

            The principal ore mined there is the bituminous
            cinnabar.                             --Ure.

Mining \Min"ing\, n. [See {Mine}, v. i.]
   The act or business of making mines or of working them.

Mining \Min"ing\, a.
   Of or pertaining to mines; as, mining engineer; mining
   machinery; a mining region.

   {Mining engineering}. See the Note under {Engineering}.

Source : WordNet®

mining
     n 1: the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth [syn:
          {excavation}]
     2: laying explosive mines in concealed places to destroy enemy
        personnel and equipment [syn: {minelaying}]