Definition of "mining"

mining

/ˈmaɪnɪŋ/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural minings
1. The activity of removing solid valuables from the earth.
2. (figuratively) Any activity that extracts or undermines.
  Quotations
  […] the fabrick, however weak by the delicacy of its composition, would not have fallen so soon, if the foundation had not been injured by the slow minings of regret and vexation.
  1740, John Hawkesworth, The Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D, Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin: Life of the Reverend Jonathan Swift [Introduction]
3. (military) The activity of placing mines (the explosive devices).
4. (cryptocurrencies) Creation of new units of cryptocurrency by validating transactions and demonstrating proof of work.
  Quotations
  Kazakhstan became last year the world’s second-largest centre for bitcoin mining after the United States, according to the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, after China clamped down on crypto mining activity.
  2022 January 6, “Kazakhstan internet shutdown deals blow to global bitcoin mining operation”, in The Guardian‎
verb
1. present participle and gerund of mine