What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mining
Example
The company is planning to start mining for gold in the mountains. [mining: verb]
Example
Mining can have a significant impact on the environment if not done responsibly. [mining: noun]
quarrying
Example
The construction company is quarrying limestone for their new project. [quarrying: verb]
Example
Quarrying can have a significant impact on the environment if not done responsibly. [quarrying: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mining is a more common term than quarrying in everyday language, as it is used to describe the extraction of valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and copper. Quarrying is less common and is mainly used in the context of obtaining building materials such as stone, sand, and gravel.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mining and quarrying?
Mining is generally considered a more formal term than quarrying, as it is often associated with large-scale commercial operations and the extraction of valuable minerals. Quarrying, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with smaller-scale operations and the extraction of building materials.
