ore

An ore is a naturally occurring rock or mineral from which valuable substances, such as metals or minerals, can be extracted economically. Ores contain a high enough concentration of these valuable materials—like gold, copper, iron, or lithium—to justify mining and processing. The mineral content varies, and miners extract the ore to separate and refine the desired resource. Essentially, ore serves as the raw material that supplies the metals and minerals essential for countless industries, infrastructure, and technology. Its quality and richness determine whether it is worth mining and processing.