1a n. Mining mining in solid rock, especially quartz.
See also: quartz mining
1b n. Mining (attributive uses) pertaining to such rock or the mining of it.
2a n. Slang a strong, rough person of great endurance.
2b n. Slang (attributive uses) characterized by strong, rough, durable behavior.
3 n. Slang (attributive uses) unyielding; difficult to reason with; hard-headed.