This is a good spot to mention the \'search\' button and the FAQ. And Moogie\'s guide to planeshift.
Basically mining is the ability to harvest ore from the earth. An ore is a stone that is capable of being refined into metal (oxidized ores like iron) or chunks of native metal (gold and some silvers, sometimes copper) To mine, you type /dig and then you\'ll see if you can mine for it in that location. Then you have to move and try another spot. You can\'t currently mine the same place twice in a row.
To mine you also must have a digging tool (pick or sharpened pick) or somesuch. And have it equipped. Then you\'ll attempt to mine, succeeding or failing randomly according to your skill.
Now, to reiterate, this has been answered lots... so the search button is at the top of the screen. It is small and generally yellow with blue letters. If you click on it. (it\'s that third one from the left, labeled, appropriately, search) you\'ll find that it brings up a search engine. After inputting the terms you wish to search for (i.e. mining) you\'ll find that the thing brings up all posts related to mining. A neat trick!