Mining district (North America)

According to a 1904 dictionary of U.S. statutory language, "a mining district is a section of country usually designated by name and described or understood as being confined in certain boundaries, in which gold or silver or both are found in paying quantities, and which is worked therefor, under rules and regulations prescribed by the miners.

The report concluded that an ideal mining district would be of moderate size, clearly defined, and contain geographically or geologically related ores.

The ultimate shape of a mining district is determined by the distribution and character of its ores and by the attitudes and backgrounds of the miners who initially settle the place.

"[5] Historic mining districts, which over time would develop smelting or processing facilities, extensive rail infrastructure, housing for miners, and an assortment of services for the community, are described as being organized like massive region-wide outdoor factories with all the machinery exposed to the sky.

[6] The USGS has produced a "definitive report" written by economic geologists about "almost every major mining district" in the United States.