Meaning and Usage
The verb 开采 (kāi cǎi) specifically refers to the extraction or mining of natural resources such as minerals, ores, oil, or coal. It is commonly used in contexts related to mining industries, natural resource management, and environmental regulation.
Common Contexts
开采 is often paired with specific resources like 金矿 (gold mine), 石油 (oil), or 矿产资源 (mineral resources). It implies a technical and industrial process rather than casual gathering.
Collocations and Patterns
- 开采矿产资源: to extract mineral resources, used in formal or technical contexts.
- 非法开采: illegal mining, often discussed in environmental or legal contexts.
- 专门开采: specialize in mining, indicating a company's or group's focus.
Usage Notes
开采 is a formal term mostly used in written or professional contexts. It differs from 采 (cǎi) alone, which can mean to pick or gather casually. Avoid confusing 开采 with 开发 (kāi fā), which means to develop or exploit resources more broadly, including economic development.
When using 开采, the focus is on the physical act of extracting resources from the earth, often involving machinery and technical expertise.