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# Mine Fertility

## Definition

The productivity of a mineral mine in terms of the quantity of valuable material that can be extracted per unit of labor and capital invested. Mine fertility varies significantly between different mines and affects the price and rent of the extracted minerals.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 11

## Context

Smith uses the concept of mine fertility to explain why the rent component in mineral prices is typically lower than in agricultural products, as mineral deposits are generally more abundant and less geographically concentrated than fertile agricultural land.

## Economic Domain

Production

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