The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COALMINE
C
O
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L
M
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COALMINE mean?
COALMINE noun- A mine from which coal ore or coal minerals are mined.