Rock veins

As a detective chasing down the solution to the crossword clue ‘Rock veins’, my first impressions led me to arrive at the word ‘ORES’. However, as I delved deeper into the clues presented in the crossword using my deductive reasoning, a more fit and appropriate word started taking shape. I recollected my knowledge of geology and mining, recalling that the term ‘lode’ which stands for a rich deposit or vein of mineral within the rock structure directly fits the clue. Moreover, the crossword’s other clues such as ‘mine output’ point towards ‘lodes’ as the correct answer. Thus, with careful observation and leveraging of subject expertise, I was able to unveil the mystery of the ‘Rock veins’ and unlock the answer: ‘LODES’.