A layer of ore close to desert (7)

I believe the answer is:

abandon

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'desert' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a layer of ore close' is the wordplay.
'a layer of ore' becomes 'aband' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'close' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues).
'aband'+'on'='ABANDON'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abandon that I've seen before include "Wantonness: desert" , "Desert; lack of restraint" , "Desert; give up (action)" , "Desert; intemperance" , "Desert, forsake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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