Crossword Genius

Drills black minerals (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bores

'drills' is the definition.
('bore' can be a synonym of 'drill')

'black minerals' is the wordplay.
'black' becomes 'b' (as in pencil classifications).
'minerals' becomes 'ores' (ore is a kind of mineral).
'b'+'ores'='BORES'

(Other definitions for bores that I've seen before include "Drills or wearies" , "Dull tedious talkers" , "Tedious people or drills" , "Makes a hole with a pointed tool" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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