Crossword Genius

It's up north that it may be mined (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tin

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it may be mined' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it's up north' is the wordplay.
'it's' becomes 'it' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'north' becomes 'N' (abbreviation).
'it' written backwards gives 'ti'.
'ti'+'n'='TIN'

'that' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tin that I've seen before include "Silvery-white metal used in cans" , "Metal in Argentina" , "Silver-white metal, used to make cans" , "Money" , "roofing material" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.