Mine worker taking dog by river (7)

I believe the answer is:

collier

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'mine worker' is the definition.

'dog by river' is the wordplay.
'dog' becomes 'collie' (collie is a kind of dog).
'by river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation for river. I am not sure about the 'by' bit.).
'collie'+'r'='COLLIER'

'taking' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for collier that I've seen before include "Worker down under" , "Pitman" , "unable to avoid contact with mine" , "Cargo ship" , "Ship carrying coal" .)

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