Crossword Genius

The air in a broken-down mine (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mien

'the air' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'broken-down mine' is the wordplay.
'broken down' indicates an anagram.
'mine' with letters rearranged gives 'MIEN'.

'in a' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for mien that I've seen before include "A face like mine" , "Counterance - mine?" , "Bearing, demeanour" , "The carriage" , "(One's) manner, bearing" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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