Thinks a great deal of modern day raw materials (6)

I believe the answer is:

adores

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'thinks a great deal' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'modern day raw materials' is the wordplay.
'modern day' becomes 'AD' (AD, Anno Domini, as opposed to BC, Before Christ).
'raw materials' becomes 'ores' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ad'+'ores'='ADORES'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adores that I've seen before include "Soared (anag.)" , "Idolises" , "holds dear" , "Worships as divine" , "Loves; reveres" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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