Old mines and quarries are sometimes used as film locations. For example, Star Trek has used Bronson Canyon in Los Angeles, a quarry from 1903-1927, as the Rura Penthe mines in Star Trek VI, a Delta Quadrant planet on Voyager, a Bajoran settlement and the planet Kes Prytt III on The Next Generation, etc.

Minerals in movies Star Trek

Bronson Canyon in Los Angeles