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Mining techniques / Removing coal from the face

The earliest method of removing coal from the face was the pick and shovel. Explosives were then introduced to bring the coal face down. In the late 19th century electric coal cutters were introduced.

When removing coal from the face, roof collapse is one of the main dangers in underground mining. It results in the miners suffering injury, death or entombment. Thus, coal face roof support techniques developed along with coal face cutting methods.

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Pick and shovel

Modern cutter Props Roof support system
Pick and shovel
(46KB)
Electric cutter
(32KB)
Props
(46KB)
Roof support system
(29KB)