Coal mines mechanisation

As the face advances, the two roads must be similarly brought forward. Indeed, with mechanised mining, there is at each end of the face a stable hole somewhat in advance of the face, so that the machinery can be positioned between the cuts. Further, in many pits the thickness of the coal may not be as high as that of the roads, namely, 3 m or so, so that the roads are enlarged as they advance by a process known as ripping. 

The policy of the National Coal Board is to increase mechanisation in the mines for reasons both of safety and economy in personnel. This process has had considerable success on long wall faces and the majority of these are now worked mechanically. On a few faces complete remotely operated mining is possible at present. The process of mechanisation will... 

The industrial revolution began in the late 18th century with the mechanisation of the textile industry and subsequent major developments in mining, transport and industrial production, based upon Britain s rich mineral resources such as coal and iron ore, and the use of steam power. 

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