This operator is drilling a hole in the roof for the roof bolt. This operator is installing a roof bolt into a previously drilled hole. After coal has been cut and the roof supported, the utility man cleans up loose coal and applies rock dust to the coal wall to limit coal dust explosion hazards. He then hangs curtain to ventilate the working area. This scoop is used to pick-up loose coal from the mine floor after the mining process.
All mining equipment uses hydraulics and electrical motors to operate.
A mechanic is always available for repairs. After the coal mine has advanced to the mine limit - pillars, or blocks of coal that support the top, are extracted as the mining process retreats. Temporary wood supports, timbers, are used while removing the pillars. This is probably the most dangerous part of the underground mining process. The timbers are used to support loose rock and as warning signals as the main top settles.