The basic idea of longwall mining was developed in England in the late 17th century, although it may have been anticipated in the pre-industrial era by a similar technique utilized by the Hopi of Northeaste… See more

Gate roads are driven to the back of each panel before longwall mining begins. The gate road along one side of the block is called the maingate or headgate; the road on the other side is called the tailgate. Where the t… See more