longwall

American

[lawng-wawl, long-] / ˈlɔŋˌwɔl, ˈlɒŋ- /

adjective

Mining.

noting or pertaining to a means of extracting coal or other minerals in an underground mine from a continuous face, the roof before the face being supported at intervals by temporary or movable artificial supports.

noun

the continuous face so worked.

Etymology

Origin of longwall

First recorded in 1830–40; long ¹ + wall

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

South32 has planned four longwall moves - switching from mining one longwall to another - over fiscal 2024.

From Reuters • Oct. 23, 2023

The statement says Arch will transition its Mountain Laurel operation in southern West Virginia from longwall to room-and-pillar mining next year.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2019

The proposal calls for extending longwall tunnels beneath streams running through a state park.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 16, 2017

Considered the most efficient and profitable method of deep-mining, the longwall is a massive and expensive mining device that runs on tracks 1,000 feet long, back and forth, ripping out coal.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2012

Massey uses longwall mining technology to remove much of Upper Big Branch's coal.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2010

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023