longwall

American  

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

adjective

Mining.

1. 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

1. the continuous face so worked.

Etymology

Origin of longwall

First recorded in 1830–40; long ¹ + wall

Example Sentences

South32, the world's biggest producer of manganese, is facing operational headwinds at its Illawarra Metallurgical Coal project after the miner undertook an extended planned longwall move at the Dendrobium mine.

From Reuters • Oct. 23, 2023

Like Leer, Leer South will use the longwall method of mining coal.

From Washington Times • Feb. 20, 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

The ceiling over the longwall cutting machine is temporarily held up by hydraulic roof supports as the mining gets underway.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2010