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.

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noun

1. the continuous face so worked.

Etymology

Origin of longwall

First recorded in 1830–40; long ¹ + wall

Example Sentences

Production at the Perth-based company's Dendrobium coal mine in Illawarra was affected by an extended planned longwall move.

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