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pithead

The surface facilities needed for underground mining (including extraction machinery, storage areas and offices).

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loading bunker

Reservoir where processed coal is stored before being loaded onto freight cars to be transported by rail to the power plant.

main fan

Device that ensures air exchange in the mine; air is drawn through one shaft and exits through another.

dump

Pile that is made up of residue from mining operations.

maintenance shop

Work area where machinery is maintained and repaired.

maritime transport

Means of transport that uses barges to transport coal over water.

rail track

The tracks formed of two parallel rails on which trains travel to transport coal.

railroad track

hoist room

Area that houses the hoist (cylinder) on which the hoisting cables are wound; it controls movement of the elevators and skip hoists in the shaft.

winding tower

Building that houses the shaft’s hoisting equipment (including motors and hoisting cables); it provides communication between the surface and the mine galleries.

conveyor

Materials-handling device that consists of a conveyor belt (sturdy belt on rollers); it is used to carry coal to the treatment plant.

treatment plant

Place where all processing activities (including crushing and washing) are carried out to prepare the coal for market.

miners’ changing-room

Area with sanitary facilities (showers, toilets) where miners can go mainly to change their clothes.

headframe

Opening at the top of the shaft that connects the aboveground facilities (including ventilation fans and hoists) to the underground areas being mined.