coalminers
Subterranean fuel extractors
Coalminers are workers who extract coal from underground or surface mines.
The occupation shaped industrial economies and labor movements, with coalminers' unions among the most powerful in history.
The work is physically demanding and historically dangerous, associated with black lung disease and mine collapses: The coalminers emerged from the shaft covered in coal dust.
Usually spelled as two words: coal miners.
Narrow vertical passage
- tunnelEnclosed underground route
- seamJoined fabric edge
- driftGradual movement, no direction
- pitFruit's hard seed
face · gallery · ventilation · methane · minecart · excavation · subterranean · stope
Joining into one
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- picketPointed fence stake
- solidarityUnity among allies
- wagePayment for labor
shift · overtime · pension · benefits · dispute · grievance · arbitration · contract
Pointed digging implement
- headlampForward-facing vehicle light
- helmetProtective head covering
- overallsTrousers with bib front
- bootsAnkle-covering footwear
shovel · drill · explosives · dynamite · tub · conveyor · self-rescuer · knee-pads
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- galaFestive formal occasion
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
- oral-historyRecorded firsthand accounts
community · solidarity · memorial · museum · pitman · working-class · chapel · allotment
Lung scarring from inhaled particles
- silicosisLung disease from dust
- dustFine settled particles
- respiratorBreathing protection device
- coughExplosive airway clearing
emphysema · compensation · disability · fatalities · cave-in · explosion · rescue · safety
shaft
Narrow vertical passage
pit · face · gallery · ventilation · methane · minecart · excavation · subterranean · stope · adit
union
Joining into one
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- picketPointed fence stake
- solidarityUnity among allies
wage · shift · overtime · pension · benefits · dispute · grievance · arbitration · contract · lockout
pickaxe
Pointed digging implement
boots · shovel · drill · explosives · dynamite · tub · conveyor · self-rescuer · knee-pads
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- galaFestive formal occasion
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
oral-history · community · solidarity · memorial · museum · pitman · working-class · chapel · allotment
pneumoconiosis
Lung scarring from inhaled particles
- silicosisLung disease from dust
- dustFine settled particles
- respiratorBreathing protection device
cough · emphysema · compensation · disability · fatalities · cave-in · explosion · rescue · safety · ventilation
coalminerscoal barons
Powerful mine owners
industrialists · capitalists · pit bosses · shareholders · robber barons
coalminerswhite-collar workers
Salaried professional employees
office workers · executives · aristocrats · bourgeoisie · capitalists