The miner worked in his "room", a fairly narrow space which was somewhat isolated from adjacent work areas. Operating alone or with a single companion, his "butty", the miner was normally expected to cut and load upwards of fifty cubic metres of coal a day. Although innovations modified many aspects of the industry, it was not until the introduction of cutting machinery in the twentieth century that the more traditional method of winning the coal changed.
A typical day for the skilled miner began early in the morning with a walk to the mine and a walk or ride to his place of work. Using a pick, he undercut the section to be worked that day and then drilled holes to receive the blasting powder which, when exploded, would free the coal from the seam. The coal was then loaded into cars for removal to collecting points or landings. The departure of the coal, however, did not free the miner; he was required to prepare his work area for the next day. This involved the removal of all loose shale, the extension of the tracks for the coal cars, and the propping of the roof against possible collapse. The individual miner had to be both strong and flexible in order to perform his various tasks and to send up sufficient coal to ensure his livelihood.
Here we see a miner without the usual protective equipment, his room specially illuminated for photographic purposes. Ordinarily the only light source was carried by the miner and he performed his tasks in constant gloom. An experienced miner knew how to "listen" or "feel" the mine. Changes in air pressure might reflect the release of potentially dangerous methane gas, and the sounds of shifting timber might signal an impending collapse of rock. Miners often refused to work in areas where they sensed danger but the tests of safety inspectors indicated otherwise. Their fears were sometimes justified.
