Coalface: meaning, definitions and examples
⛏️
coalface
[ ˈkoʊl.feɪs ]
mining industry
The term 'coalface' refers to the surface of a coal seam that is being actively mined. It is the location where coal is extracted from the earth, typically through methods such as underground mining or surface mining. The coalface is critical to the mining operation as it is the point where raw coal is accessed and removed for processing. Safety and efficiency are paramount at the coalface due to the risks involved in mining activities. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe being at the forefront of an industry or challenge.
Synonyms
extraction point, mining frontline, working face.
Examples of usage
- The workers at the coalface need to follow strict safety protocols.
- Innovation in mining technology has improved conditions at the coalface.
- She was right at the coalface of the company's operations.
- The geological survey helped identify the best locations to reach the coalface.
Translations
Translations of the word "coalface" in other languages:
🇵🇹 frente de carvão
🇮🇳 कोयला खदान का मुंह
🇩🇪 Bergwerkseingang
🇮🇩 wajah batubara
🇺🇦 вуглеприбиральний фронт
🇵🇱 czoło węgla
🇯🇵 炭鉱の前面
🇫🇷 front de charbon
🇪🇸 frente de carbón
🇹🇷 kömür yüzü
🇰🇷 석탄면
🇸🇦 واجهة الفحم
🇨🇿 čelo uhlí
🇸🇰 čelo uhlia
🇨🇳 煤矿口
🇸🇮 prednja stran coal
🇮🇸 kolanefnið
🇰🇿 көмір беті
🇬🇪 კოალას სახე
🇦🇿 kömür üzü
🇲🇽 frente de carbón
Etymology
The term 'coalface' originated in the mining industry, primarily in the United Kingdom, during the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries when coal became a vital resource for energy and industry. The word 'coal' comes from the Old English 'cal', which referred to mineral coal or coal for fuel. The word 'face' in this context relates to the front or surface area where a particular activity is taking place. As the demand for coal skyrocketed due to the rise of steam engines and later electricity, the significance of the coalface became more pronounced. Over time, the word has evolved to also reflect situations where individuals or businesses are actively engaged in challenging or pivotal roles beyond the literal mining context.