Colliery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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colliery
[ˈkɒl.ə.ri ]
Definition
mining industry
A colliery is a place where coal is mined. It encompasses the entire coal mining operation, including the mine itself and the associated buildings and equipment. Collieries vary greatly in size and scope, from small, localized operations to large industrial sites. The term is often used in the context of historical mining practices, particularly in regions rich in coal deposits.
Synonyms
coal mine, mining site, pit.
Examples of usage
- The colliery has been in operation since the early 1900s.
- Many miners lost their jobs when the local colliery closed.
- The colliery featured several underground tunnels.
- The old colliery will be transformed into a museum.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- During the Industrial Revolution, collieries became vital as coal was needed for powering factories, trains, and heating homes.
- Collieries employed thousands of workers, and their operations significantly shaped local economies and communities.
- The mining industry faced numerous challenges, including dangerous working conditions, leading to notable labor movements and legislation for workers' rights.
Cultural Impact
- Football teams, like the 'Colliery United', often reflect the history of coal mining towns, connecting sports to local heritage.
- Songs and literature often celebrate the lives of miners, depicting their struggles and camaraderie in and out of the collieries.
- The decline of coal mining in recent decades has influenced regional identity, leading to social and economic changes in former mining communities.
Environmental Concerns
- Collieries, particularly surface mining operations, can lead to significant land degradation and pollution if not managed responsibly.
- The shift from coal to renewable energy sources is partly motivated by the environmental impacts associated with traditional coal mining.
- Rehabilitation of old colliery sites has become an important focus to restore natural habitats and prevent ecological damage.
Modern Usage
- Though many collieries have closed, the term still appears in discussions about energy policy and fossil fuel discussions.
- Some collieries have been repurposed into heritage sites or museums, educating the public about the coal mining industry's history.
- Technology advancements are changing the landscape of coal extraction, leading to debates about the future of collieries in energy production.
Origin of 'colliery'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'colliery' comes from the Latin 'collis', meaning hill, reflecting the nature of coal mining often taking place in hilly areas.
- The original use of 'colliery' dates back to the 18th century, when coal became important for steam engines and industry.
- In England, the term was commonly used to describe not just the mine itself but also the associated infrastructure like warehouses and railways.
The word 'colliery' originates from the late Middle English term 'colery', which is derived from 'coal' and the suffix '-ery', which denotes a place associated with a specific activity. Its first known use dates back to the 14th century. The term became more widely used during the coal boom of the Industrial Revolution when coal extraction became a significant industry in England and other parts of the world. Over the years, the term 'colliery' came to represent not just the mine itself, but the entire operation including the shaft, surface buildings, coal processing facilities, and the workers associated with them. The significance of collieries in the industrial landscape diminished in the late 20th century due to deindustrialization and the transition to renewable energy sources, but they remain a notable aspect of industrial heritage in many regions.