By Alcwyn Elliott, Author of History of Longwall Coal Mining Mechanization

August 10, 2025 - What prompted me to write this type of book is based on my involvement with Longwall Coal Mining starting in 1966 as a 15 year old kid working in a mine over 2000 feet deep in the Valleys of Wales.

Mechanics and Hydraulics have been part of my life for more than 50 years in the coal industry.

The book is broken down into nine Chapters that detail the changes in mechanization and machines that were needed to win coal the easiest and most productive way, basically going from the pick and shovel to the high-powered machines of today used in countries all over the World. 

Where did mechanization start and where was coal mined using the Longwall method? Originally called the Long Way of mining coal, it all started in Shropshire, England. It may be interesting to note that the prison, Leavenworth, in Kansas used inmates to mine coal using the Longwall method in the 19^th century. The first Chapters comprise:

Chapter 1. What is Longwall Mining

Chapter 2. A timeline for Machine development

Chapter 3. Longwall Mechanization 1856 to 1945

Every Chapter covers the significant changes to machines that continue to advance with technology in today’s Longwall Mining method worldwide.  The Longwall method began in England and the first machine, known as the Ironman, was invented by Willy Brown in 1768 which was basically a manually operated swinging pick. This is pictured in the book, which is extensively illustrated. The first patent awarded for a mechanical contrivance to mine coal was given to a gentleman named Michael Menzies in 1761 of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.

The other six Chapters complete the history of advancement in mining coal the Long Way or Longwall way. The book will be of particular interest to mining people in the United States.

If you'd like to purchase, please click here.