THE COMMENTATOR GLOSSARY OF
ANTHRACITE MINING TERMS

V - W - Y

V

VEIN:
The filling of a fissure or fault in a rock, particularly if deposited by aqueous solutions. The term is often applied incorrectly to a seam or bed of coal.

VENTILATE:
To cause fresh air to circulate through the mine.

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W

WASH:
Soil, clay stones, etc., overlying solid strata.

WASHERY:
A place where coal is freed from its impurities by a washing process.

WASHHOUSE:
A building on the surface at a mine where the men can wash and change their clothes before going to their homes. Often called a shifting shanty.

WATER GUAGE:
A device for measuring ventilating pressure.

WATER RINGS:
Troughs cut into the wall of a shaft to collect water and prevent its going down a shaft.

WEIGH BASKET:
A receptacle where the coal is weighed after it is dumped from the mine cars.

WET DRILLING:
Drilling with a wet jackhammer--one equipped to direct a spray of water inside the hole. To prevent dust.

WHITE DAMP:
Carbon monoxide.

WORK:
(1) To mine or operate. (2) Term used to denote that a creep or squeeze is taking place.

WORKING PLACE:
The place where the miner produces coal.

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Y

YARD:
A part of the surface used for mine tracks or storage of material.

YARDAGE:
The system by which the miner is paid by the lineal yard.

YIELD:
The percentage of run-of-mine material that is marketable.

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