It was an industry which characterised the North East for decades.
But in 1984 more than 140,000 miners across the country went on strike to oppose the colliery closure programme backed by Margaret Thatcher.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the historic industrial action, NewcastleWorld has 16 photographs depicting the collieries of the North East- thanks to the Shields Gazette, Sunderland Echo, Hartlepool Mail, Newcastle Libraries and Tyne & Wear Archives.
The pits may be long gone but the memories live on for many North East families.
Did you work in one of these pits? What about your family members?
Have a look and let us know your memories.
1. Wearmouth Colliery
A group of miners sharing a joke at Wearmouth Colliery on the last week of production before closure- November 1993. Photo: Les Golding
2. Harton and Westoe Miners' Lodge
Back to July 1970 and the banner of Harton and Westoe Miners' Lodge hangs high outside the empty buildings of Harton Colliery which was closed a year earlier. Photo: Shields Gazette
3. Whitburn Pit
The last days of Whitburn Pit in 1968. Photo: Shields Gazette
4. Wearmouth in 1987
Allan Clark (right), deputy manager of Wearmouth Colliery, and fellow miners celebrate the lifting of one million tons of coal in January 1987. Photo: Sunderland Echo