The History of Mining and Technological Development

The lecture will review the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers’ contribution over the past 175 years to the successful extraction of coal and associated minerals from the Great North Coalfield. It will trace mining history through the many tragedies that prompted legislation and major changes in operating practices, highlighting key contributors showing how accident prevention and safety measures have evolved over time. Major national developments — including nationalisation, privatisation and mechanisation — will provide context for the current industry. The lecture will also summarise the Mining Remediation Authority’s present work on subsidence, mine-water recovery and treatment. A final section will examine the importance and distinctive challenges of undersea mining, including geology, working practices, ventilation, power supply, environmental management, and the transport of people and materials.

Norman Jackson is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMMM or IOM3); a Past President and Fellow of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME) and Sunderland Mining Society; and a former IOM3 Mining Technology Board member. His awards include the Sir Andrew Bryan Medal for Services to Mining (2017) and the Noel Webster Gold Medal (2018). He has extensive professional experience spanning operational management, technical leadership, consultancy, strategic planning, safety management, industrial relations and the environmental responsibilities associated with mine development, closure and remediation.

An authority on mining engineering, industry restructuring and environmental impacts, he led British Coal Corporation’s privatisation project, negotiating with merchant bankers, legal advisers, government officials and board members. From 1988 to 1993, he headed Technical Services for British Coal’s North East Group, overseeing planning, surveying, geology, drilling, health and safety, emergency response, accident investigation, strata control and roof support. His responsibilities demanded sound technical judgement, clear communication and effective coordination across multidisciplinary teams during a period of significant organisational and operational change .

He is also an expert in undersea mining, with operational experience near bodies of water and detailed knowledge of longwall and bord-and-pillar extraction. He helped close the coalfield safely, responsibly and with careful attention to environmental protection.

Since leaving British Coal, he has worked internationally as an independent management and mining consultant across coal and related industries. He is recognised as a strategic adviser and respected expert witness, bringing practical insight and balanced professional judgement to complex technical and commercial matters.

17:30-18:00 - Tea and Coffee

18:00-18:50 – Live-streamed talk starts

18:50 to 19:00 - Q & A