Coal Mining Techniques in Ancient China
Coal is one of the most important components of ancient China’s energy resources. Before man began to build machines used for coal mining in the 19th century, humans had been harvesting coal from the ground for centuries with manual labor. The Chinese had developed their own unique coal mining techniques from the fifth century onward.
First, Chinese coal miners used primitive tools such as picks, hammers, and tongs to dig into the ground and break up rock. This technique was used until the 11th century, when miners began using explosives to loosen the coal. To ensure that the explosions did not cause structural damage to the mine, miners would first set off a test blast with a small amount of explosive. Depending on the results of the test, miners would adjust the composition of the explosive to make sure that the blast was not too large or too small.
Secondly, Chinese miners used a technique called fire mining to access large veins of coal deep underground. Archaeologists have found evidence to suggest that fire mining was in use during the sixth century. They have discovered records of smelting pits as well as other tools, such as drills, used to extract coal. Fire mining involved digging a large hole in a coal seam and then setting a fire. When the fire burned away the coal, miners would lower themselves into the hole with tools to extract the coal. After the fire, the miners would refill the shaft with soil to keep it safe from collapse.
Another coal mining technique which originated in China is gongshi mining. Gongshi mining involved different mining techniques than in other parts of the world. This technique was developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and involves operating low tunnels to reach the coal. In these low tunnels, miners would use curved shovels and baskets to dig and transport the coal. Unlike other coal mining methods, this technique did not require explosives as the miners only needed to dig a shallow tunnel to reach the coal.
Finally, Chinese miners also used an advanced method called suankou or “well digging” to access coal. Established during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this technique allowed miners to create vertical shafts and tunnels that reached far deeper into the ground than any other method. To construct these tunnels, miners first had to build a structure around the mine entrance which could support the weight of the workers and tools. Then, they would use picks and hammers to create vertical shafts that could reach up to 500 feet below the surface.
These ancient methods of coal mining were instrumental in the development of ancient Chinese civilization. With the coal mined from these methods, China was able to power its industry and craft its own version of the Industrial Revolution. By using these techniques, the Chinese were able to become one of the world’s leading civilizations. Without coal, it is unlikely that the Chinese would have been able to build their great monuments, such as the Great Wall of China.
Today, modern coal mining has replaced many of the traditional techniques used in ancient China. However, despite the advances of machine mining, many of the traditional methods of coal mining used centuries ago can still be found in use in smaller Chinese mines. These mines may not be as efficient as their machine counterparts, but they provide a valuable source of employment and help maintain an important link to China’s past.
