The overhead surface of an underground working area, such as a drift, stope, or coal seam. Its stability is the primary concern in underground mining, dictating the required support systems like bolting, timbering, or leaving pillars to prevent collapses.
Heard on the job
We need to scale the roof before bringing the continuous miner into that section.
Also heard as
- back
Do not mix it up with
- Hanging wall: Roof is used for flat or gently dipping seams, while hanging wall is used for steeply inclined veins.