A viewer is the traditional top-ranking official at a coal mine, acting as the general manager and principal mining engineer. They design the layout of the underground workings, calculate the ventilation circuits, and take ultimate responsibility for the economic and safe extraction of the coal. They direct the underlookers and deputies, answering only to the mine owners.
Heard on the job
The viewer has ordered a new shaft to be sunk on the eastern boundary to improve the air circuit.
Insider tip
In older British coal mining texts, the viewer was the equivalent of a chief mining engineer.
Do not mix it up with
- Check viewer: A viewer manages the whole mine for the owners, while a check viewer is an independent engineer hired by the mineral rights owner to verify the extraction volumes.