Longwall miners are specialized machines used in underground coal mining. They operate by cutting a long, horizontal slice of coal from a seam, allowing for efficient extraction. The machine moves along the coal face, using sharp, rotating blades to shear off the coal, which is then transported away for processing. These miners are part of a larger system that includes shearers, gob shields, and conveyor belts. The use of longwall mining helps maximize coal recovery while minimizing the environmental impact. This method is often preferred for its ability to extract large volumes of coal in a relatively short time.