Definition of bord-and-pillar method

A system of mining in which the distinguishing feature is the winning of less than 50% coal on the first working. It is more an extension of the development work than mining. The second working is similar in principle to top slicing. The remainder of the coal is won by a retreating system, the cover being caved after each unit has been worked. The term bord-and-pillar is not used to any great extent in American mining literature, but has a place in English literature. Various names have been applied to this method, such as checkerboard system, Brown panel system, following up the whole with the broken, Lancashire bord-and-pillar system, modified room-and-pillar working, narrow working, North Staffordshire method, rearer method of working inclined seams, rock-chute mining, room system, room system with caving, Warwickshire method of working contiguous seams, wide or square work, and pillar-and-breast.

Ref: Fay