to work the goaf

1 definition found

to work the goaf - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Goaf \Goaf\; n.; pl. Goafsor Goaves. [Cf. 1st Gob.]
     (Mining)
     That part of a mine from which the mineral has been partially
     or wholly removed; the waste left in old workings; -- called
     also gob .
     [1913 Webster]
  
     To work the goaf or To work the gob, to remove the
        pillars of mineral matter previously left to support the
        roof, and replace them with props. --Ure.
        [1913 Webster]