The final phase of German coal mining, which is due to come to an end in 2018 on the 50th anniversary of RAG's formation, has witnessed a number of significant technical developments that are still considered as state-of-the-art technology in the international mining world. This book describes the technical developments in coal winning technology that have taken place over the course of the last five decades. It is no coincidence that the first volume in the series is devoted to this particular theme, as this area – namely the physical extraction of the target mineral – is a key priority for any mine operator. For RAG, however, this field of operations was not just crucial to the company's technical operations. Over the years “coal winning” technology also played an essential role in the efforts that were made to raise occupational health and safety standards. And RAG's achievements in this area occupy a pre-eminent place right to the present day, not only among international mining companies but also within German industry as a whole.