The graph illustrates the number of deep coal mines in the UK from 1913 to 2015. Overall, the number of mines declined continuously throughout the period, with the sharpest drop occurring in the later years, leaving only a small number by the end.
At the beginning of the period, there were over 3,000 deep coal mines in operation. However, the number steadily declined over the first half of the century. Despite this continuous decrease, the decline was more gradual in the earlier years. In contrast, the later decades saw a much sharper drop, particularly from the mid-20th century onward, when mine closures accelerated significantly.
By the final years of the period, deep coal mining had nearly disappeared, with only a handful of mines remaining. This dramatic reduction suggests a shift away from coal mining, likely due to economic changes, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. The steady reduction and eventual near-elimination highlight the industry’s long-term decline.