Pronunciation: [pˈɪt hˈɛd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "pit head" is quite straightforward, with each syllable pronounced clearly. The first syllable, "pit", is pronounced as /pɪt/, with a short i sound followed by a hard t. The second syllable, "head", is pronounced as /hɛd/, with an open e sound followed by a soft d. Together, these syllables form the word "pit head", which refers to the top of a coal mine shaft where the mining operations take place.
Pit head is a term used in the mining industry to refer to the area or location at the surface of a mine where the coal or minerals are extracted. It specifically indicates the entrance or opening of an underground mine shaft, where the mine workers and materials come in and out of the mine.
At the pit head, there is typically a structure known as the headframe or winding gear, which supports the pulley system used to lower and raise miners and equipment in and out of the mine. This headframe is usually tall and made of sturdy materials such as steel or concrete to provide stability and safety during operations. Additionally, a pit head also includes various buildings and infrastructure facilities like sorting and cleaning plants, weighing stations, storage areas, offices, and worker accommodations.
The pit head is a crucial area in the mining operation as it serves as a hub for transportation, storage, and processing of the extracted minerals or coal. It is where the mine production is brought to the surface for further processing, transportation, and distribution. The pit head plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the mine, as it is the primary point of contact between the underground mine workings and the surface operations, facilitating the smooth extraction and handling of resources.
The word "pit head" is derived from the combination of two words: "pit" and "head". Here's a breakdown of their etymologies:
1. Pit: The word "pit" originally comes from the Old English word "pytt", which meant a hole or cavity in the ground. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "puttaz" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pu-" meaning "to rot, decay, decompose". Over time, the meaning of "pit" expanded to include various types of holes, including coal mines.
2. Head: In this context, "head" refers to the top or uppermost part of something. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "heafod", which meant the head (as in the physical part of the body).
