Prepared to serve the 2-year college administrator and faculty member in becoming acquainted with the coal mining industry and in developing degree and nondegree programs in mining technology, this report provides descriptions of the mining industry, organization of labor, job descriptions, types and methods of coal mining, certification requirements, and processes toward establishing technical and advisory assistance. (Information about the mining industry for this study was obtained from educational institutions currently offering mining programs, labor unions, regulatory agencies, coal operators, mining equipment manufacturers, and research concerns who have dealt with mining education.) A general outline of the methods of bituminous coal mining currently in use are presented, along with the labor structure inherent in each method. Proposed curricula are included for consideration by educational institutions wanting to develop mining technology programs or offer special related courses. Recommendations for the composition of an advisory council, a list of agencies to be contacted during the planning and implementation of mining courses, and a partial listing of textbooks are also included. (MF)