Abstract: Shortwall mining equipment for extraction of some pillars in an underground coal mine has a series of self-advancing powered roof supports (1) for placement along the pillars (2) under extraction, the pillars under extraction being located within a panel (3) which is surrounded by barrier pillars (4), an armoured face conveyor (5) fixed to the barrier pillars, a light duty chain conveyor (18) and a belt conveyor (19). Each of the self-advancing powered roof supports (1) has at a goaf end a support mechanism (6) on a base frame (14) with a side shield (7) and hydraulic ram side arms (10). The base frame (14) is provided with front and back side hooks (11 & 12) to facilitate pulling of the support mechanism (6). The armoured face conveyor (5) is provided with a shearer (15) having a cutter drum (16) coupled with a centrally located ranging arm (17), an outbye end of he armoured face conveyor (5) being at a right angle to and set upon the light duty chain conveyor (18) as a freely advancing bridge.