Abstract: Coal mining apparatus for removing subterranean material with minimal disruption of the overburden includes a mobile underground mining machine having rotary cutters mounted on the front of the machine for drilling coal in a coal deposit. The underground machine is track driven with an overhead protective shield to support the overburden above the machine as it digs into the coal deposit. The protective shield is slanted downward toward the rear of the mining machine to gradually lower the overburden as the mining machine passes under, thus replacing the excavated coal while minimizing disturbances on the surface. An elevator shaft is mounted on the underground mining machine and extends vertically upward to the earth's surface. A mobile track vehicle is attached to the elevator shaft at the surface and is coordinated to move in synchronization with the underground mining machine.