While tunnels utilized in mining are of smaller cross-section, the volume of material removed from British coal mines was over three times greater than that removed from civil engineering works in Britain. Civil engineering tunnels are generally constructed in less favorable ground than mining tunnels, leading to higher cost which is further raised by the longer design life and higher standard of finish necessary. However, in rock cutting research, partial-face tunneling machines, tunnel lining and probing in advance of excavation there is considerable technology exchange possible. With the increasing need for mechanization in both fields, there is need for even closer liaison in the future.