A coal-mining apparatus is fed against a vein of coal under pressure and advanced through the vein to progressively mine the coal. Back of the mining apparatus is arranged a board or partition which extends from the floor to the roof of the mine and combines with the floor and with the veil of coal to form a compartment. Means is provided, associated with the compartment referred to, for minimizing or eliminating light floating dust, this being done either by spraying through the air in the compartment or by exhausting air therefrom. The invention further comprises a method of coal mining wherein the mining operation takes place in a confined space, and, during the mining operation, coal dust is constantly eliminated from said confined space.