A self-propelled continuous mining machine includes a mobile frame assembly having a front end portion with a boom assembly pivotally retained thereon. The outer end portion of the boom assembly carries a dislodging head for removing material from a mine face. A plurality of connections pivotally connects the boom assembly to the mobile frame assembly. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a hollow interior portion of the boom assembly. As the dislodging head removes material from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging head through a hollow interior of the boom assembly and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. A portion of the boom assembly is pivotally connected to a portion of the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly to provide a pivoting joint to allow the collecting system to draw airborne dust through the boom assembly with the boom assembly in any preselected position relative to the mobile frame assembly. A conveying system mounted on the mobile frame assembly receives material from the dislodging head and transports the material rearwardly of the machine.