Wearmouth, Vane Tempest, Dawdon and more were once the mainstay of employment in the area.
And when the collieries shut, the Sunderland Echo was there to record some of the last shifts in an industry which had once flourished for decades.
In the meantime, take a look at these reminders of the final days of famous pits in our communities.
5. End of the Adventure
The last shift came out of Adventure Colliery, West Rainton, in July 1978 and while miners spoke of it as a friendly pit there were few regrets about leaving. Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Reminders of a bygone era
Back to October 1992 for the final days of Vane Tempest. Photo: se
7. Leaving Dawdon Pit
It's 1991 and the end of coal mining at Dawdon Colliery. Remember this? Photo: SE
8. End of an era
The last shift at South Hetton Colliery in March 1983. Photo: Sunderland Echo
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