And it meant that only five collieries remained open when it shut in July 1991.
The Sunderland Echo was there to record these scenes when the 40 workers completed the three-minute cage journey to finish their final shift.
Re-live the day when another part of the Durham coalfield era came to an end.
5. Their last day
Forty miners were hauled 1,000 ft to the surface of Dawdon Colliery at the stroke of midday to bring an end to their final shift. | se
6. One final farewell
Only salvage work was left after the miners completed their last shift at the face. | se
7. Photos from 1991
The three minute cage ride officially marked the death of Dawdon pit. | se
8. Happier times
Dawdon Colliery pictured in an undated Sunderland Echo archive photo. | se
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