What term describes the area inby the last open cross cut leading to the face?

The term that describes the area inbye the last open cross cut leading to the face is "room." In the context of mining, a room typically refers to a space that has been excavated where operations take place, and it is directly associated with the overall layout of the mine. This terminology helps miners and engineers communicate effectively about specific areas and ensure clarity in operations and planning.

A room is often part of the broader room-and-pillar mining method, where pillars of coal or other material are left in place to support the roof while rooms are created for extraction. The location in relation to the cross cut indicates it is positioned just before the extraction point, which is essential for operational flow.

In contrast, a panel refers to a collection of several rooms or a designated area within the mine where mining activities occur, but it does not pinpoint the immediate area leading to the face. An entry is the access point or tunnel into the mine and does not specifically describe the area near the face. A stope refers to the underground excavation created by mining and usually applies to different mining methods, which further differentiates it from the room's description. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping mine layout and operations.