And it is 27 years ago this month since we said goodbye to Wearmouth Colliery with the last shift clocking off.
But what are your memories of the collieries of the region and how many of these did you work in?
The pits may be long gone but the memories live on for many North East families.
Have a look at these photos from the archives of the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail.
And after you have done that, why not get in touch and share your memories of your time at the pits.
1. Wearmouth in 1987
Allan Clark (right), deputy manager of Wearmouth Colliery, and fellow miners celebrate the lifting of one million tons of coal in January 1987. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. Boldon Colliery
Boldon Colliery pit head and employees in November 1969. Did you work there? Photo: Shields Gazette
3. Horden Colliery
A view of Horden Colliery in May 1981. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
4. The last day at Hylton Colliery
The end of a way of life for hundreds of miners at Hylton Colliery in 1979. Did you work there? Photo: Sunderland Echo