Pitheads, commonly known as mine heads or colliery heads, refer to the structures at the surface of an underground mine that house the hoists and cages used to transport miners and equipment. There are several other synonyms for pitheads, such as mine shaft tops, mine entrances, and mine portals. The term "headgear" is also used to describe the structure that sits above the mine's vertical shaft and is used to lower and raise cages. Mining has a rich vocabulary, with different terms used to describe everything from the tools used to extract minerals to the structures that support the safety of miners. Understanding these synonyms is essential for anyone working in the mining industry.