Systems of working have been influenced by many factors over the years. This paper briefly describes the evolution of the main systems of working in this country, and the effect of the rapid introduction of mechanization, leading up to the multi-machine faces of today. It outlines the problems currently exercising the thoughts of mining engineers, with particular reference to the working environment, and the design of machinery. Several examples of current systems are given, illustrating some of the ways that the problems are being tackled.