The New Wallsend Company mined what became known as the Great North Seam.

 

As a business it had fluctuating fortunes. About July of 1873 a tunnel had been driven into the Great North Seam, on the edge of the beach. Within a further six months production reached about 300 tons per week and about 70 men were employed, 45 of whom were miners.

 

A second tunnel was added and a wharf was built out from the shore. The coal was shipped to Sydney.

 

The Newcastle Chronicle of 19th. November 1874 reported that production in this mine had risen to 800 tons weekly.