The union was established in 1869 as an affiliate of the Miners' National Association (MNA).
The association sent William Brown, an experience organiser, to become the union's first agent and secretary.
The union also affiliated to the more radical Amalgamated Association of Miners, although Brown personally favoured avoiding industrial disputes.
[1] By 1874, the price of coal had fallen, along with miners' wages, and union membership.
Some lodges left the union, but Brown kept the majority together, reorientating it back towards the MNA.