Even the smallest Dwarf holds are populated with a fair number of Miners. As an underground dwelling race, Dwarfs always need experts at delving into bedrock, and this, coupled with the race's insatiable lust for gold, ensures that all mountain abodes are riddled with any number of deep shafts dug down in search of precious metals and gems. With their short but powerful build, Dwarfs are ideally suited for mining, their strength and endurance allowing them to tirelessly pick, hammer and shovel the earth.
When a Dwarf hold goes to war, many mining clans will send their warriors to battle. As a point of pride, they do not bear axes, but instead wield the same heavy two-handed mining picks and mattocks they use to laboriously carve out tunnels. As it turns out, these well balanced and sturdily made tools work equally well whether digging into bedrock or hacking apart Goblins. As a result of tunneling in the deeps being dangerous work, Miners constantly wear heavy armor and helms. Over time, this mail has served to protect them against rockfall and cave-ins as well as deterring attacks from Elf arrows or rusty Skaven blades. Miners are also equipped with deadly dynamites and explosives, and these Dwarves can be devastating when fighting a tight formation of enemy troops.
Miners have a wide knowledge of subterranean tunnels and, if there is not already an easily accessible underground route to an enemy's vulnerable flank or rear, the Miners will make one. Few enemies react calmly to the sight of heavily armored Dwarves behind them, and many desperate battle has been won by Miners arriving in the nick of time from an unexpected quarter. Led by a Prospector (the most veteran member of the crew), Miners can wreak havoc on foe's battle plans.
Source
- Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (8th Edition) -- pg 16