Blackrod has a rich past in coal mining, which had all but disapeared by the turn of the 20th century, but before that time, the area was riddled with small - and not so small pits and mines. Some of these mines were rail-served by private railways, which in most cases were connected to the main lines at Blackrod, Grimeford and Arley.

Industry in around Blackrod Station wasn't confined to mining. The Douglas Valley was an ideal place for paper-making and the dying industries, with a plentiful supply of water from the River Douglas and trubutaries.