An active temporary roof support apparatus for attachment to a mining machine includes at least one set of support members, each set including at least a first support member and a second support member for supporting the roof of an underground tunnel. A drive assembly is arranged to drive the set of support members, such that the first and second support members are sequentially moved for engaging the roof so that the roof is supported by at least one support member during an excavation operation of the mining machine. A mining machine and a corresponding method is also provided.

An active temporary roof support apparatus for attachment to a mining machine includes at least one set of support members, each set including at least a first support member and a second support member for supporting the roof of an underground tunnel. A drive assembly is arranged to drive the set of support members, such that the first and second support members are sequentially moved for engaging the roof so that the roof is supported by at least one support member during an excavation operation of the mining machine. A mining machine and a corresponding method is also provided.