The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COALFACE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
A
L
F
A
C
E
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Collier may take his pick here" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case collier may take his pick here = coalface.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COALFACE mean?
COALFACE noun- The surface of coal exposed by mining, or a part of a coal seam that is currently being mined.
- The end of a drift, entry, or room in a coal mine.
- A place where difficult or strenuous work is done.
- Where practical work is done, as opposed to theoretical or managerial work.