Coal mining

Coal mining is the extraction of coal from the Earth for use during combustion.

Dangers to miners

Coal mining, historically, has been a very dangerous activity. Open cut hazards are principally slope failure, underground mining roof collapse and gas explosions. Most of these risks can be greatly reduced in modern mines, and multiple fatality incidents are now rare in the developed world. Improvements in mining methods (i.e. longwall mining), gas drainage, safety-lamps, and ventilation have reduced many of these risks. In lesser developed countries, however, thousands still die in coal mines. China in particular is the world leader in coal mining related deaths, with official estimates of around 6000 fatalities in 2004. Unofficial estimates place the figure much higher, at around 20,000 deaths. China is also the world leader in coal production and consumption.

Related Topics:
Safety-lamp - China

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Chronic lung diseases, such as pneumoconiosis are common to miners, causing a reduced life-expectancy for those in the occupation.

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