Coal mining continues to be one of the most hazardous professions in our society.

Even today, coal miners continue to face a work environment that is inherently toxic and unhealthy. Coal miners walk away with significant health impairments and shorter life expectancies than others.

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel on Earth and Coal mining is the process of extracting coal from the earth. Coal miners dig deep into the darkest places in the world to bring out the riches that help to sustain our lifestyles. 

Coal Miners Day is observed every year on May 4 to highlight the people working in coal mines. This day show appreciation for the sacrifices, honor the accomplishments, and remember the tragedies that these hardworking individuals experience.

People have worked as coal miners for centuries, but they became increasingly important during the Industrial revolution when coal was burnt on a large scale to fuel stationary and locomotive engines and heat buildings.

In India, coal mining began in 1774 when John Sumner and Suetonius Grant Healthy of the East India Company commenced commercial exploitation in the Raniganj Coalfield along the Western bank of Damodar River.

The states Orissa, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and some central and southern parts of the country are coal-rich regions.

On this Coal Miner’s Day, let’s all realize that behind every ray of electricity light, there is someone risking his life for us to go deep in mines to extract coal for thermal power and many other facilities we take granted as a matter of routine.