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What does a coal miner do? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
Imagine going to work underground! Some coal miners spend much of their time underground, freeing deposits of coal from the earth, then bringing the coal to the surface where it can be taken to preparation plants and processed. Why coal?
Believe it or not, coal is a very important fossil fuel, meaning that it comes from the remains of plant and animal matter, and we use it for energy. For example, coal is burned to create electrical power that can heat and light our homes. Coal is also used in the manufacturing of steel and plastic.
Some coal is at or near the surface of the earth. Coal miners in charge of extracting this coal don’t have to go underground! They can uncover the coal by using machines to move the rocks and earth above the coal, then scooping it out of the ground. Miners may even use explosives to break up the coal before taking it from the ground. This is called surface mining.
Other miners must dig tunnels underground, then use machines such as chainsaws and drills, or items such as explosives, to free the coal from the ground! This is called underground mining. Some miners don’t remove coal at all! Instead, it is their job to make sure the mines are safe for the other miners. Miners are hard workers who enjoy spending time outdoors and often aren’t bothered by working in dark, damp, or dusty underground conditions!
Miners must make sure to be extra careful when working underground,
as accidents such as cave-ins can sometimes occur. Being brave and
alert is part of a miner’s job!
Miners must also be strong, as
they may spend many hours on their feet, or on their hands and knees if
the roof of the mine is low.
Many learn their
skills on the job, or in training mines where they can practice. Some
employers prefer that their miners go through training programs—at times
in classrooms--to prepare for the job. And what an important job it is!
