New Delhi: Coal Miners Day is observed every year on May 4. This day is observed as an appreciation for the workers who sacrificed their lives and honour their accomplishments.
Coal miners played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution (between 1760 and 1840). During that period, coal was burnt on a large scale to fuel stationary, locomotive engines, and heat buildings. In the late 19th-century, coal miners in many countries were involved in industrial disputes with both the management and the government.
While the first-ever coal mine was opened in 1575 by one George Bruce of Carnock, Scotland. India, however, got its first coal mine in the year 1774, notes the Ministry of Coal website. This mine is the Raniganj Coalfield, at the banks of the river Damodar, which functioned under the erstwhile East India company’s John Summer and Suetonius Grant Heaty. Following Independence, India’s coal usage climbed with the 5-year development roadmap laid down by the new government.
At present, India has become one of the top reserves of coal, oil, natural gas, and metallic and non-metallic minerals like Bauxite, Dolomite, Fluorspar, Gypsum, Iron Ore, Limestone, Copper, Asbestos, and Zinc. Mining has constituted a big part of India’s economy.
Coal is a basic form of energy. It is solid carbon-rich material and one of the most important primary fossil fuels. The ten leading countries in coal production are China, the United States, India, Australia, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Colombia, and Ukraine.
