Miners are valuable members of the work force that engage in the risky but essential task of the extracting of minerals and other important substances from the earth. The materials that are harvested by the miner are used to provide a number of goods and services to the buying public. In some cases, the miner work with highly technical equipment, and in other situations will perform their duties with the same simple tools that have been used for centuries.

Perhaps the most commonly recognized miner is the coal miner. Coal mining involves extracting coal from underground mines, a task that is carries a high degree of risk. Historically, few precautions were made to protect the coal miner safe from physical danger, including respiratory problems. However, the second half of the 20th century saw a number of reforms in the industry, including the addition of protective gear that serves to minimize the chances for ongoing health issues for the miner.

Mining in general is a dangerous profession. Much of the actual work of the miner takes place in the mines, where there is always the chance of exposure to underground gases, shaft failures, and other dangers. Part of the training process for a miner today includes working with life saving equipment, as well as learning how to deal with emergency situations that arise in the mines from time to time.

For many years, there was no formal training for the new miner. Instead, all that was required was a strong constitution and a willingness to work long hours. Over time, many mining companies have created training sessions that help to provide the new hire with some basic information about mining techniques and procedures, as they apply to the type of mining conducted by the company. Mentoring programs are also a common part of the first several months of the miner’s work experience. Pairing a novice with an experienced miner has proven to be a successful strategy, as it allows for the orderly transfer of knowledge from one individual to another.