Although it is common knowledge, it is always worth reminding people that mining can be a very dangerous profession. There are a variety of hazards in a mine that can cause serious injury, or even death. The good news is that, so long as we are educated about these dangers, there are many precautions that can be put in place to prevent any of these things from ever happening. Nonetheless, though, the dangers are still there. Here are some of the top dangers in mining…

Fires

From damaged electrical equipment, to buildups of methane gas, to the copious amount of explosives and flammable materials that are used in mining, fires are a huge worry in many mines. Due to the enclosed spaces, fire can quickly spread throughout a mine. Aside from burning, miners must worry about the flames eating up the limited oxygen supply.

Chemical hazards

There are many different dangerous chemicals that are used in the mining business, usually to break down rock deposits to get the natural ore. These chemicals are necessary for the work, but can also present a huge risk if any of them leak, as they can be dangerous to breathe and touch.

Heavy machinery

The equipment that is used in the mining business is very heavy machinery that operates quickly. The weight and speed of these machines can be a threat to those around them, if they are not aware of their surroundings and knowledgeable about the machine’s functions. In the past, many miners have been killed, due to machine collisions. However, the technology today mainly prevents this from happening.

Gas leaks (and explosions)

Several mining activities can cause methane gas to build up, under the ground. While this methane gas doesn’t always present an immediate threat, there are many things in a mine that can cause a spark or chemical reaction which ignites this methane gas. If the methane gas is built up too thick, this will cause an explosion that can destroy a mine.

Collapses

Every miners worst nightmare is when the entrance to a mine collapses. Not only can the initial collapse cause injuries and deaths with rock and earth impacts, but the miners who are trapped on the inside are at risk of running out of oxygen while waiting for an escape. While many precautions are in place to prevent this from happening, especially in industrial countries like the United States, it is still a dangerous possibility.