How did coal mining evolve during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, coal mining experienced significant changes as the demand for coal surged to fuel growing industries and transportation systems. As a result, the mining process evolved to become more mechanized, incorporating technologies such as steam-powered engines, which allowed for deeper mining and increased efficiency in coal extraction.

However, the push for higher production to meet the ever-increasing energy needs led to more dangerous working conditions. Mines were often unsafe due to poor ventilation, the risk of explosions, and the use of child labor, which became widespread in order to fill the demand for workers. Hence, while production rates surged, the risks associated with mining escalated as well, making it a perilous occupation during this period.

This evolution in coal mining reflects the broader transformation of industries during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by a shift from manual labor to more complex machinery, along with heightened risks resulting from intensified operational pressures.