She added, "The mining industry has evolved into a more 'safety conscious' culture. Consequently, mining operations are much safer."

But Terence Schorn, president of the multinational War Eagle Mining Co., says coal mining still is and likely always will be dangerous — especially if safety rules are not followed. He explained some reasons why.

"Accidents in coal mines generally kill or injure many more miners than in hard-rock operations because of the nature of less-competent wall rock in the coal mines. In underground coal mines, there is also the danger of explosions from ignition of methane gas by a spark or flame if the mine is not well ventilated," he said.

Schorn added, "I think it has been proven that underground coal mining is the most dangerous of all mining operations."

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