Asia has the most coal mines operating today, with 1,200. The area is responsible for 75% of the world’s consumption. Coal mines are also booming in Australia, which earns about $67 billion in annual exports from them. Here’s what life working in coal mines is really like. Miners usually work shifts, and they can be on for 10 days in a row. Some head down before sunrise and return anywhere from seven to 12 hours later.
