Safety's impact on an alternative energy source

Our ability to make underground mines a safe place to work will be a major concern to those seeking to use coal as an energy source. Increased production will stimulate a heightened concern for making mining a more effective energy resource. This effectiveness means that unless safe performance is achieved, the cost of poor safety, such as loss of lives and costly delays due to breakdowns and other failures, will greatly reduce productivity of underground mining operations. As such, coal companies and miners must be prepared to safely manage their operation before underground mining makes a significant effect on energy independence.