The history of coal mining spans thousands of years. The use of coal as an energy source began in ancient civilizations, but its large-scale exploitation only occurred during the Industrial Revolution. The invention of the steam engine and advancements in mining technology drove a dramatic increase in coal production. Coal then became the backbone of industry and the global economy for centuries. European countries, particularly England, became the center of coal production during this period.
In the 20th century, the demand for coal increased with the growth of industry worldwide. Major coal-producing countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and Australia became key players in the global market. Advances in mining technology allowed for the exploitation of deeper and larger coal reserves. Coal was used for various purposes, ranging from electricity generation to steel production.
