**1. Introduction**

Coal plays a critical role in the global economy and day-to-day development by contributing to the electricity sector and the steel and cement industries. Globally, around 37% of electricity and nearly 70% of steel are produced only using coal [1]. Coal is the backbone of both the steel and cement industries. As coal is not only the affordable option for energy in many markets, it will also remain the only feasible option for many critical industries. Coal also has a significant role in the construction of renewable energy infrastructure. It is significant to societal development, particularly in emerging economies. And also, coal is the single largest source of global carbon emissions. Advanced clean coal technologies have been developed to clean the coal by upgrading existing coal plants to the best available technology, which can decrease 2 gigatons of *CO*2 emissions. The coal industry has seen consistent improvements against environmental and economic challenges by adopting current and emerging technologies [2].

It can also be observed that coal consumption, primarily in Asian countries, has increased many folds over the past decades due to the growing population and economy. In order to meet the increasing demand and consumption of coal requires a high production of coal through mining activities. The main point to be noted along with

the production of coal is safety. Globally, coal mining is a highly regulated industry due to many inherent, operational, and occupational hazards. The work environment in mines is highly dynamic in nature and may change abruptly. The risks to the safety and health of employees due to the unknown and unforeseen hazards pose challenges for occupational safety and health professionals. Further, it requires comprehensive surveillance at workplaces and newer strategies to prevent accidents in mines.

At the same time, the mining sector is critical to a country, such as India, for its economic and social well-being. The mining and quarrying sector contributes around 1.63% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). Indian economy is on the aspirational path of becoming a \$5 trillion GDP economy by 2024−25 [3]. The mining industry will contribute to India's envisaged GDP and wealth creation. As a developing economy, India depends on the energy sector's growth to achieve the desired economic growth. Though there is significant global pressure on the immediate reduction of fossil fuels as an energy source, coal is and will remain one of India's primary energy sources in the years to come. The past and present economic reforms have propelled the Indian mining industry into a new and competitive environment. The sector-wise GDP in India is shown in **Figure 1***.*
