While we immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the world above ground, we often forget about the necessary work going on beneath it; the collection of our rare and essential natural resources.
There are few tougher and more hazardous professions than mining, and it's safe to say the mining companies of old didn't care.
Social media claims that the children yearn for the mines, but if that's the case, those kids should take a look through these vintage black and white photos of miners from the past.
1
Coal Miners coming up a coal mine elevator after a day of work in 1920's Belgium.
2
Pennsylvania Anthracite Coal Miners, 1930.
3
Pit pony and miner in a mine in New Aberdeen, Nova Scotia. 1946.
4
Miners in the Serra Pelada gold mines in Brazil, 1980s.
7
Gold Miners descending into the Empire Mine, Grass Valley, California, 1900.
8
De Beer mine workers are X-rayed at the end of every shift before leaving the diamond mines. Kimberly, South Africa. 1954.
9
Miners using an “aerial tram” to descend into the Kimberly Diamond Mine in South Africa, 1885.
10
Miners working a stope in the Gold King Mine, Gladstone, Colorado. 1899.
11
West Virginia coal mine, circa 1940.
12
Coalmine in Ukraine, 1970's.
13
Calumet Copper Mines, Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 1905.
14
Pit pony in Germany, 1894.
15
Coal miners in Indiana.
16
Coal miners in Illinois.
18
“My grandpa working in the coal mines of Kentucky in the early 70s.”
20
“Great Grandpa in 1950 working his turquoise mine.”
21
West Virginia Coal miner, 1930.
23
The underground locomotive in Kentucky.
25
Senator John F Kennedy talks with West Virginia coal miners while on the campaign trail. Mullens, West Virginia, 1960.
26
“My grandfather mining in Alaska. 1910's.”
