What are the hardships of mining?

There are a number of hardships that are often associated with mining, particularly when done underground rather than in an open pit. Working in confined spaces is difficult. The air is often very dusty. It is dark. There are sometimes cave-ins. Many people are killed in mining accidents. Those who do not die in mining accidents often suffer from lung disease (coal miners get "black lung") from all the dust they inhale. It is a difficult job.