infred... I have spent 15 years working in undeground mines, strip mines, quaries and similar operations. Mostly coal, but limestone, copper, salt, and other operations. I have been under the ocean in nova scotia (coal seam follows the sea floor) and in several mine fires (price utah, blacksville wv among others) and honestly enjoy the work, as strange as it may sound! I have also spent a lot of time running big rock drills and enjoyed that as well. I now own an IT consulting company and only travel below in emergencies or when my expertise is needed in special situations. Funny though, I have never been in an anthracite mine or strip operation.
Bean