Coalmining in India first started in the Raniganj Coalfield. In 1774, John Sumner and
Suetonius Grant Heatly of the
British East India Company found coal near
Ethora, presently in
Salanpur community development block. The early exploration and mining operations were carried out in a haphazard manner. Regular mining started in 1820, led by an agency house, Alexander & Co. In 1835,
Prince Dwarkanath Tagore bought over the collieries and
Carr, Tagore and Company led the field. For the entire 19th century and a major part of the 20th century, Raniganj coalfields was the major producer of coal in the country. In 1886, W.W.Hunter wrote, "Raniganj Coalfield has been estimated at an area of 500 square miles. In this ‘black country of India’, which is dotted with tall chimney stalks, many European companies are at work, besides many native firms. At first coal was raised from open workings; but regular mining is now carried on, according to the system known as ‘pillar and stall’… The miners are all drawn from the aboriginal races, chiefly
Santals and
Bauris, who are noted for their endurance and docility." ==2008 status==