Is it not possible do mining without sending people into the earth?

Has anyone here worked in or know anything about working in mines?

After seeing hundreds of stories over the years about miner’s getting trapped in mines (the latest today is in West Virginia), I’ve often been mystified about why actual human beings have to go into the earth.

Since there is such a high probability that they won’t come out, I’m always surprised that this madness still goes on. I can understand why people had to go into mines 100 years ago but, in today’s world, I would think it would be possible to send a machine or robot into mines that could be operated remotely, no?