Drilling is a cutting process that uses a drill bit to cut a hole of circular cross-section in solid materials. Mining drilling is used for two main purposes:
1. exploration drilling which aims to identify the location and quality of a mineral
2. production drilling, used in the production cycle for mining

Underground mining (hard /soft rock) uses a variety of drill rigs dependent on the desired purpose, such as production, bolting, cabling, and tunnelling. The drilling operation In connection with methane exploration or extraction activities in a belowground mine or part thereof, the conditions and other details for the conduct of drilling operation shall be specified by the Chief Inspector, by a special order. Different types of drilling machines are used in underground coal mines like; Electric coal drill machines, pneumatic drill machines, jackhammer drill machines, & Universal drill machines.