The first traces of mining works in Kakanj were found after WWII, when carbonized mining tools were discovered in Čelikovina pit. According to experts, the tools belong to the Middle Ages.
Exploration works for industrial coal exploitation began in the end the 19^th century.

At the beginning of the 20^th century (1898), the banks of small Zgošća river accepted the explorers from Austro-Hungary and diggers from Zenica and Kakanj-Doboj Coal Mine company soon began its operation in this area.

In the first year of the 20^th century, a bridge was built over River Bosnia and a narrow gauge railway was constructed, connecting the preparation facility and the railway station.  

By the end of 1901, a number of supporting facilities were built and 9,000 tons of coal exploited. These were the preparation works for the official beginnings of Kakanj Coal Mine, which began its operations in 1902, with headquarters in Vienna, 30 Seibertatte Street. Ten decades and a few more years have passed since. Kakanj Coal Mine had different organizational forms in different social systems, but was always a state-owned company. Starting with its first owner Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and until today, when it is owned by Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Three wars happened in this area, WWI, WWII and Aggression against BiH (1992.-1995.) but the coal production never stopped, not for a day.

Besides the wars, other sad things have happened in Zgošća Valley. Two large mining catastrophes, in Mining District Pope in 1934 and in Underground Mine Orasi in 1965, have taken 127 and 128 lives.

At first, only underground exploitation was used. Surface Mine Karaula was opened only in 1979 marking the beginnings of significant surface exploitation. A unit for surface exploitation of coal was formed a year later, and in 1982, preparation works for opening of Surface Mine Vrtlište began.

One million tons was first exploited in 1959. In 1986, the annual production was 2,048,178 tons of coal. Another significant result is 2,017,717 tons of coal in 1990. In 1985, Kakanj Coal Mine had 5,222 employees, more than ever before or after.

In the War of Liberation from 1992 to 1995, 64 employees of Kakanj Coal Mine were killed and 69 became invalids of war. The war damages were assessed to 234 million KM.