One of the great benefits about the space program is that engineers create technical solutions to problems that cannot be foreseen, to the benefit of us back down on earth. In this case, technology developed to regulate air supply in space will be used for minining expeditiosn. From the Science Daily article:
Paragon Space Development Corp. of Tucson, Ariz., is providing the air revitalization system it matured under a NASA Space Act Agreement to Mine Shield LLC of Lancaster, Ky., for use in its underground miner refuge chambers. These air-tight metal chambers are used by miners as lifesaving havens when trapped underground, providing air, water and food until rescued.
Project like these show that space exploration has benefits beyond the initital intention. Check out more pratical applications of space technology here, including LEDs and artificial limbs.