Black Coal, Black Lungs, Warm Hearts: Coal Mining in Southwest Virginia
The Southern Appalachian region has long been one of the largest sources of coal in the world. For generations after generations, miners have been digging and blasting their way into the rugged mountains of Southwest Virginia to unearth tons of “black diamonds.” The sacrifices that these brave men and women make on a daily basis not only leave scars apparent on their coal-dusted bodies, but also on the region that remains below the surface, and that we, as Appalachians, are so proud to call home. This final project will focus on the environmental, personal, and health-related impacts and benefits of underground coal mining removal in Appalachia.
The Southwest Virginia Coalfield is home to several mechanized, technology advanced coal mines, which promotes the safe handling techniques of coal mines all over the United States. Mines in the early days were more primitive and dangerous than the mines of today. “As valuable as mules were, however, they were occasionally sacrificed for the safety of the miners. As mining operation would shut down for the evening, methane gas would build up in the mines overnight. To ensure that there was no gas inside, a mule would be sent into the mine first thing in the morning with an open [oil] flame strapped on its body. When the men would hear an explosion, they knew the coast was clear” (The Moonlit Road).
Although the coal mining industry takes the issue of safety very seriously, there are only so many safety precautions and procedures that can be put into place. Black Lung Disease, unfortunately, is a potentially fatal disease that is hardly unavoidable. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it can take years for black lung to develop and manifest. “There are different types including simple and complicated. Simple consists of little spots on the lungs. In complicated black lung, there are spots larger than one centimeter in diameter” (Bailey).
“More than 400 coal miners frequenting three clinics in southwestern Virginia between 2013 and 2017 were found to have complicated black lung disease, an extreme form characterized by dense masses of scar tissue in the lungs” (Popovich).This cluster of cases adds to a growing body of evidence that a black lung epidemic is emerging to central Appalachia. Black lung disease is caused by the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust in the lungs. As a coal miner’s daughter, I ask my fellow Appalachians what can we do to prevent it and why is it resurfaced? Coal mining is important to Appalachia for industrial revolution and economic activity. In order for coal mining to prosper we need healthy men and women working underground. Coal is important, and our people are more important.
Although coal mining poses many threats to the individuals who bravely sacrifice their time and energy to fuel the nation’s economy, there is a bright side to the industry; there are several economic and personal benefits to the industry as a whole. Coal is one of the most important sources of energy, providing an easy way to generate energy/electricity in a cheap and efficient manner. “Coal is abundant within the United States at nearly 262 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s a 235-year supply at current rates of use” (RMCMI).
Coal mining is an important and self-sustaining industry within the Southwestern region of Appalachia. It is not only away of work, but also a way of life; it’s a way to make a living and support your family. “Coming from a coal region, I know that coal is more than making a living, it’s a way of life. It’s not just your job, it’s your community” (Foran).The environmental and health-related impacts of the coal industry does not outweigh the personal benefits and pride the workers of the coal miners exempt each and every day. I am proud to be a coal miner’s daughter, and I am even more proud to be a supporter of coal.
For my creative portion of the project I have composed a powerpoint presentation of videos of coal miners, one of which is my father, as well as videos of pulmonologists (which are my mothers co-workers) to have them explain their side to coal mining and what they see on a day-to-day basis.
