Coal Miners Find Hope in West Virginia's Appalachia
Mingo County, West Virginia — In West Virginia's hollers, deep in Appalachia, jobless coal miners are now finding a seam of hope.
"I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to do," said James Damron, who was laid off two years ago from a mine.
"I did know I didn't want to go back in the deep mines," he added.
Instead, Damron found Coalfield Development, and its incoming CEO, Jacob Israel Hannah.
"Hope is only as good as what it means to put food on the table," Hannah told CBS News.
The recent boom in renewable energy has impacted the coal industry. According to numbers from the Energy Information Administration, there were just under 90,000 coal workers in the U.S. in 2012. As of 2022, that number has dropped by about half, to a little over 43,500.
Coalfield Development is a community-based nonprofit, teaching a dozen job skills, such as construction, agriculture, and solar installation. It also teaches personal skills.
"They're going through this process here," Hannah said.
Participants can get paid for up to three years to learn all of them.
Appalachia Creates New Opportunities for Coal Miners
In an effort to provide coal miners with alternative career options, a program in Appalachia is helping them acquire new skills and find employment in different industries. The program, funded by $20 million in federal grants, has trained over 2,500 individuals since its establishment in 2010. It has also led to the creation of 800 new jobs and 72 new businesses.
The program aims to empower coal miners by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in interviews and transition into new careers. By generating their own hope and meeting real needs, the program is helping individuals reclaim their identities and find fulfilling work.
One success story is Steven Spry, a recent graduate of the program, who is now involved in reclaiming an abandoned strip mine and transforming it into fertile land. Spry has developed skills in welding, farming, and operating excavators, allowing him to build a career in this new field.
Another participant, Damron, has also found success through the program. Previously a coal miner, Damron now works above ground and has rediscovered his sense of self. The program has provided him with new opportunities and a chance to explore different career paths.
Overall, the program is a testament to how Appalachia is embracing change and creating options for its residents. By diversifying the economy and providing training opportunities, the region is paving the way for a brighter future.
