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In reply to the discussion: Awaiting Trump's coal comeback, miners reject retraining [View all]KY_EnviroGuy
(14,492 posts)I've lost touch with that industry, but do know that what remains is transforming somewhat to using less labor-intensive methods. More high-tech people will be needed than before.
Coal-fired power is going out but not dead. In addition, there's some seams of specialty coal that are in high demand for making coke used in steel production, but these are fairly small mines.
I think the governments (states and federal) have programs in place to assist miners with finding new careers. However, many mountain folks have poor levels of basic education (particularly with science and math), and there are financial barriers as well. Some of these areas are so poor, they are losing their Walmarts! Many of these folks also have outstanding health issues to deal with.
This is a slow, painful process for the people and their communities.