“BLACK POWER” 1950s RKO FILM ON APPALACHIAN COAL MINES & MINERS COAL MINING 91444
The Riches of the Appalachian Valley: Coal Mining
Overview of Coal Deposits
- The Appalachian Valley contains approximately $50 billion worth of bituminous coal, found in seams ranging from one inch to seven feet thick, with up to twenty layers in some areas.
- These deposits are recognized as the world's most productive coal reserves, indicating a significant resource for energy production.
Mining Operations and Workforce
- To establish a coal mine, drilling is conducted to test rock cores; if promising, mining operations commence, creating an underground city dedicated to extracting coal.
- Historically, 20 billion tons have been mined, with experts estimating that an additional 1 trillion tons could be extracted in the future. This highlights the extensive potential of these resources.
Life of Miners
- Miners are depicted as proud and independent individuals who accept the dangers associated with their work; they often emerge grimy but fulfilled after long hours underground.
- The miners carry personal lights into dark tunnels and are characterized by their strong sense of community and humor despite facing hazardous conditions daily.
Mechanization in Mining
- Modern mechanized mining techniques allow for increased efficiency; machines can fill five-ton mine cars within thirty seconds, showcasing advancements in technology compared to earlier methods.
- Despite having 300,000 fewer miners than in 1917, current operations yield more coal than ever before due to these technological improvements. This reflects a shift towards industrial efficiency in mining practices.
Community Impact and Family Life
- In mining towns where families reside, women often manage household duties while men work underground; this dynamic shapes community life significantly around mining activities. Gardening and raising children are common pursuits among women during this time.
- Companies often provide recreational facilities for miners' children as part of their community investment strategy; however, when mines close down or resources deplete, towns can become ghost towns with dwindling populations and businesses.
Individual vs Industrial Mining Practices
- Many individual miners operate small-scale mines across America’s 8,000 total mines; however, over 20% of today's coal tonnage comes from strip mining—an approach that removes earth layers rather than digging deep into the ground for resources.
- Strip mining can yield substantial amounts (up to 8 thousand tons per acre), demonstrating its economic viability despite environmental concerns associated with such practices.
Transportation and Economic Significance
- Coal is primarily transported via railroads and waterways like the Great Lakes due to its bulkiness; efficient transportation systems minimize delays and costs associated with handling large quantities of coal shipments.
- The processed coal plays a crucial role in steel manufacturing where it is converted into coke through baking at high temperatures (2000 degrees) over extended periods (18 hours), emphasizing its importance beyond just energy production but also industrial applications like steelmaking.