Lessons From Appalachia: The History and Impacts of Coal Mining and Their Relevance to Arizona’s Copper Industry

Coal mined from Appalachia was a key contributor to our nation’s success beginning with the Industrial Revolution. However, in modern times Appalachia is nearly as synonymous with environmental degradation and poverty as it is with coal, raising critical questions about the long-term effects of the way extractive industries affect the regions they operate in. This study (a) explores the history of the Appalachian region, the effects of legislative policy, and the ways broader perceptions of miners have evolved in order to examine the way the coal mining industry has affected the health, economic status, and social status of the people dependent on it; and (b) extrapolates these lessons to Arizona’s copper industry. As the demand for copper grows, Arizona’s copper mining grows along with it, and it is essential that patterns of neglect to long-term sustainability for miners and their families not be repeated. To create a resilient mining economy that balances national resource needs and company profits with the health, safety, finances, and social role of the blue collar workers that allow the industry to function there are a number of changes that need to be made. This study finds that improved health and safety standards, requirements for better benefits for disabled employees, a greater level of economic involvement through financial literacy education programs, retraining programs and relocation benefits for laid off employees, and a shift in the way legislators discuss issues surrounding mining and miners are all hugely important for maintaining the sustainability of these communities.