Coal Mine

Settlement in Mine Explosion is a Step in the Right Direction

coal miner statue

Miner statue in West Virginia

Miner statue in West Virginia.

On December 6, US Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that the federal government and Alpha Natural Resources have reached a settlement in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, including $210 million in fines and required safety improvements.

Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster

Beth Spence, Program Coordinator of the West Virginia Economic Justice Program, presents about her involvement in an investigative report of the Upper Branch Mine disaster.

AFSC Plays Major Role in West Virginia Mine Disaster Report

coal miner statue

Miner statue in West Virginia

Miner statue in West Virginia.

Editor's note: The report is available online.
Download the report (PDF, 5 MB)

Two Films from Appalshop

Black Lung Kills

coal mine, worker rights,

Black Lung Kills

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 8:00pm - 10:00pm

 The American Friends Service Committee/SERO and Paul Hays of Appalshop Film and Video (Appalshop.org) present 2 documentaries.

Fightin For A Breath - A documentary about "Black Lung". Caused by poor safety standards and lack of safety equipment this fim examines the history of the movement to compensate for black lung and airs archival footage of the United Mine Workers of America organizing against Black Lung. Footage also includes "Black Lung" victims being treated ar a "Black Lung" Clinic. Aired on Kentucky Public Television in the 2000s.

Contact Information: 

Paul Hays (404) 377-9836

Black Lung Kills

coal mine, worker rights,

Black Lung Kills

MARStar Spring 2010

The MARStar newsletter is published by the Middle Atlantic Region of the American Friends Service Committee.  This issue explores conversations about race that staff members are having throughout the region.  It also includes a letter from our new Interim Regional Director, Nina Laboy.

application/pdf iconMARStar_SpringSummer2010.pdf

coal miner statue

Miner statue in West Virginia

Miner statue in West Virginia.

Report from the field: West Virginia

coal miner statue

Miner statue in West Virginia

Miner statue in West Virginia.

The 29 miners killed in the April 5 methane explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine have been laid to rest, but signs of a community in deep mourning are still visible in the coal towns that line West Virginia’s Coal River Valley. Hand-scrawled messages in the windows of homes and businesses urge passers-by to “pray for our miners and their families,” as do billboards in front of churches with names like Amazing Grace and Healing Stream.

AFSC Responds to Montcoal Disaster

The American Friends Service Committee is saddened by the news from West Virginia of the methane explosion in the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal that has left 29 miners dead and two injured.

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