How long does it take to become a coal miner?
Aspiring miners will receive on-the-job training in the form of an apprenticeship—working with a licensed miner. Apprenticeship requirements vary from state to state but often require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training and six months of on-the-job training.
What is the biggest health risk of coal mining?
1. Exposure to coal mine dust causes various pulmonary diseases, including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2. Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis, COPD, and other diseases.
Can anyone be a coal miner?
To become a coal miner, one must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Moreover, they must complete a specialized training and apprenticeship program before becoming a miner. On average, a coal miner can earn around $15 an hour or about $30,700 a year on top of benefits and possibly bonuses.
Where can I find mining related training in West Virginia?
Boone – Braxton – Clay – Fayette – Greenbrier – Jackson – Kanawha – Nicholas – Pocahontas – Putnam – Raleigh – Roane – Webster The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training offers a number of multimedia training materials on a variety of mining related subjects.
What percentage of coal miners in West Virginia were black?
During the first three decades of the 20th century, African Americans comprised about 25 percent of all southern West Virginia miners. Coal companies also recruited in Europe. In 1907, West Virginia appointed John Nugent as superintendent of immigration.
How long does it take to become a miner in WV?
A comprehensive 80-hour training, fulfilling the requirements of the WV State Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training for completing a course to obtain a WV Underground Apprentice Miner card (red hat). This course includes both classroom training and underground activities conducted at the West Virginia Training and Conference Center Mine Lab.
Where can I find training materials on mining safety?
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training offers a number of multimedia training materials on a variety of mining related subjects.