Coal Miner interview-McKenzie

Summary

In this heartfelt interview, McKenzie, a 28-year-old coal miner from War, West Virginia, shares his experiences growing up in Appalachia and working in the mines. Despite the dangers and decline of the coal industry, he remains passionate about his job, describing the tight-knit brotherhood among miners. McKenzie reflects on the importance of coal in everyday life and the region's economy, emphasizing the impact of mine closures on families. He discusses the future of the industry and his hope for his sons, while also expressing his love for the natural beauty of Appalachia.

Takeaways

• 😀 McKenzie, a 28-year-old coal miner from War, West Virginia, grew up in a mining community and has deep roots in Appalachia.
• 😀 McKenzie’s family has a long history of coal mining, with his grandfather, uncles, and mother’s side all involved in the industry.
• 😀 After his parents divorced at a young age, McKenzie remained close to both his mother and father, as well as his brothers.
• 😀 Before working in coal mining, McKenzie held various jobs, including a police officer, armed security guard, and caretaker for a mentally disabled child.
• 😀 McKenzie loves mining, citing the sense of brotherhood and family among miners as his favorite aspect of the job.
• 😀 Despite the dangerous nature of mining, McKenzie feels secure and supported by his team, highlighting the strong camaraderie in the industry.
• 😀 The coal industry is in decline, and McKenzie is concerned about its impact on the local economy and the future of young people in the area.
• 😀 McKenzie believes that coal is essential to everyday life, powering things like phones, makeup, and vehicles.
• 😀 Although McKenzie would like his sons to experience mining, he acknowledges that by the time they’re old enough to work, the industry may no longer be viable for them.
• 😀 The temperature in the mines remains around 60 degrees year-round, providing a consistent environment but requiring miners to adjust to colder or warmer sections depending on their location.
• 😀 McKenzie expresses a strong love for the Appalachian region, praising its natural beauty and saying he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

Q & A

Where did McKenzie grow up?

McKenzie grew up in War, specifically in John's Branch Holler, West Virginia.

How does McKenzie describe his family background?

McKenzie mentioned that his parents divorced when he was young, but he still saw his father often. His mother and father are both still alive, and he has brothers.

What different jobs has McKenzie held before working in coal mining?

Before working in coal mining, McKenzie worked as a police officer, an armed security guard at a hospital in Welch, and helped take care of a mentally disabled child.

What does McKenzie love about working in coal mining?

McKenzie loves the sense of brotherhood and family that comes with working in the coal mines. He enjoys looking out for his fellow workers, and he speaks highly of his boss and crew.

Has McKenzie ever been hurt while working in the mines?

McKenzie mentioned that he hasn't been seriously injured, although a piece of rock did fall and hit him in the head, causing a minor injury.

How does McKenzie feel about the state of the coal industry?

McKenzie feels that the coal industry is slowly deteriorating, and this is particularly hard for people in his region who have relied on coal mining for generations.

What does McKenzie think will happen to the economy in the region if coal mining declines?

McKenzie believes that the decline of coal mining will hurt the local economy, as many people in the region rely on coal as their primary source of income.

What does McKenzie think the likelihood is of his sons becoming coal miners?

McKenzie believes the likelihood of his sons becoming coal miners is slim to none by the time they are old enough, but he still wishes they could experience working underground.

What does McKenzie enjoy about the conditions underground in the mines?

McKenzie describes the mines as maintaining a steady temperature of 56-60 degrees year-round, which is especially nice in the summer when it feels like walking in front of an air conditioner.

How does McKenzie feel about the support for the coal industry from political leaders?

McKenzie is a supporter of former President Trump, believing that Trump's policies have helped the coal industry. He hopes for another term to potentially boost coal mining and create more jobs in the region.

What does McKenzie love about living in Appalachia?

McKenzie loves the mountains and streams in Appalachia, calling it the most beautiful place in the world. He says he couldn't imagine living anywhere else.