Coal Miners

Employment in mining is expected to decline through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Technological advances have increased productivity and reduced the number of workers in the field. Stricter federal environmental regulations, such as the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, and increased competition from foreign producers will limit growth in this industry. Despite this prediction, there should continue to be opportunities for coal miners, since coal remained the second-most common fuel source for electricity generation (in 2022). The top sources were natural gas (39.8 percent), coal (19.7 percent), and nuclear (18.2 percent), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Because coal is a major resource for the production of such products as steel and cement, employment in the mining industry is strongly affected by changes in overall economic activity. In a recession the demand for coal drops, and many miners may be laid off.