`   Not true.  I worked for a coal mining company in the Appalachia coal region, so I know first hand.  Unfortunately in the areas with coal reserves, there is not much economy.  Many people work in the mines because there is not many other jobs.  Not to mention, miners are paid relatively well.  The average miner makes approx $50,000 annually in KY/WV.  In a region with very little economy other than coal production, this is not bad.  Also, these men and women are making a decent salary, and college education is not required.  I will concede that the conditions these people work in are not ideal though.  But the stuff you read about and the ``documetaries`` about how mine owners/corporations take advantage of their employees is simply propaganda.`