In this module, we have learned how the mining industry and newer ways of mining coal is directly correlated to poverty and economic hardship within the Appalachian region. There are different things that have contributed to Appalachia’s economic decline in the past recent decades; however, it is notably evident that the decline of the coal industry has made the greatest impact. More specifically, the process of mountain top mining (MTM) has been one way the coal industry has been affected, causing a plethora of people to lose their jobs. Throughout this module reading anthropologist Bryan T. McNeil’s “Combating Mountaintop Removal” and viewing several websites and videos, it is clear that there are distinct connections that can be made…show more content… Mountain top mining (MTM) is a relatively new type of coal mining that began in Appalachia in the 1970s as an extension of conventional strip mining techniques. It can be described as “a mining practice where the tops of mountains are removed, exposing the seams of coal. Mountaintop removal can involve removing 500 feet or more of the summit to get at buried seams of coal. The earth from the mountaintop is then dumped in the neighboring valleys” (ilovemymountains.org). This method results in an almost complete recovery of coal seams while reducing the number of workers required to a fraction of what conventional methods require. Primarily, mountaintop removal is occurring in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. While this seems to be the most effective way of retrieving coal, it is extremely harmful; mountains are literally blown up—devastating communities throughout Appalachia as it pollutes drinking water and destroys rivers. Those within the MTM industry claim that this is a much more effective and less dangerous way to retrieve coal. While this is true to some degree, it has placed many individuals as unemployed and lent a helping hand in creating more poverty-like conditions in…show more content… Officials involved with mountaintop mining claim that the land used will be then utilized for economic development. This is especially ideal considering the decline of development within Appalachia; however, research has revealed that a mere 11% of land used for mountain top mining has actually been utilized for economic development. Environmental consequences include the biodiversity and vegetation lost as a result of blowing up the mountains. In addition, there is excess flooding and toxic waste is dumped into nearby valleys, contaminating nearly 2,000 miles of headwater streams. Cultural consequences include many individuals without jobs, and it even devastates the communities in which people reside. The EPA states that “the impact of mountaintop removal on nearby communities is devastating. Dynamite blasts needed to splinter rock strata are so strong they crack the foundations and walls of houses. Mining dries up an average of 100 wells a year and contaminates water in others. In many coalfield communities, the purity and availability of drinking water are keen concerns” (ilovemymountains.org). Given these circumstances and effects of MTM, environmental problems and poverty are most definitely linked. Because MTM effects the environment, families and communities are forced to relocate and this then creates the poverty in Appalachia. People move which results in
