Preserving West Virginia’s Coal Mining History

MOUNDSVILLE, WV (WTRF) — The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex hosted a lecture on preserving West Virginia’s coal mining history.

The Abandoned Mining Areas Department monitors public safety issues related to coal mining, such as high walls, open portals, and blowouts.

Jeff Davis, regional planning supervisor, shared his experiences with mining operations prior to 1977 and what his organization does to safely preserve mining history.

“West Virginia, we’re a coal mining state, so I think it’s something that everybody needs to know. They don’t teach it like they used to, but it’s still there, so it’s really important for people to know their history.”

Jeff Davis, Abandoned Mine Lands Regional Planning Supervisor

Davis said in his presentation that one of AML’s top priorities is to protect the public from pre-law hazards while preserving West Virginia’s coal mining heritage.