Inmates to Mine Hope in Coal Fields
Kentucky prisoners train to be miners for industry seeking drug-free workers.
May 6, 2009— -- For Robert Allen, the cramped confines of a Kentucky coal mine spell freedom, and the difficult and dangerous work of a miner's life means a second chance.
Allen, 35, is slated to graduate today from a first-of-its-kind program that trains prison inmates to be coal miners.
Allen has spent the past two and half years at the Harlan County Detention Center in Southeast Kentucky doing time -- like most of the inmates there -- for illegally selling prescription pain drugs.
At 9.8 percent and growing, Kentucky has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Coal mining, though increasingly affected by the recession, remains one of just two growth industries in the state and is currently facing an employment shortage.
"It is so hard to get a job in Eastern Kentucky right now. I know when I get out it will be hard to find work," said Allen, who has already served 31 months and will have a parole hearing in August.
"Coal mining is tough, but it's a lot less stressful than selling drugs," he said.
Curtis Stallard, who runs the detention center, came up with the idea of training the inmates to work in the coal-rich fields of Appalachia. He calls the program a "win-win" offering ex-convicts a shot at redemption and injecting the industry with needed workers.
Recently released prisoners offer the coal companies at least one advantage – a high probability of clean drug tests.
The industry is looking to replace aging baby bombers especially in the highly physical work done by inexperienced miners, said Bill Caylor, president of the Kentucky Coal Association.
The companies, Caylor said, have a "zero tolerance" policy for drugs, but given the state's high rates of drug use, recent inmates who have been drug-free during their time in jail make them good candidates.
"It's hard to find entry-level miners," said Caylor. "In terms of getting new kids, the biggest problem is drugs. Drug use is everywhere. We're losing a lot of candidates because of failed drug tests."
