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>In the past 30 years, the biggest coal seams were mined out in Appalachia, leaving thinner seams coursing through sandstone. ... >And because there's no coal
by parshimers 8y ago
>In the past 30 years, the biggest coal seams were mined out in Appalachia, leaving thinner seams coursing through sandstone.
...
>And because there's no coal, it is considered development mining or construction. So sampling the air for toxic dust is not required, even though it is the most dangerous dust. Former MSHA officials told us some inspectors did it, but most did not.
Hopefully the lawsuits cost them. However the folks that make these decisions never see the consequences; they've taken their bonuses and gone by now.
Furthermore the mine doesn't pay for medicare. We all do.
- maxxxxx 8y ago"Furthermore the mine doesn't pay for medicare. We all do. " Exactly. Worst case they can file for bankruptcy and blame evil environmentalists.
- justin66 8y agoHowever the folks that make these decisions never see the consequences; they've taken their bonuses and gone by now. It's worse than that. There might not be a company left when these guys start needing health care in a big way. (Or the mine's environmental impact is starting to be felt, or whatever) That's normal: a mine can be structured as a dividend paying company (with one big asset) that gradually becomes less and less valuable until it's worthless at the end. If the company goes bankrupt at that point, no big deal, it's already paid what it was meant to pay for its investors. And yes, management.
- dzhiurgis 8y agoIn NZ employers with higher risk pay more to the medical pool. Accidents outside work are paid for from common pool. Chronic diseases from unhealthy lifestyle (or bad luck) are not compensated. I can't think of a better system.