ニューヨーク・タイムズのインスタグラム(nytimes) - 1月26日 09時09分

When Nic Zmija applied for a job at the 4 West coal mine in Bobtown, Pennsylvania, 3 years ago, he was tantalized by a fat raise and a secure future. “It all sounded good,” Nic recalled. “They said my kids would be able to retire here.” But right after New Year’s, management announced that the mine would have to close, leaving 370 workers scrambling to find new jobs. For the Zmija family, that means preparing to move in search of the next coal job. The fateful turn of events in Appalachian mining towns like Bobtown illustrates the seemingly relentless downturn of the coal industry. A decline in demand has forced a 38% drop in the nation’s coal production in a little less than a decade. Now only the most efficient mines containing the highest-quality coal can survive. The 4 West mine is expensive to run. Its coal seam is thin and of lower quality than competing mines, and its traditional form of mining requires costly methods to stabilize roofs to protect against accidents. At age 28, though, Nic has not lost faith in the industry. He's considering applying for a coal job in Alabama, or he may return to his old mine job in Maryland, although it doesn't pay as well. A sign in his living room says, “I’m a proud coal miner.” Still, he grumbles about the turn of fortune at 4 West, saying, “It feels like a slap in the face.” @andyspear took this photo of Nic with his son Kolson. Visit the link in our profile to read more.

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