Working in a Coal Mine By Stephanie & Rosita

“Old Days”:

1.

2. The purpose of a coal mine is to provide energy – both heat and electricity. Coal was very useful when in need of transportation. (Ex: trains)

3. Many people worked in a coal mine – both children and adults. Girls would carry baskets full of coal which was too heavy for them. Women would work underground pulling carts – even when they were in the family way!

4. While working in a coal mine, there are many dangers. Gas poisoning and explosions could occur for different reasons that involved safety issues. People could sometimes suffocate! Workers could easily get open cuts, which could possibly lead to infections.

5. If the miners got an injury, they would not be allowed to work. There was no insurance.

Today – 21st Century:

A. Australia has a coal mining happening in it – it’s called Anglo Coal Callide Mine, Queensland. The company mines thermal coal and is worth $13.25 per ton.

B. Anglo Coal Callide Mine do not hire children, but they do hire men and women.

C. A union is the action or fact of joining together or being joined together. The union gives them benefits such as: fair pay and gives 27% more than non-unionized employees. Yes, there are fees for those who are in a union.

D. A non-union miner that is hired is called a “scab”. If they cross the picket line, they would be shunned and forced out of their job.

Miners face many dangers when they enter their daily work lifestyle Miners face many dangers when they enter their daily work lifestyle. Some dangers include: Cave-ins- when underground mineshafts are not secured properly, cave-ins/mine collapses occur. If the mineshaft is dug up too deeply, it can create cracks in the walls and floors. To prevent this from happening, the company can spray the walls, floors, and ceiling with concrete to strengthen it. Gas explosions- usually happen because of a build-up of methane gas. Ventilation is necessary so that there are no air pockets for the gas to form. Because spark and trigger explosions can happen from broken plugs, electrical equipment needs to be monitored. Chemical Leaks- this happens when the chemicals are not stored securely. To prevent this, workers need to have a good amount of ventilation, so they do not inhale the toxins. These will cost more money for safe equipment and training. The boss also needs to take time to fix the problems that occurred. E.

Today – Vancouver Island:

I. Someone would want to work at the Raven Underground Coal Project because they get paid $115,700 per year. This “Project” also has a safe environment. About 350 jobs will be available.

II. The Raven Underground Coal Project is protecting Bayne Sound and their shellfish. The company is saying that they’re collecting data to keep the shellfish – and the shellfish industry – safe.

III. In order to make steel, you need to have iron. If we were the owner of Raven mine, we would build a nearby factory to produce iron.

IV. Roberta Stevenson is worried that it is a “done deal” when there was an ad put in the Times Colonist. There is $28 million being created by the growing population.

V. The bodies of water that may be affected are: Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Union Bay. They carry salmon and shellfish which is worth a lot of money.

VI. We support the Raven Underground Coal Mine Project because it is protecting the shellfish and it’s habitat. This mine is very environmentally friendly, and is a benefit to others, and our province.