Black lung disease rates hit 50-year high in Appalachia

Black lung disease rates in Central Appalachia have reached their highest levels since the late 1970s. Recent data indicates that 32.5% of veteran underground coal miners in the region are living with the condition.

Federal efforts to mitigate the risk are facing setbacks. The Labor Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration recently announced an indefinite delay in enforcing a rule intended to reduce permissible silica dust exposure limits for coal miners. This follows a previous pause on enforcement by the Trump administration.

Miners also face significant hurdles in accessing federal benefits. A Government Accountability Office report found that coal operators challenged 40% of approved claims between 2013 and 2024, with typical appeals lasting three years or more. In some instances, beneficiaries who initially won approval lost on appeal and were required to repay benefits.