Pamela McDowell

If you look carefully, you can find some fascinating, helpful people through the internet.

While writing Dirty Jobs: Coal Miner (published by Weigl, 2014), I was challenged to find accurate, reliable details about modern a coal miner’s clothing, safety equipment, and daily routine.  American information was required, as this book was destined for the American school and library market.  After days of searching, I found Tom Fisher, a third-generation coal miner and poet.  As the Lead Safety Auditor at the Oak Grove Mine in Alabama, Tom provided valuable expertise and guidance.  Oak Grove is one of the largest mines in Alabama, employing more than 500 people, 350 of which work underground.  Tom was kind enough to review my facts and contribute a quote for page 10, “All in a day’s work”.  Thanks so much, Tom!

Please visit Tom’s Facebook page, Coal Miners Light, for interesting discussion and historical photos of mining in the US.