"Some commodities command massive economic, social, and political influence. This title examines the business around coal, one of the world's most important sources of energy. It explores the history of the coal industry, coal's environmental impact and what is being done to mitigate it, and the future of the coal industry and coal technology. Features include essential facts, a glossary, selected bibliography, websites, source notes, and an index."--...

Uncovers the sobering resurgence of black lung disease in Appalachia, the cover-up activities of the coal mining industry, and the awareness activities of regional mining communities.