Martha Muir visits Enlow Fork mine, operated by Core Natural Resources, the US’s second-largest coal company. CEO Jimmy Brock compares descending 800ft underground to taking an elevator in Macy’s, aiming to demystify coal mining for modern Americans. Miners wear protective gear including self-contained self-rescue devices.

The mine uses longwall mining to extract 9 million tons of coal annually. Coal’s share of US electricity fell from 46% in 1950 to 17% in 2025 due to economics and environmental concerns. President Trump seeks to revive the sector despite cheaper alternatives.

Miners remain protective of their jobs; Core hires 30 young apprentices yearly as “red hats,” with average wages at $104,000 in Pennsylvania. The environment features flashing lights, vibrating tubes, and machinery roar, described as an “industrial sublime.” Brock aims to attract youth deterred by industry decline narratives.