Coal mine labor productivity: review of issues and evidence

Productivity in bituminous coal and lignite mining has declined substantially during the 1970s. This decline has implications on coal industry labor demand, production cost, and worker health and safety. This report reviews existing research that has attempted to explain the productivity decline. The research results reported here indicate that deep mine productivity has been reduced by the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, work stoppages, and the 1974 National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement. In addition, there is strong evidence that manpower shortages have affected productivity. Surface mine productivity has declined because of a reduction in average mine size and state reclamation laws. Future research directions are discussed.