Photo Credit: Justin Hicks / KPR

Reports & Analysis

Filling the Gaps: Assessing MSHA’s Silica Dust Sampling - 2025 to Q1 2026 (2026)

ACLC

Benefits for Coal Miners with Black Lung Falling Behind Rate of Inflation (2026)

ACLC & Appalachian Voices

Proposed MSHA Office Closures Threaten Health of Miners and Safety of Mines Across the Country (2025)

ACLC

Academic & Agency Research

Current Review of Pneumoconiosis Among US Coal Miners (2020)

NIOSH

Resurgence of Progressive Massive Fibrosis in Coal Miners — Eastern Kentucky (2016)

CDC

Uncovering the Factors Behind Rising Pneumoconiosis Rates: Central Appalachian Underground Coal Miners as a Case Study (2025)

UCLA & Colorado School of Mines

Progressive Massive Fibrosis Identified at Federally Funded Black Lung Clinics in the US (2024)

Almberg et al.

The Impact of Black Lung and a Methodology for Controlling Respirable Dust (2020)

NIOSH

Work Practices and Respiratory Health Status of Appalachian Coal Miners With Progressive Massive Fibrosis (2018)

NIOSH et al.

Focusing on Coal Workers’ Lung Diseases: A Comparative Analysis of China, Australia, and the United States (2018)

China University of Mining and Technology, the University of Queensland, & the University of Mines and Technology

Deaths Associated with CWP 2020-2023 (2025)

CDC

Continued Increase in Prevalence of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis in the United States, 1970–2017 (2018)

NIOSH

Pathology and Mineralogy Demonstrate Respirable Crystalline Silica Is a Major Cause of Severe Pneumoconiosis in U.S. Coal Miners (2022)

UIC et al.

An analysis of contributing mining factors in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis prevalence in the United States coal mines, 1986–2018 (2021)

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, University of Colorado Denver, & Pennsylvania State University

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports

Black Lung Benefits Program: Miners Reported Experiencing Challenges, and DOL Should Monitor Operator-Provided Medical Coverage (2026)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Lack of Resolution on Coal Operator Self-Insurance Increases Financial Risk to Trust Fund (2024)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Continued Inaction on Coal Operator Self-Insurance Increases Financial Risk to Trust Fund (2021)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Oversight Is Needed to Address Trust Fund Solvency Strained by Bankruptcies (2020)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Financing and Oversight Challenges Are Adversely Affecting the Trust Fund (2019)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Options for Improving Trust Fund Finances (2018)

Black Lung Benefits Program: Administrative and Structural Changes Could Improve Miners' Ability to Pursue Claims (2009)