I met a hardrock miner while visiting family in Ouray, Colorado.
At 45 years old he had to read lips because his hearing was shot from the drilling noise. He had to wear dark glasses when outside to protect his eyes - he couldn't tolerate the light after years working in darkness. And who knows what his lungs looked like. If the mines opened up again he'd go back in an instant. When I asked why, he said it was a good job that let him live in the mountains that he loved.

Working at McDonalds might be safer but the mines probably pay a living wage.

Brian