Tag Archives: Mining

15m; U.S.

Cast: Mike Wallace, Ken Hechler, Joe Lovett, James Weekly, Bill Raney, Bob Wise

Mike Wallace does the definitive story on mountaintop removal mining. Gubernatorial candidate Bob Wise used a clip of the story in 2000 in his campaign in which he defeated Gov. Underwood for his second consecutive term. Starting with the effects of federal Judge Haden’s ruling that MTR violated the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, Wallace explores the destruction of MTR on peoples’ lives, interviewing many people including leading anti-MTR people such as WV Secretary of State Ken Hechler, Joe Lovett from the Appalachian Center for the Economy and Environment, James Weekly and others. He also interviews Bill Raney, the president of the WV Coal Association. Wallace asks Gov. Underwood about the half million dollars donated to his campaign and another half million donated to his 1992 inaugural party. Underwood was a long-time employee of WV coal companies after his first term as WV governor. Ken Hechler believes this story is still the best one ever filmed on MTR and its impact on peoples’ lives.

Access: CBS News purchase – http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml

53m

Director: Ellery Cadiz and Enoch Hicks

Synopsis (WV Division of Culture): This pro-coal film, made by Enoch Hicks and Ellery E. Cadiz, looks at the geology and history of coal, and traces mining methods from the earliest hand-loading efforts to today’s mechanized techniques. It pays tribute to the dedicated men and women who mine coal and describes their living and working conditions through the years. In addition to its 15 chapters of primary content, the DVD contains bonus features, including a history of mine safety, a history of mining machinery, a simulated mine explosion, and a virtual tour of the McDowell County town of War, home to filmmaker Enoch Hicks, which is depicted as a typical mining community.

Website: http://www.aflamingrock.com/a_flaming_rock.htm

61m; U.S.

Director: Ellery Cadiz and Enoch Hicks

Synopsis: The film has 15 chapters that cover everything from the origin of coal to a tribute for a miner’s family servicemen. Additional short films cover a history of mining safety, a history of mining machinery, a simulated mine explosion, and a portrait of War, WV.

Contact: Cadiz/Hicks Productions http://www.aflamingrock.com enie31@aol.com 937-258-2306

32m; U.S.

Director: Bob Gates, Penny Loeb

Synopsis: Charleston filmmaker Bob Gates and reporter Penny Loeb interview 45 West Virginia residents affected by the blasting required for “mountaintop removal.” The video shows damage to wells and houses and describes the psychological effects of round-the-clock blasting on residents who live in the proximity of the mines.

Contact: Robert Gates; 304-342-2624 photonzx@ntelos.net Omni Productions