A really good documentary about coal mining is 1976’s “Harlan County USA.” It talks about the coal miners’ strike in Harlan County. http://www.documentary.org/feature/barbara-kopples-harlan-county-usa-1976
I think it’s very easy to say “why don’t people do this” and talk about all the logical reasons why we think they should do something. However, that’s not taking into account other things (many mentioned above): age, tradition, location of their families, love of the place they live in. Also it takes a lot of money to move, and a lot of energy (packing all your sh**).
I’m sure many have left for more opportunities, joined the military, gone to college, moved to cities, etc. I’m willing to bet there are less young people willing to go into coal mining now than in the past, and less people available to go into coal mining, despite the population rising.
@tinyfaery: You talk about what you did and it’s commendable. However, you don’t have children and family so you’re more mobile than someone who may have adult children, grandchildren, etc. living in the area. I don’t think it’s appropriate to say someone who doesn’t do what you did is “just stupid.” Maybe to you it’s stupid, but there are more reasons for them not do to it, apparently.