Oldest Working Coal Miner

Dallas Chaffins of Buchanan County Virginia, at 73, is the oldest active working coal miner, a milestone for which he was honored by MSHA's District 5.

Chaffins has worked underground for more than 55 years without a lost-time injury.

He began his mining career in 1948 and over the years has worked for several coal companies in Virginia and Kentucky.

With no immediate plans to retire, Chaffins acknowledges he has always strived to work safely.

He considers himself a role model for younger coal miners and hopes that the example he sets will encourage them to work safely.