Black lung was once thought to be under control in the United States. But in Appalachia, it’s resurging, hitting coal miners younger and in more severe forms.
Fault Lines follows former miners living with the disease, like John Robinson, who now struggles to breathe after decades underground. Mackie Branham Jr was diagnosed in his 30s and later underwent a double lung transplant. Radiologist Brandon Crum is tracking a rise in advanced cases, including miners in their 20s and 30s.
The film examines what’s driving the surge. Changes in mining are exposing workers to more silica dust, which can scar the lungs faster and more severely. For families, the fight doesn’t end with diagnosis, with some facing years battling for benefits.
Black Lung Rising reveals the human cost behind the energy that powers the country, and asks why efforts to protect miners are falling short.
CREDITS:
Producer & Director: Amina Waheed
Senior Correspondent: Josh Rushing
Director of Photography: Joel Van Haren
Editor: Warwick Meade
Executive Producer: Laila Al-Arian
Associate Producer & Fact Checking: Mehr Sher
Program Management: Anabelle Rojas
Legal: George Stephanopoulos
Colourist: Anna Stalter
Sound Mix: Linus Bergman
Digital Producer: Riham Mansour
Special thanks: Rafi Mustafa, Tivus, Vonda Robinson, Wes Addington
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