“I was a mine inspector for 30 years. As mayor and as a supervisor with the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, my No. 1 concern is safety. I don’t care how much coal you get — if it has 1 ounce of blood on it, it’s not worth it,”

That was Lynch Mayor Ronnie Hampton leading a large group of citizens who turned out last night to express concerns about the proposed A&G strip and auger mining operation that would threaten the town's water supply and quality of life.

Others expressed concern about the company's long record of violations and unpaid fines, and the impact it would have on the quality of life for Lynch residents.

“I just can’t see destroying the town for that little bit of coal,” said Lynch City Council member Bennie Massey.

Read more about last night's hearing in Jarrod Sherman's story in the Harlan Daily Enterprise.

Roy Silver put together a video about the proposed mine and views of Lynch residents, which you can view here or below.