Which mine disaster led to the passage of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act?

The disaster that led to the passage of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act was the Farmington mine disaster, which occurred in 1968 in West Virginia. This tragic event involved an explosion at the Consol No. 9 coal mine, resulting in the deaths of 78 miners. The Farmington disaster was pivotal in highlighting the dangerous conditions in coal mines and the urgent need for improved safety regulations.

The public outcry and the intense media coverage following the disaster brought national attention to the safety of coal miners and helped to galvanize support for the development of stronger federal regulations regarding mine health and safety. As a direct consequence, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act was passed in 1969, establishing comprehensive safety standards and health protections for coal miners, as well as creating the framework for ongoing regulatory oversight of the mining industry. This legislation marked a significant shift towards prioritizing miner safety and has had lasting implications for the coal industry and its workforce.