Boone County, West Virginia, had its average coal mine employment during the period drop by 1838 employees. It went to 2682 from 4520, a decline of nearly 41% since the fourth quarter of 2011.

According to 2013 population estimates from the US Census Bureau, the population of Boone County was just 24,224, and the most recent census data estimates 20.3% of individuals in the county live below the poverty line.

Production from mines in the county has also dropped, from 5.2 million short tons in the fourth quarter of 2011 to just 3.4Mt in the most recent quarter, according to SNL Energy.

Director of community and economic development at the Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation Kris Mitchell said while many hoped coal mining could make a comeback, she believed it would likely take a few years before coal's decline could reverse course.

“People don't seem to realise, yes, it is bad those miners are out of work and it's a horrible thing, but what makes it even worse is those miners then don't spend money,” she said.

“They don't buy homes, they don't buy cars, they cut back on groceries and they don't eat out. So that impacts every business in the county.”

Mitchell said the effect rippled out to surrounding counties, and even into Charleston.

While she said the county was being proactive in seeking other industries, it was tough to replace the coal industry.

“There are no jobs that are comparable to mining here,” Mitchell said.

“A coal miner will make anything from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. It's very, very hard work and long hours, but they do it because it's a good living and they want to provide for their family. Finding 1800 jobs here that are comparable to that – that's not even possible.”