As coal miners suffer and die from severe black lung, a proposed fix may fall short

"There's a lot of memories here, some good, some bad," said Danny Smith, reflecting on his years working at the now-defunct Solid Energy mine in Pike County, Ky. Smith, 51, suffers from an advanced and incurable stage of black lung disease. (Rich-Joseph Facun for NPR)

The gravesite in Danny Smith's vast and verdant yard is shaded by hulking trees. His parents' graves are adjacent and marked by a massive headstone. In summer, crickets chirp, birds sing, and leaves rustle in the breeze.

It is a peaceful spot for Smith's final resting place. And it's ready.