Soul of 78: Darlene Borden

One woman’s journey into the heart of the coal industry.

Words by Suzie Walton | Images by Ryan McGill

In 1984, Darlene Borden graduated from Carbon Hill High School with a softball scholarship to Brewer State Junior College (now Bevill State Community College in Fayette). One year, one health scare, and one opportunity later, Darlene’s future shifted from pursuing a college degree to excelling in a new job.

“A friend of mine was working at Drummond Company and told me of a job opening,” she recalls. “It was originally only a summer job, and then I was returning to college. However, after working those months part-time, I was offered a full-time position and took the chance.”

Thirty years later, Darlene, an Administrative Assistant at Drummond Company, Inc., is still on board the mining train and knows what she does is vital. Her job in the Land Department encompasses several responsibilities related to the payment of property taxes and royalties that come into the business. In addition to paying in-state and out-of-state property taxes, Darlene handles royalty payments on any company mining or leased mining. Darlene also works with the Director of Land on budgeting, land sales, land leases, and new developments.

The value of the coal industry was instilled in her from a young age. One might even say that Darlene has roots as deep as the coal beneath the dirt.

“Growing up, I watched my dad work hard and provide for our family,” she says, smiling proudly. “He was a coal miner in the 1970s when it wasn’t as safe as mining is today, but he took those risks to provide for our family. He had camaraderie with the guys he worked with, and I saw how important those friendships were.”

During her younger years, Darlene began to understand the vitality of coal. “I began to find the history of my dad’s work in the coal mines very interesting,” she explains. “I also saw how important it is and how it affects everyone’s day-to-day life. But we don’t really appreciate something until we don’t have it anymore; I think sometimes we can all take for granted that the lights come on when we flip the switch. Coal plays a role in that.”

Darlene says she grew up in a home that depended on coal for more than just flipping a switch. “It was our family’s source of income, paid our bills, and allowed my parents to afford to let my brother and me play sports,” she recalls.

Now, following her father’s footsteps, Darlene works in the business and has a greater respect for the coal industry.

“I never dreamed when I was younger that coal would be my job, too,” she laughs. “But I understand coal remains an important energy source that positively impacts our society’s quality of life.” 78