You can teach them to code, but I don't think most of them will want to code.
People are not stupid they can learn... However (especially in america) people identify themselves with the work that they do. The fact that they identify themselves as a miner is an important aspect to themselves, attributes that make a good miner are attributes that the person values and strives in themselves. Physical Strength, Courage, Hard Work, working with big equipment...
Taking this person and tell them that you need Patients, Attention to Detail, Creativity, and Sitting at a desk, to succeed, is at odds with their favorite values of themselves. You will be better off giving them a job wired networking, or laying out fiber across the country, if they want to go in technology.
Just as me a Software Developer was told that I need to work in the Mines. Yes I can learn how to do it. However I wouldn't really fit in too well. For one I would get really board as my mind wouldn't be as active, as well as I would be more miserable as I am not working in a comfortable work environment. As well as I may be a bit more sweemish as I am in a place that could kill me at any minute.