Associated Press Published

Bankrupt Coal Producer Alpha Announces More Planned Layoffs

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Bankrupt coal producer Alpha Natural Resources has announced planned layoffs in West Virginia for the third time in a month.

Media outlets report that Bristol, Virginia-based Alpha announced Friday that it sent 60-day layoff warning notices for more than 230 miners at four mines and one processing plant operated by Brooks Run Mining in Braxton and Webster counties.

Alpha cites tough market conditions that have dramatically reduced the demand for coal.

Last week Alpha announced the immediately layoff of 93 miners at Kingston Mining Inc. in Fayette County. Last month the company sent 60-day layoff notices for 831 miners and dozens more support staff at eight underground mines and two processing plants in Boone and Raleigh Counties.

Alpha filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August.