Tag: Coal Miner Layoffs

Coal Mine Idled in West Virginia, 260 Out of Work

A union official says a coal mine in northern West Virginia has been idled, with 260 workers losing their jobs, apparently because of adverse geological conditions and market issues.

Phil Smith, spokesman for the United Mine Workers of America, tells The Exponent Telegram in Clarksburg that another 59 people were laid off a few months ago at the Federal No. 2 mine owned by ERP Compliant Fuels, which has no other mine to transfer the workers to.

He says a few workers remain to prevent flooding and keep the mine ready to reopen, but coal reserves were getting thin.

The company did not reply to a request for comment.

In September, CEO Ken McCoy told Platts.com that the mine had some roof falls and other geological issues.

Bankrupt Coal Producer Alpha Announces More Planned Layoffs

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.

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