Tag: Coal mining layoffs

Blackhawk Mining to Idle 146 Workers

Blackhawk Mining has announced plans to idle some coal operations in southern West Virginia and permanently lay off 146 workers.

Lexington, Kentucky-based Blackhawk Mining sent layoff warning notices to the Kanawha County Commission on Monday.

The Panther Creek mine in Kanawha County was part of Blackhawk Mining’s purchase through an auction of a substantial amount of bankrupt Patriot Coal’s assets last year.

Blackhawk says the layoffs are expected to take place in March at Panther Creek’s Winchester Underground Mine and Tom’s Fork Prep Plant in Eskdale.

Other operations at Panther Creek will remain active.

Scott Depot-based Patriot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last May.

More Layoffs in the Works at Murray Mines

Union officials say nearly 600 coal miners could lose their jobs at Murray Energy Corp. mines in West Virginia and Ohio.

The United Mine Workers of America said Thursday that 532 of the planned layoffs would occur at five Murray mines in northern West Virginia. About 82 to 125 miners would lose jobs at each mine.

Fifty-four layoffs were planned for the mine in Powhatan Point, Ohio.

Murray did not immediately confirm the job losses. A statement by Murray spokesman Gary Broadbent discussed impending changes and so-called work force adjustments, which typically means job losses.

Broadbent said changes are necessary amid coal mining market conditions.

In May, Murray laid off a total of hundreds of miners at its Marshall and Ohio counties mines in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.

Alpha Idles Coal Operations in Logan, Mingo Counties

BRISTOL, Va. (AP) – Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources Inc. says it has notified workers at coal mines in two West Virginia counties that the company plans to idle their operations.
 
     The decision will mean the loss of nearly 100 jobs.
 
     In an announcement today, Alpha said the affected mines are in Logan and Mingo counties. The company cited weak market conditions and federal anti-pollution regulations.
 
     Alpha said 91 workers have been given notice at affiliate Highland Mining Co.’s surface mines, as well as seven workers at a reclamation unit.
 
     Twenty-five percent of the affected workers will continue to perform reclamation work as operations wind down. The mine idlings and workforce reduction are expected to be completed by mid-April.
 
     The affected mines produced 1.5 million tons of thermal coal in 2014.

West Virginia Coal Company Expects 280 Layoffs

  A coal company has announced plans to lay off 280 workers at mines in southern West Virginia.

Coal River Mining and Coal River Processing filed a 60-day layoff notice Tuesday for five mines. Four mines would be idled, while one has already been idled.

The facilities are in Alum Creek and Julian.

Plant, administrative, warehouse and support personnel also would face layoffs.

The layoffs are expected sometime in October.

In Tuesday’s notice, Coal River managing member Jim Bunn II attributed the layoffs to adverse market conditions.

More Federal Dollars Available to Help Laid-Off W.Va. Miners

Federal dollars are expected to help miners who have recently lost their jobs.Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced WorkForce West Virginia will receive…

Federal dollars are expected to help miners who have recently lost their jobs.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced WorkForce West Virginia will receive additional supplemental funding for $ 5,639,376 in National Emergency Grant (NEG) funds.

The money is part of the National Emergency Grant (NEG) funds from the U. S. Department of Labor to continue providing services to workers affected by layoffs and mine closures occurring within West Virginia’s coal mining industry.

In 2012, an emergency grant for $1.8 million was administered by Workforce West Virginia.  That grant provided up to $5,000  for miners and their family members for classroom occupational skills  training. Unemployed miners have attended rapid response meetings to apply and learn more about opportunity for new trainings. The latest funding is in addition to the money allotted to serve displaced mine workers in 2012.

Earlier this week, Patriot Coal sent out “WARN” notices to employees at two West Virginia coal operations. The notice means that layoffs are likely but not guaranteed. Still, the state has endured a decline in mining jobs.

“Layoffs and mine closures are frustrating for our miners and their families – they depend on their jobs to keep food on the table and a roof overhead,” Gov. Tomblin said. “This additional funding, combined with the original grant award, will allow us to provide re-employment services and job training opportunities to 700 mine workers.”

“This additional funding extends the grant through December 31, 2016 and will allow continued reemployment and retraining services to coal miners impacted by mass layoffs and mine closures,” said Russell L. Fry, acting executive director of WorkForce West Virginia.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund.

Updated Friday, April 25, 2014 at 4:10 p.m.:

Workforce West Virginia says dislocated coal miners and their spouses can begin by contacting the United Mine Workers of America Career Center at 304-253-3772 or toll free 877-798-8692 for more information.

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