Jessica Lilly Published

Patriot Coal Gives Possible Layoff Notice to Miners, Again

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Patriot Coal is warning hundreds of miners at a Southern West Virginia mine operation that they could lose their jobs. According to a release, Patriot issued the WARN notices at the Corridor G mining complex near Danville.

Pursuant to the WARN Act, the Company gave 60-day notice of potential layoffs to all employees that could be affected.  Patriot warned miners at the same mine, along with others, of possible layoffs back in April 2014.

The operation includes the Hobet 21 Mine and Beth Station preparation plant, and employs 360 people. The release says the mine produced 2.3 million tons of thermal coal in 2013.

Pursuant to the WARN Act, the Company today gave 60-day notice of potential layoffs to all employees that could be affected. 

“The combination of increasing EPA regulations, mild summer weather and low natural gas prices has resulted in thermal coal pricing at levels below operating costs at many Appalachian mines,” said Patriot President and Chief Executive Officer Bennett K. Hatfield.  “Over the next two months, Corridor G management will further evaluate operations and staffing to assess their ability to produce coal at lower costs and determine the extent of actions to be taken.  We deeply regret the impact these actions will have on our hard-working employees and neighboring communities.”