Associated Press Published

More Layoffs in the Works at Murray Mines

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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.