News
Alpha Won’t Lay Off 750 West Virginia Coal Miners
By: Associated Press
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About 750 Alpha Natural Resources workers at West Virginia coal mines will keep their jobs, despite layoff warnings this summer.
In a news release Monday, Alpha said operations will continue at eight mines in Logan, Mingo, Boone and Raleigh counties.
In July, Alpha warned 1,100 West Virginia workers at 11 mines of anticipated layoffs. The mines produced about 75 percent thermal coal for power generation, and 25 percent metallurgical coal for steel production.
The company cited weak domestic and international markets and federal regulations.
Eight mines extended layoff notices in September. Two mines were idled, resulting in 193 layoffs. One mine kept operating without a layoff warning.
Alpha officials credited Monday's announcement to cost-cutting measures and sales improvements in some areas.
Officials also warned of a more volatile coal market.