The owner of Argus Energy and Kiah Creek Transport says a
“series of adverse events” caused the company to issue WARN notices to 236
employees late last month.
According to a WARN notice sent to employees
on October 25, and a press release issued on Monday, Argus has decided to close
its Kiah Creek Complex in Dunlow, and its Wayne County River Terminal and
related operations in Kenova.
Kiah Creek Transport (KCT), which
provides contract trucking services, plans to close its operations in both
Dunlow and Kenova. KCT is an affiliate of Argus.
Argus and KCT currently employ
approximately 177 and 59 employees.
According to the notice, the facilities
will close on December 27, 2013.
James Booth, who is President of Argus
and KCT, says those “adverse events” are “without limitations, the inability to
timely secure permits, interruption in operation due to regulatory enforcement
actions and weak coal markets conditions.”
According to the release, the company
is in the process of evaluating its need for employees after production
operations cease. They also expect to retain a certain number of employees will
be retained for reclamation and other purposes.
