Large mining companies make employment moves; layoffs included

Approximately 150 southern West Virginia coal miners and their families learned Friday of layoffs and other employment changes.

Alpha Natural Resources announced the furlough of 22 workers at its Ruby Energy Mine in Mingo County. The company laid off another worker at a nearby prep plant in Wayne County.

Patriot Coal has made moves impacting 130 workers at the Hobet Mining complex in Boone County.

Patriot released the following statement Friday:

“As a result of the challenging coal markets and the difficult regulatory environment, Patriot Coal’s Corridor G Mining Complex, located near Madison, WV, will be downsizing operations to reduce coal production costs. Approximately 130 hourly and salaried employees at that location will be impacted pursuant to the Company’s recent WARN notice.”