HAYSI, Va. (AP) — More than 120 people are being laid off at an Alpha Natural Resources mine in southwest Virginia.
The coal company said Thursday the layoffs will occur as the mine near Haysi (hay-SY’) is closed over the next two months.
The Bristol Herald Courier (http://bit.ly/1vczr7v) reports that 66 were laid off Thursday at the Cherokee Mine. Alpha spokesman Steve Hawkins said 55 will remain on the job for the next 60 days to close the mine and remove equipment.
Hawkins said the closure of the mine that opened in 1997 reflects the declining market for metallurgical coal. So-called met coal is used to make steel. It is often shipped abroad to Asian markets.
Hawkins also said production at the mine has declined, meaning it is near the end of its life.
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Information from: Bristol Herald Courier, http://www.bristolnews.com
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