Job losses likely at Patriot Coal mines

More coal miners could lose their jobs amid weak market conditions, as Patriot Coal Corp. says substantial workforce reductions are likely.

Patriot Coal Corp. has issued WARN Act notices to all employees at the Highland coal mining complex located near Henderson, Kentucky, as well as the Dodge Hill mining complex located near Sturgis, Kentucky. Together, the Highland and Dodge Hill complexes employ approximately 670 people and produced 3.9 million t of thermal coal in 2013.

In a statement, Patriot said that low natural gas prices, together with EPA regulations designed to curtail low-cost coal-fuelled energy, continue to drive down thermal coal prices, resulting in operating losses at many mines across the US. Management is evaluating various strategic options for Highland and Dodge Hill that may result in substantial workforce reductions within the next 60 days. 

Adapted from press release by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/08122014/patriot-coal-corp-could-cut-further-jobs-1653/