The company does not know how long the Buchanan longwall mining operations will be idled, however CONSOL Energy expects production to be reduced by approximately 295,000 tons per month on this reduced schedule.
This action involves no layoffs, however most overtime and other non-essential work may be postponed until resumption of normal operations. The Buchanan mine will continue to work on safety and compliance. Buchanan has 778 miners, who have been officially briefed on the situation.
This announcement came on the heels of a similar announcement in late February regarding the Blacksville No. 2 mine. The company said that, in response to flat market conditions, it would idle its Blacksville No. 2 longwall mining unit in northern West Virginia and reduce its continuous mining operating schedule to four days per week.
