Spokesman Brian Aiello said January 18 that 200 workers are impacted by the move, but that all will have the option to accept other employment duties at the complex, located in Greene and Washington counties.
“The Bailey complex tons are 93% contracted for 2016, so this is a temporary measure due to the warm winter so far,” Aiello said. “[It is] designed to optimize our operating schedule, better sync up customer delivery schedules with inventories and operate more efficiently.”
CONSOL has not elaborated on a timeline for the restart.
The Bailey complex is under the umbrella of CONSOL’s Pennsylvania Operations arm. Combined, the three neighboring sites — Bailey, Harvey and Enlow Fork — produced 22.8 million tons in 2015, according to company data.
Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania-based producer announced the idling of its Twin Branch surface operation in southern West Virginia, which resulted in 88 layoffs. That idle is also temporary and due to the unseasonable weather trend.
