“As a result of the challenging coal markets and the difficult regulatory environment, Patriot Coal’s Corridor G mining complex located near Madison…will be downsizing operations to reduce coal production costs,” spokeswoman Janine Orf told Coal Age. “Approximately 130 hourly and salaried employees at that location will be impacted pursuant to…[that] notice,” adding that all layoffs were effective November 21.
The initial notice, required by federal law at least 60 days prior to a mass furlough, was released to 360 workers on September 9.
Bennett K. Hatfield, Patriot president and chief executive officer, said at that time that the company would be closely evaluating its options.
“The combination of increasing the Environmental Protection Agency regulations, mild summer weather and low natural gas prices has resulted in thermal coal pricing at levels below operating costs at many Appalachian mines,” he said in September. “Over the next two months, Corridor G management will further evaluate operations and staffing to assess their ability to produce coal at lower costs and determine the extent of actions to be taken.”
The Corridor G complex, which includes the Hobet 21 operation and the Beth Station preparation plant, produced 2.3 million tons in 2013.
