Arch Coal laying off 750 workers in Appalachia

Thursday, June 21, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — One of the world’s largest coal producers says it will lay off about 750 workers in the Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia coalfields.

It’s the latest setback for an industry struggling for market share as utilities switch to cleaner and cheaper alternatives.

Officials with Arch Coal Inc. said Thursday that almost 600 of the job losses will be in Kentucky.

The St. Louis-based company says its subsidiaries will close three mining complexes — two in Kentucky and one in West Virginia. It is temporarily idling another complex in Kentucky and curtailing production at other operations in the three states.

Mining work accounts for some of the best-paying jobs in these areas. Local leaders worry the layoffs reflect a larger decline in the region’s coal production.

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Graceful 11 months ago

These job losses are the direct result of Obama's policies. It is a victory of ideology over people. This should put an end to the idea that Obama cares for the working man.

asb 11 months ago

Rediced demand and a depressed economy caused by unregulated greed are the culprits here. Arch is selling garbage by the trainload for fuel and the result is predictable.

RobHunterJohnson 11 months ago

Grace read into it, Arch will close 3 Higher Cost facilities? Sounds like business to me. Rob

JCLifer 11 months ago

High-cost union labor.

asb 11 months ago

So you'd pay the workers less? You sign yourself sir.

John 11 months ago

All you anti-union folk simply rent a movie by the name of "Matewan." It will demonstrate clearly to you as to why the Miners' Unions took hold and what happened to many of the miners who helped charter the uniion.

asb 11 months ago

A reduced demand for the dirtiest of all mainline energy sources will always result in downsizing. Only the miners will suffer; the top dogs and the shareholder (some very small and some miner who've invested) will continue to profit. I feel bad for the job loses, but am encourage by the gradual shrinking of coal's share of our carbon-fuel emmissions. Arch should be investing in alternatives, and training their fired workers in these alternatives. But that all requires investment greater than digging holes in the ground, leveling mountains, and filling our air with one of the most dangerous pollutants known. Sad day for the workers, no big deal for the owners. Does that seem right?

asb 11 months ago

Marvy, let's do away with regulations. All of 'em! They only hinder profit. Such drivel!

viktorkowski 11 months ago

this is simply a reduction of labor after archer acquired ICG some two years ago. Coupled with the fact that there is a glut of natural gas in this country from all the fracking going on many municipalities are switching to natural gas because its cheaper and yes because it is cleaner

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