Virginia coal company to idle coal mines in 2 W.Va. counties

BRISTOL, Va. (AP) — Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources Inc. says it has notified workers at coal mines in two West Virginia counties that the company plans to idle their operations.

The decision will mean the loss of nearly 100 jobs.

In an announcement Friday, Alpha said the affected mines are in Logan and Mingo counties. The company cited weak market conditions and federal anti-pollution regulations.

Alpha said 91 workers have been given notice at affiliate Highland Mining Co.’s surface mines, as well as seven workers at a reclamation unit.

Twenty-five percent of the affected workers will continue to perform reclamation work as operations wind down. The mine idlings and workforce reduction are expected to be completed by mid-April.

The affected mines produced 1.5 million tons of thermal coal in 2014.