LORADO, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Greenbrier Minerals, LLC has announced plans to idle seven mining operations in southern West Virginia, a move that will result in 530 permanent layoffs beginning April 14.
The company issued a 60-day notice Friday stating that the affected employees will be permanently terminated and will not have bumping rights, meaning seniority will not protect workers from losing their positions. Greenbrier Minerals is a subsidiary of Coronado Global Resources.
Operations slated to be fully idled include the Toney Fork Surface Mine, Elk Lick Loadout, Powellton No. 1 Mine, Saunders Prep Plant and Eagle No. 1 Mine, all located in Lorado. The Lower War Eagle No. 1 Mine in Cyclone and the Muddy Bridge Mine in Davin are also scheduled to cease operations.
In addition to the mine closures, the company said administrative layoffs are planned at its Rich Creek/Lyburn office.
Greenbrier Minerals cited “current adverse market conditions” as the reason for the decision.
The announcement comes days after Mettiki Coal announced plans to terminate operations at a mine in Tucker County on April 1, affecting 200 workers.
The layoffs were announced during the same week that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants and pledged federal funding to support and upgrade existing facilities.
