The Charleston Gazette reported the Australia's US ambassador Michael Thawley had a hand in getting the 18 West Virginian's and one Kentucky miner home by the end of this week.

 

The miners were originally bought in from America to operate the New South Wales longwall, but were laid off after a disputes between resource owners General Pacific Capital and mine operator Thin Seam Mining closed the mine.

 

The Charleston Gazette said ten of the American miners and their families have already left Australia for West Virginia, while the rest and their families are still in New South Wales.

 

Two of the miners have decided to remain in Australia to work on other operations and three of the miners’ where-abouts were unknown.