The Paint Creek complex includes both Samples surface mine and Winchester underground mine.
The action was taken in response to high coal inventory levels driven by a combination of the CSX rail service disruption in February and continued weakness in demand for coal, according to the company.
“Appalachian thermal coal markets have been particularly hard hit over recent months by the combined impacts of coal-fired plant closures driven by EPA emission regulations, low-cost natural gas, and diminished export opportunities,” the company said.
Processing and shipping of coal to customers from on-site stockpiles will continue throughout the idle period. Coal production is scheduled to resume in late April or early May.
The Paint Creek complex has about 400 Patriot subsidiary employees.
