A spokesperson for Murray Energy subsidiary American Coal Company told ILN that the “depressed American economy” had significantly reduced demand for its coal, thereby forcing the lay-offs of hourly staff at the New Era and New Future operations.
The company noted that the majority of those laid off were offered positions with its KenAmerican subsidiary, which operates the Paradise mine in Kentucky. It also confirmed that many workers continued to mine coal at New Era and New Future.
“It is important to point out that there are still 543 people working at AmCoal in high-paying, well-benefited jobs,” the company said.
“Murray Energy and AmCoal have worked tirelessly to avoid any personnel reductions, notwithstanding the very depressed economy and coal marketplace.”
In addition to Paradise, New Era and New Future, Murray Energy operates the West Ridge operation in Utah, the Ohio Valley No. 6 and Century longwall operations in southeast Ohio, and the Redbird West highwall mine near Weirton, West Virginia.
