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Expected Pike County mine closure results in loss of 280 mining jobs

Pikeville Fire Department

An expected closure of a mining facility in Pike County is resulting in 280 workers being laid off.

The Oklahoma-based Alliance Resource Partners announced the layoffs at the MC Mining Complex in a statement Friday. The company owns both the complex and its operator, Excel Mining.

It’s unclear when the mine will cease operation, and a representative did not respond immediately for comment.

The statement says the company made the decision based on market conditions, weakness in coal demand and delays in payment for coal sales.

Coal production at the complex is set to be scaled back to two units. They’ll be kept online until the facility closes.

The remaining employees not involved in coal production will focus on reclamation work.

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Shepherd joined WEKU in June 2023 as a staff reporter. He most recently worked for West Virginia Public Broadcasting as General Assignment Reporter. In that role, he collected interviews and captured photos in the northern region of West Virginia. Shepherd holds a master’s degree in Digital Marketing Communication and a bachelor’s in music from West Virginia University.
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