280 Pike County miners notified their jobs slated to disappear

TULSA, Okla. — Another 280 Pike County, Kentucky, coal mining jobs are about to disappear, this time from the MC Mining Complex.

Alliance Resource Partners L.P. said Friday that its subsidiary, Excel Mining, issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“WARN”) Act notices to all of its approximately 280 employees of the MC Mining Complex in Pike County.

Designed to protect employees, their families and communities from the impact of sudden employment loss, WARN Act is a U.S. labor law requires most employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days advance notice before planned closings or mass layoffs.

“The decision to issue WARN notices at the MC Mining Complex was not made lightly,” said Joseph W. Craft III, chairman, president and CEO. “Despite our continued efforts to navigate challenging geology and market conditions, persistent weakness in coal demand, compounded by some delays in timely payment for committed coal sales, has necessitated this difficult but necessary step to begin winding down production operations. We deeply regret the impact this decision has on our employees, their families, and their communities.”

The MC Mining Complex is owned by MC Mining LLC and operated by Excel, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ARLP. Through October 31, 2024, the MC Mining Complex has generated 2024 year-to-date coal sales and production volumes of approximately 0.7 million tons and 0.8 million tons, respectively.

As of November 15, 2024, coal production from the MC Mining Complex will be reduced to two production units. Combined with current inventory, mining from the two production units will continue to supply existing contractual commitments before ceasing in anticipation of the mine’s permanent closure. Excel employees not involved in the reduced production of coal will focus efforts on reclamation activities throughout the MC Mining Complex.

ARLP does not expect this action to have any impact on its previously announced guidance ranges provided in its October 28, 2024 press release.

ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the Eastern United States, supplying U.S, and internation major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States.

A company statement says ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.

More Kentucky business news here.