CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

Mining companies are laying off workers in southern West Virginia with some of those affected located in Mingo County. Officials said the layoffs will take effect Aug. 2.

The CV2 Mine in Fayette County will take the biggest hit, cutting 135 mining jobs and an additional 20 at the prep plant.

Other expected layoffs include positions at the Delbarton Prep Plant in Mingo County and the Eagle Energy Mine in Kimberly. Reports indicate the Delbarton facility will cut 44 jobs.

Some reports suggest the layoffs could be permanent.

The announcement follows news that Core Natural Resources plans to lay off 200 workers at the Itman Mine in Wyoming County effective Aug. 1.

A mine in Barbour County that caught fire in January has also laid off about 165 miners.

Ben Beakes, president of the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association of West Virginia, told WVMetroNews that although neither of those companies is a member of his organization, it is not a big surprise given the current economic climate for coal.

“Inflation continued to rise after COVID and the cost of mining has gone up astronomically,” Beakes said. “The break-even point as far as the cost for producing a ton of coal has significantly increased.”