350 Alabama workers to be laid off in temporary mine closure

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About 350 workers will be laid off when a mine in Alabama temporarily closes, according to the United Mine Workers Association.

The Shoal Creek Mine, which spans three counties, was set to close for six months, said Larry Spencer, the district vice president for the union representing the miners.

Operator Peabody Energy said it decided to halt production at the mine following revenue loss and weakening demand for coal, Spencer said.

It was not immediately clear whether the laid-off workers would be rehired upon the mine’s reopening.

Peabody acquired the mine from the previous owner the Drummond Company in 2018. The company announced in August it had begun lowering coal production and had reduced its workforce by about 24% over the course of a year and a half, news outlets said.

Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.