Highland, Dodge Hill mine layoffs looming

Patriot Coal Corporation today issued WARN Act notices to all employees at the Highland mining complex located near Henderson and the Dodge Hill mining complex located near Sturgis.  Together, the Highland and Dodge Hill complexes employ approximately 670 people and produced 3.9 million tons of thermal coal in 2013.

Low natural gas prices, together with EPA regulations designed to curtail low-cost coal-fueled energy, continue to drive down thermal coal prices, resulting in operating losses at many mines across the United States.  Management is evaluating various strategic options for Highland and Dodge Hill that may result in substantial workforce reductions within the next 60 days.