PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Ninety-nine coal miners are without work following a recent decision by a coal company.
United Mine Workers of America spokesperson Phil Smith confirmed to MetroNews affiliate WJLS that Pinnacle Mine, owned by Mission Coal Company, notified the miners Friday, June 27 of the decision.
Smith said it is unclear how soon those miners will be able to find new jobs.
“It really depends on how far they want to travel,” said Smith. “If mines in the area are hiring…I really don’t know.”
Smith could not confirm a reason, but UMWA Local 1713 President Bobby Bowman told The Register-Herald the layoffs are due to geological issues in the mine and not for economic reasons.
In 2016, 200 coal miners were laid off from Pinnacle Mine.