Coal company Alpha Natural Resources says that production will be reduced at some of its operations in central Appalachia due to decreased demand.
The Bristol, Va.-based company said Friday that 10 mining operations — four in eastern Kentucky and six in southern West Virginia — are affected by the changes.
Alpha says subsidiaries in Kentucky and West Virginia will idle four mines immediately and two others between now and early 2013. Several other mines will alter work schedules or reduce production crews.
When completed, the company says the adjustments are expected to reduce annual coal production by approximately 4 million tons.
Alpha Natural Resources Inc. has more than 180 mines and processing plants in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. It employs about 14,000 people through its affiliates.
