TWO LOCAL COAL MINES HAVE CLOSED TEMPORARILY AND FURLOUGHED THEIR EMPLOYEES

Two local coal mines have closed temporarily and nearly 90 employees have been furloughed. The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy said Patriot Mining in Wise County closed last week. They have 40 total employees, most of whom will be furloughed. A few will stay behind to maintain the mine. Arcelot Mittal Extra Energy in Tazewell County idled Friday. The company said the closure was due to market conditions because of COVID-19. 51 miners were furloughed and company officials are not sure when the mine will reopen. All Contura Energy mines have reopened with the miners wearing masks. 

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