March 19, 2026 - A mining company with operations in Eastern Kentucky announced layoffs earlier this month. 

Clintwood JOD, LLC — a coal mining and production company with locations in Pike County and southwestern Virginia — informed some employees on March 9 they would be permanently laid off, effective immediately. 

Previously, employees had been told in letters on Feb. 24 that the company was implementing a temporary furlough due to circumstances outside its control.