Alliance Subsidiary Laying Off Nearly 300 Miners in Kentucky
November 18, 2024 - Nearly 300 workers at a mine operated by Tulsa-based Alliance Resource Partners L.P. are being layed off in Kentucky.
In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification or WARN Act filing made Friday, Alliance said it had sent notices to all of its approximately 280 employees of the MC Mining Complex in Kentucky’s Pike County. The mine is operated by Alliance’s subsidiary, Excel Mining LLC.
“The decision to issue WARN notices at the MC Mining Complex was not made lightly,” said Joseph W. Craft, III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Despite our continued efforts to navigate challenging geology and market conditions, persistent weakness in coal demand, compounded by some delays in timely payment for committed coal sales, has necessitated this difficult but necessary step to begin winding down production operations. We deeply regret the impact this decision has on our employees, their families, and their communities.”
The MC Mining Complex is owned by MC Mining, LLC and operated by Excel, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ARLP. Through October 31, 2024, the MC Mining Complex has generated 2024 year-to-date coal sales and production volumes of approximately 0.7 million tons and 0.8 million tons, respectively.
As of November 15, 2024, coal production from the MC Mining Complex will be reduced to two production units. Combined with current inventory, mining from the two production units will continue to supply existing contractual commitments before ceasing in anticipation of the mine’s permanent closure. Excel employees not involved in the reduced production of coal will focus efforts on reclamation activities throughout the MC Mining Complex.
ARLP does not expect this action to have any impact on its previously announced guidance ranges provided in its October 28, 2024 press release.