- Alpha Natural Resources (ANR -2.5%) says it is idling mining and processing operations at its Rockspring Development's Camp Creek underground coal mine and plant in West Virginia, resulting in the loss of nearly 450 jobs.
- ANR says three other affiliated mine operators also would see workforce reductions.
- Imperial Capital recently suggested investors sell several of ANR’s bonds, despite yields of 40% or higher, on worries that recovery in bankruptcy would be minimal.
- Murray Energy reportedly is set to announce layoffs of ~1,800 workers at nine locations, dealing another blow to the coal mining industry in Appalachia.