EQUALITY -- Miners at Peabody Energy's Wildcat Hills Complex in Equality, in operation for about 13 years, learned Monday the mine will close Dec. 14, ending the 225 jobs.
In a federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) given to workers at a meeting Monday morning from Robert Bruer, a Peabody vice president, the mine is being closed "due to soft market conditions that make operations uneconomic."
The letter states the closure of both the Wildcat Hills Underground Mine and the Willow Lake Preparatory Plant are anticipated to be permanent, as are the jobs there.
Kemal Williamson, Peabody's president -- U.S. operations, said the company realizes the move may be difficult for employees.
"Our workers at the Arclar Complex have been hard working and we recognize the hardship closure may cause employees and families," Williamson said. "I genuinely appreciate their dedication over the many years we've operated in the region."
According to a fact sheet about the mine available at Peabody's website at www.peabodyenergy.com, the mine provided $150 million in direct and indirect economic benefits from its operation.
The mine moved 1.4 million tons of coal sold in 2018, according to the company information. It began operation in 2006, and is a part of the Arclar Complex, which began operation in 1997.
According to both the WARN notice given to employees and a news release sent Monday by Peabody, the company will work to offer employees who are interested and in good standing positions at other Peabody operations where openings exist.
In addition, separation benefits are being offered to workers, along with "outplacement assistance."
