Two Wyoming coal mines close, idle 700 workers

The owner of two Wyoming coal mines filed for bankruptcy and closed two mines on Monday and sent 700 workers home.

Blackjewel LLC, the country's fourth and sixth largest coal mining operator, was denied $ 20 million in funding from United Bank of West Virginia, CEO Jeffery Hoop, Casper Star Tribune said.

Right document shows that Blackjewel owes $ 500 million in debt, including $ 6 million to employees, according to the Star Tribune.

Coal companies such as Blackjewel have faced increased competition from natural gas and renewable energy.

"We only told them that the mines are out of order until further notice, we continue to solve the problem," said the Hoop newspaper of Eagle Butte and the Belle Ayr mines, located near Gillette, Wyo. [1[ads1]9659002] "United Bank was very insensitive. They put around 700 people's lives, (they) really turned their lives up and down," he added.

In 2016, 460 workers were laid off in two other nearby mines.

"What we are really worried about is the workers who are affected and similar to what we did in 2016, we will do everything we can to ensure that they are taken care of, whether it is retraining with college education or work support services. , Gillette Geno Palazzari spokesman said to Star-Tribune.