CONSOL Energy Inc. announced in October that it would idle its Emery Mine and furlough 171 employees there beginning in December. The layoffs will impact about 135 hourly and 36 salaried workers. They were briefed on Oct. 1. CONSOL explained that the mine will be idled because its production costs are higher than regional competitors and market conditions. Dec. 17 was the last day for mining at the mine. The Nielson Construction coal haul trucks will continue to haul until the coal at the mine has been taken to the rail. Then it is expected the coal haul drivers will be sent to another coal haul, but not all of the drivers are expected to keep their jobs.
The layoffs are expected to have a severe impact on the communities of Ferron and Emery who rely on the income from the mine. The local stores are stopping spots for the miners on their way to and from work in Emery. Emery County Progress
