At the end of summer, Wellmore Energy Co., a subsidiary of United Coal Co., announced a layoff affecting more than 70 miners from its Big Rock and Grundy, Va., locations. This month, the metallurgical coal mining company announced another 118 impending layoffs, which take effect in December.
“Unfortunately, after such a prolonged market downturn, United Coal Co. had to make the difficult decision to idle our operations in Southwest Virginia. The operations remain on ‘hot idle’ in an effort to be prepared when the metallurgical coal market improves,” Paul Konstanty, vice president and general counsel for United Coal, said in a statement to Cardinal News.
The coal mining community in Buchanan County, Virginia, is facing a particularly challenging year in 2025, as a wave of layoffs continues to ripple through the region. Between Wellmore Energy Co.’s recent announcement and similar workforce reductions at neighboring mining companies, the cumulative impact has left hundreds of miners and their families grappling with economic uncertainty and emotional strain.
In early October, Wellmore formally notified Virginia Works—the state’s workforce development agency—of its intent to initiate a new round of layoffs. These reductions, scheduled to begin on December 6, will affect a total of 118 employees across multiple operational sites. The largest cut will come from the Paw Paw 2 South mine in Big Rock, where 95 miners are set to lose their jobs. Additional layoffs include 12 workers at the company’s preparation plant, eight administrative staff based in Grundy, two employees at the surface minerals operation also in Grundy, and one individual at the Elk Creek surface mine in Hurley.
This announcement follows a broader trend of contraction in the Appalachian coal sector, driven by market volatility, regulatory pressures, and shifting energy demands. For Buchanan County—a region historically reliant on coal mining as a primary source of employment—the layoffs represent more than just job losses; they signal a deepening crisis in local livelihoods, community stability, and long-term economic resilience.
Local officials and workforce advocates are now working to coordinate support services, retraining programs, and transitional assistance for affected workers. However, the scale and timing of these layoffs pose significant challenges, especially as the holiday season approaches. The community is bracing for a difficult winter, with many families uncertain about their future in an industry that once defined the region’s prosperity
Source: www.coalage.com
