West Virginia's coal industry is facing a summer of sharp decline, with nearly 700 workers expected to lose their jobs in the coming weeks. From Fayette to Wyoming counties, coal-related operations are shuttering, with little clarity offered by the companies responsible for the sweeping cuts.

The largest blow comes from Civil LLC, a private coal company based in Beckley, which has announced it will permanently close several of its operations, affecting an estimated 281 workers. As a privately held company, Civil LLC is not required to disclose earnings or financial performance, and it has yet to provide a reason for the closures.

The second hardest hit area is Itmann in Wyoming County, where Core Natural Resources plans to lay off 234 employees at its Mine #5 and prep plant. Core reported a staggering $69.3 million net loss in the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, Coal Mac, also owned by Core, laid off 104 workers earlier this summer from various Logan County operations.

Greenbrier Minerals, owned by Coronado Global Resources, also issued layoffs at its Lorado operation—impacting 61 workers. Coronado reported a $96.2 million net loss in Q1 2025, blaming it on depressed prices for metallurgical (met) coal.

“Market conditions remain challenging with continued low Met Coal pricing,” Coronado stated in its quarterly report.

Summary of Layoffs by Operation

Here's a breakdown of the projected job losses according to WARN notices:

Fayette County

• Kimberly Eagle (Civil LLC): 33 jobs – Aug. 2

• Kincaid CV2 (Civil LLC): 178 jobs – Aug. 2

• Page Load Out (Civil LLC): 2 jobs – Aug. 2

Logan County

• Toney Creek – Lorado (Greenbrier Minerals): 61 jobs – June 26

• Eagle 3, Cub Branch, Snap Creek (Coal Mac): 104 jobs – July 11

• Pine Creek Facility (Civil LLC): 1 job – Aug. 2

Boone County

• Van Falcon Facility (Civil LLC): 7 jobs – Aug. 2

Mingo County

• Delbarton Prep Plant (Civil LLC): 45 jobs – Aug. 2

Raleigh County

• Beckley Mechanic Shop (Civil LLC): 15 jobs – Aug. 2

Wyoming County

• Itmann Mine #5 and Prep Plant (Core): 234 jobs – Aug. 4

Governor Patrick Morrisey responded to the job losses with a message of support and urgency:

“It is always painful to hear of layoffs affecting West Virginians. The hard-working men and women of our coal industry have powered our state and nation for generations… We will keep pushing to get as many of these folks back to work as quickly as possible.”

But for many in the coalfields, hope feels distant. Former Coal Mining Safety Representative Ricky Estes spoke candidly about the fears facing older laid-off workers:

“I’m worried for the people that are laid off. Are they going to be able to find another job? You’ve got to find a job back in what you know, because you can’t start over at my age.”

As the coal market continues to falter under pressure from global energy shifts and fluctuating demand, thousands of West Virginians are now left wondering what’s next—and whether their decades of experience in a shrinking industry will translate into new opportunities.

For now, communities are bracing for impact, watching closely for both state support and signs of economic recovery.

Note: Don’t hesitate to ask for help — from local job centers, retraining programs, or fellow miners who’ve transitioned. This is a tough moment, but your skills are still in demand — it’s just about shifting focus, staying flexible, and seizing the right opportunities.

Your skills in safety, mechanics, heavy machinery, welding, or electrical systems translate well to:

• Geothermal.
• Water well.
• Construction.
• Utilities (electric, water, sewer).
• Manufacturing.
• Rail transport.
• Infrastructure and road building (especially with federal funding still rolling out).