FIRST ON WVVA: Local miners told mines are being idled

October 19, 2012
WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports PINEVILLE (WVVA) - A number of miners in southern West Virginia employed by Mechel-Bluestone have received news this week not to come back to work until further notice, WVVA News has learned. A miner at one of the affected mines -- Double Bonus Mine on Pinnacle Creek Road in Pineville -- tells WVVA News that the miners there were told Thursday the mine was being idled until further notice. The miner says the affected workers were told they could file for low-earning unemployment and that a timetable for return was uncertain. At least four other underground and surface mines in the area were said to be affected, including Frontier Mine in Coal Mountain, and Paycar Mine in Kimball. Despite multiple attempts by WVVA News -- both by phone and in person -- Mechel-Bluestone officials could not be reached for comment. Typically, businesses that conduct layoffs must file what is called a 'warn notice' to Workforce West Virginia, so they are prepared to assist the affected workers. However, when filing for low-earning unemployment, a warn notice is not necessary. Mechel is a Russian-based coal and steel producer, founded in 2003 according to the company's website. Mechel-Bluestone is headquartered in Beckley. Source: WVVA