Contura shuts down local mines amid virus concern

April 07, 2020

Local mines that employ nearly 290 people are shutting down for a month in response to the virus emergency.

Contura Energy announced Friday that it is temporarily shutting down several local operations “in response to market conditions, existing coal inventory levels, and recent customer deferrals due to concern around the global economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”

The closures are set for about 30 days, the company said in a press release. Contura did not name specific operations.

Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Public Relations Manager Tarah Kesterson confirmed Friday that Contura had provided specific information to DMME.

The Toms Creek preparation plant near Coeburn will stay open, as will the McClure prep plant and Deep Mine 41 in Dickenson County, Kesterson said.

Four Dickenson County mines are temporarily closed, she confirmed: Deep Mine 44, 94 employees; 88 Strip, 126 employees; Long Branch surface mine, 54 employees; Four O, a contract mine, 12 employees.

Each mine “will keep a few people on site for necessary maintenance during this time,” Kesterson said. “Contura says they will reevaluate the closure on April 20th.”