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Blackhawk Mining Closes 3 West Virginia Coal Mines

Associated Press

   Blackhawk Mining says it's closing three mines and two preparation
   plants in West Virginia amid weak global coal markets.
   The Kentucky-based coal company on Tuesday announced the idling of its
   facilities in Logan and Mingo counties.
   The move will impact 342 employees. Blackhawk says workers will be
   encouraged to apply for open jobs elsewhere with the company. A
   Blackhawk news release blamed a weak coal market and drops in prices
   for its decision to close the facilities.
   Blackhawk filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July, saying the
   restructuring would enable it to shed more than 60% of its debt. Many
   major U.S. coal producers have filed for bankruptcy protection in
   recent years.

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