Kemmerer Operations, LLC has announced the layoff of 28 workers, representing approximately 13% of its workforce at the Kemmerer coal mine, Oil City News reports.
The decision comes as the company adjusts to changing coal market conditions, particularly the transition of several regional coal-fired power plants to natural gas.
In a press statement, the company expressed appreciation for the contributions of the affected employees and reaffirmed its partnership with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).
In addition to the layoffs, the company will reduce its operations from three shifts to two, effectively ending 24-hour mining operations. This shift will have economic implications for Kemmerer, Diamondville, and surrounding communities, as many mine workers commute from Evanston, Mountain View, Lyman, and even towns in Utah and Idaho.
Local officials acknowledged the impact of the layoffs but noted that new industrial projects in the area, such as TerraPower’s Natrium nuclear power plant and a trona mine expansion near Green River, could provide employment opportunities for displaced workers.
The Kemmerer mine produced 2.4 million tons of coal in 2024, down from 4.2 million tons in 2017, reflecting broader industry trends. The layoffs come in the same week that President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to revitalizing the coal industry.
Despite the reductions, Lincoln County Commission Chairman Kent Connelly noted that the community had been expecting changes.
“Everybody’s been watching what they’re going to do, so I can’t say that it was a surprise,” he said.
Kemmerer Operations has not provided further details on the layoffs or potential future workforce adjustments.
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