Wyoming Coal Mines Lost 137 Employees Last Year

CASPER, WY. (AP) — Federal numbers show Wyoming coal mines lost 137 employees last year amid declining demand for the fuel.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration says coal mines in the state produced 304 million tons (276 million metric tons) of coal in 2018, down by about 12 million tons (11 million metric tons) from the previous year.

According to a state report, Wyoming coal mines added five full-time jobs in 2017 after shedding nearly 1,000 workers during the 2015 downturn.

Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association, says the sector is not consistent from season to season, but mines are holding a steady yearly production count.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half of the country’s coal mines have closed since 2008.

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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com