By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—Jesse Creek Mining, LLC announced it has ceased production at its mine facility, and approximately 170 employees will be affected by the closure.

The mine facility ceased production on Jan. 5 due to an “increasingly difficult coal market,” according to a Jesse Creek press release.

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letters were provided to approximately 170 employees, signaling a 60 day notice of termination.

Jesse Creek Chief Financial Officer Tony Bogolin said the closure came down to pricing in the coal market.

“Predominantly, pricing in the last month or so is what made the market so difficult,” said Bogolin.

Bogolin said the company is “engaging resources” to help those employees being laid off with training and job searching.

“We thank the employees of Jesse Creek Mining for their hard work and dedication,” said Jesse Creek Chief Executive Officer Scott Spears. “We are committed to minimizing the impact of this unavoidable layoff on our employees, their families and the local community. We intend to do all that we can to assist the employees with their transition and to provide outplacement services.”