Hallador announces cutting workforce by 175 employees at Sunrise Coal in Carlisle

Explaining the need for this action in a press release issued early Monday morning, the company said, "2015 brought mild weather and a glut of low-priced natural gas. Most of our customers were surprised by these conditions and purchased too much coal for 2015. In an effort to assist our customers balance their current needs and to secure long-term fuel supply, we agreed to modify several of our contracts."

According to the news release, "Production at our Carlisle Mine will be decreased. For the next couple of years, we expect Oaktown to represent more than 90 percent of our production.

"A large number of our employees will transfer from Carlisle to Oaktown.

"Unfortunately, a reduction in force of 175 employees is necessary, effective today (Monday).

"We thank these employees for their service and dedication."

Hallador is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunrise Coal LLC, produces coal in the Illinois Basin for the electric power generation industry.