About 4740 miners have sought unemployment benefits since January 1, according to an Associated Press report.

That figure does not include laid off miners who did not file claims – such as those opting to retire early or pursuing work in another field.

There was a glimmer of positive news for the state.

The AP quoted WorkForce West Virginia acting executive director Russell Fry as saying that about 2220 of the 4740 who had claimed benefits had not done so in the past month.

“Those are individuals we would think may have returned to work,” he said.

West Virginia is the second-largest coal producer in the US.

Surprisingly, mining in the state accounts for just 5% of employment.

But those jobs tend to pay wages more than one-third higher than the state average.

Coal companies have come under pressure with cheaper natural gas prices and environmental regulations forcing some electricity generators to turn away from coal.

A scratchy metallurgical coal market is not helping matters.