Spokesman Ted Pile said last week marked the last in production for the Red Onion surface complex, near Pound, and the Bluff Spur underground operation near Norton.

While some workers were transferred to other locations, he said, about 80 individuals were laid off.

Pile did not immediately respond to an ILN request for comment on how many mine closures were to come.

Alpha first announced in mid-September that the difficult US market led to its decision to close eight operations and axe 1200 workers – about 9% of its total workforce.

The disclosure came just 15 months after the Virginia-based producer closed its acquisition of fellow Appalachian miner Massey Energy.

Alpha spokeswoman Samantha Davison told ILN at the time that the timing of the takeover was unrelated and that none of the mines to close were Massey-owned complexes.

“No group/company is being singled out,” Davison said.

“These are fact-based decisions.

“We are making these changes to position Alpha for long-term success.”