Governor Matt Mead is calling the layoff of hundreds of coal miners in northeast Wyoming a "gut shot."

"The state can get through this situation, we've prepared for it," said Mead. "To the miners out there, both myself, the congressional delegation, the Legislature and the people of Wyoming have done what we think is right trying to support the mining industry, but we understand that's of little comfort to all of you today."

Peabody Energy and Arch Coal announced today that some 465 coal mine workers in the Powder River Basin are being laid off.

Peabody is cutting about 235 workers at its North Antelope Rochelle Mine near Gillette, while Arch is laying off 230 workers at its Black Thunder Mine near Wright.

"We have tried to find ways to advance coal, but all of those things don't address what is an immediate and very personal problem for those miners who have received notice that they're being laid off today or in the future," said Mead.

Mead has asked the Wyoming Business Council, the Wyoming Department of Insurance, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and the Wyoming Community College Commission to deploy people into the communities directly impacted by the layoffs.

"They are going to make themselves available for services for families and individuals as quickly as possible," said Mead. "That's the immediate response."

Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
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