Carmi mine to close

A coal mine in White County is set to close in November.

The general manager of Pattiki Mine in Carmi sent a letter to workers last week announcing that as of November the mine will be "permanently closing."

"No bumping rights will be available to any affected employee," the letter from General Manager John Garrett reads. "In other words, you do not have the right to take another employee's job."

Both uncertainty and closures have weighed on the coal mining industry in southern Illinois for years, and the looming Pattiki closure is the latest blow to the local industry.

The closure could affect hundreds of mining jobs, prompting tough questions for the workers there.

A report by WSIL TV showed signs near the Carmi mine announcing that a mining company based out of Kentucky is hiring.

And Garrett's letter said more information could be coming about "any separation benefits " that might be available.

Earlier this month, hundreds of southern Illinois coal industry veterans rode buses to Washington, D.C. to push for federal legislation that would help ensure their health benefits in retirement.