http://www.wvmetronews.com/news.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=55756 Staff Charleston The struggling coal industry is hit with a double punch in southern West Virginia. Norfolk Southern Railroad has announced the layoffs of 200 engineers and conductors who run coal routes in the company's Pocahontas Division that includes southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. Norfolk Southern says it's moving less and less coal in that area and doesn't need as many trains. The workers have been offered other jobs in seven other regions but most of those are in Midwestern states. A Norfolk Southern spokesperson says that would require "permanent relocation." It also appears Beckley-based Mechel Mining is closing down at least five mining operations in southern West Virginia. Various reports indicate a surface mine in Wyoming County is impacted and a few underground mines in McDowell County. The company says it will have a news release shortly about the idled operations.
