× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

EQUALITY — Peabody Energy announced Monday that the Arclar Complex in Saline County is expected to cease production in the middle of December because of “uneconomic mining conditions.”

The closure will affect about 225 workers at the Wildcat Hills Mine and nearby Willow Lake Preparation Plant, a coal processing facility, both located at 430 Long Lane Road in Equality.

Employees were notified at what they were told was a mandatory meeting Monday morning and received a letter with more details of the closure.

“Our workers at the Arclar Complex have been hard working, and we recognize the hardship closure may cause employees and families,” said Kemal Williamson, president U.S. operations, said in a news release. “I genuinely appreciate their dedication over the many years we’ve operated in the region.”

The facilities will close Dec. 14. The closure and the elimination of positions are expected to be permanent.