AP reported that the West Elk Mine in Somerset has laid off 61 coal miners.

The layoffs this week at the western Colorado mine follow the recent release of about 40 contract employees.

The St Louis based Arch Coal, which owns Mountain Coal Company, the mine's owner said that US coal markets have gone through an unprecedented contraction in recent months.

Ms Kim Link spokeswoman of Arch Coal said that employees received severance packages based on length of service.

(Sourced from AP)