It is reported that Patriot Coal Corp is idling five underground mines in southern West Virginia.

The company attributes the decision to declining demand for metallurgical coal. Met coal is used to make steel. The closures announced include two mines operated by subsidiaries and two operated by contractors in Patriot Coal Rocklick complex and two mines operated by contractors in the Wells complex.

Mr Richard M Whiting President and CEO said that demand for met coal has steadily declined recently. But that is expected to change as world economies return to normal growth rates.

He said Patriot Coal expects to resume much of the cut production as demand improves.

St Louis based Patriot Coal operates mines in West Virginia and Kentucky.

(Sourced from The Associated Press)