Iron ore and steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced it will idle its coal operation, AK Coal Resources Inc., in Friedens, Pennsylvania, according to local news reports.
In a statement to media, Cleveland-Cliffs said its internal need for metallurgical coal required for steelmaking has dipped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Significant reductions in manufacturing in the United States resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among our automotive clients, have dramatically reduced our internal need for coal, leading to the indefinite idling of the coal mine,” the statement said.
The company also said it is considering selling its mine in Somerset, Pennsylvania. “Long term options, including a sale of the asset, will be evaluated during this indefinite idle of AK Coal,” said the statement.
In late March, AK Coal's North Fork mine in Somerset was idled in response to the Governor’s March 19 order prohibiting many physical business operations until the spread of COVID-19 lessened.
The AK Steel facility Butler County, Pennsylvania, remains open.