Meeker, Colorado-based Colowyo Coal Company, a large surface coal production operation, has announced the conclusion of high-quality, low-sulfur coal production by the end of 2025, and plans to transition to full environmental reclamation and restoration of the mined areas beginning in 2026.
The mine's closure will impact 133 employees, commencing on January 6, 2026.
The layoffs are a result of the mine's closure, which is part of its owner, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association's plan to move away from coal-fired power generation. The mine produced coal for the nearby Craig Station power plant, its sole customer.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?
