Hundreds of coal miners were laid off Friday in Harlan and Letcher Counties.

Alpha Natural Resources announced they are idling four of their mines.

Three are in the Cumberland area of Harlan County, and one in the Partridge Community of Letcher County.

"Cutting jobs and laying off people is absolutely the worst thing, and we do not want to do that, but in this case it was necessary," said Samantha Davison with Alpha Natural Resources.

Company officials tell us they are streamlining operations and consolidating the region to operate more efficiently.

"The EPA regulations and the market conditions have made it so that in order that we remain more nimble and more durable, we have to make these tough decisions," said Davison.

Around 200 miners will be laid off immediately and another 60 will be offered positions at other operations.

"It effects all the grocery stores, department stores, just about down the line. There is an effect on everybody," said Mayor of Lynch John Adams.

Company officials say the employees will receive pay and benefits for the next 60 days.