October 7, 2026 - The scheduled closure of the Eagle Horizon Mine in northeastern Boone County, West Virginia, will eliminate 71 jobs, raising concerns about the impact on the community of Ashford.

Boone County Commissioner Brett Kuhn said the mine, which is set to close Sunday, is Ashford’s largest employer. He warned that the loss will affect both the workers and the wider community, where many residents have family members and friends employed at the operation.

Kuhn was identified in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, notice concerning the closure.

The Boone County Commission is working with the Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation in Madison to pursue employment opportunities and attract businesses to the area.

Kuhn acknowledged that replacing the mining positions will be difficult, but said county officials remain committed to helping affected workers find employment and strengthening the local economy.

He emphasized that coal miners bring valuable technical abilities and practical experience to the workforce. Those skills, he said, could support new industries and employers throughout Boone County and southern West Virginia.

Despite the setback, Kuhn expressed confidence that residents and local leaders would work together to support the displaced miners.

WCHS-TV reported that it contacted the mine’s owner for an explanation of the closure but had not received a response.