More job are being cut at Appalachian mines  as industry giant Arch Coal announces it's idling several operations and reducing production at other mining complexes.

The company says it's laying off 500 miners in Kentucky and about 150 here in the Mountain State. Arch's eastern mine in Cowen is set to close, forcing 122 miners to be out of a job. Three other mines in Kentucky are also closing. Arch plans to scale back production at other mines in Appalachia.  

The company's spokesperson said the mild winter and low natural gas costs is driving down the demand for coal's use for electricity. That's the main reason why arch had to make the cuts.

Arch's President and CEO John W. Eaves said in a statement; "We deeply value our people, and the decision to reduce personnel was made only after exhaustively reviewing other options and exploring opportunities to avoid this measure. We sincerely regret the impact this announcement will have on our employees and their families as well as on the local communities where we operate. This decision was difficult but necessary in order to weather the current downturn and to position the company for long term success."

Eaves also said challenging environmental regulations played a factor in the company's decision.