Peabody Energy Corp. will close its Arclar coal complex in Illinois on Dec. 14 due to "uneconomic mining conditions," The Southern Illinoisan reported Oct. 14, citing a company statement.

The shutdown will eliminate about 225 positions at the Wildcat Hills mine and nearby Willow Lake processing facility, and the closure is expected to be permanent, the report said.

Wildcat Hills sold 1.4 million tons of coal in 2018 and contributed US$150 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to Saline County, Ill., according to Peabody's website.

Peabody is working with customers to fulfill obligations, the report said.