CARLINVILLE, Ill. (AP) — ExxonMobil says it will close a central Illinois coal mine because of market conditions in the coal industry.

Carlinville’s Monterey Coal Company, which is also called the Monterey No. 1 Mine, has been around for 35 years. Its closure could affect about 365 workers.

State Senator Deanna Demuzio told The (Alton) Telegraph that officials are optimistic the mine will find a buyer. The Carlinville Democrat says Macoupin County is a mining community and the closure will have a huge impact on residents.
ExxonMobile didn’t return a message from the Associated Press after business hours Friday. A man answering the phone at the coal company declined to comment.
ExxonMobil is based in Irving, Texas.