The company will idle one contractor-operated mine and two subsidiary-operated production units in the Rocklick complex.
Patriot Coal will also idle two contractor-operated mines in the Wells complex.
Patriot Coal president and CEO Richard Whiting said metallurgical coal demand has trended steadily downward in recent weeks, most notably in the export market.
"These production cuts, in conjunction with other cost-reduction measures being implemented concurrently, are aimed at lowering our mining costs, aligning production with identified sales, and preserving high-quality reserves for a stronger market," Whiting said.
