KITTANNING — Rosebud Mining is idling most of its Pennsylvania coal mines, putting 429 miners temporarily out of work.

Jim Barker, vice president of the Kittanning-based company said he hopes the workers will be called back in February.

In the Butler County area, Rosebud operates the Long Run mine in western Armstrong County, the Logansport mine in southwestern Armstrong County and the Beaver Valley mine in Beaver County.

Barker blames the temporary shutdown on unseasonably warm weather in November and December, which decreased demand for coal at power plants it supplies.

Also low natural gas prices prompt utilities to burn more gas when available than coal.

Rosebud operates 20 underground Pennsylvania coal mines, and only a few are staying open for maintenance projects during the furlough.

Barker says the mines have to cut production until cold weather increases the demand for coal.

In October it had 1,180 total workers in several states.

Rosebud is the third largest coal producer in the state.