A sizeable number of domestic spot deals could be in the works this year for U.S. metallurgical coal suppliers. Several buys - albeit for small tonnage amounts in most cases - are anticipated throughout 2006, much as was the case in 2005. Be it a result of mine shutdowns that slow output, transportation issues that lead to delivery delays or an upswing in the steel market, suppliers are optimistic that buyers will require additional purchases beyond term deals. "My guess is there will be a lot of business," a supplier said. "In the past year there have been some struggles at several places to get all their coal. Everybody has had individual months where there were problems. Since the plants do not carry any real inventories any more, they have had to make short-term spot replacements.
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