U.S. met coal production: Valley fill ruling could present serious challenge for Appalachian producers

摘要

At a passing glance, it might appear that the recent valley fill ruling handed down by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia would have little affect on U.S. met coal production. (See accompanying article for background information on the ruling). However, a closer look reveals serious, complex implications for met coal production in Central and Northern Appalachia, a situation that's definately worth monitoring in the months ahead. "A low percentage of surface mine coal goes for met, so on face value you'd guess there wouldn't be much impact," Jim Truman of Hill & Associates, said.