Alpha Natural Resources: Met coal contract prices 'remain firm,' stronger steel markets could provide new opportunities

摘要

Alpha Natural Resources settled its 2006 metallurgical contracts in Europe during the first quarter and prices "remained firm, " according to the company, which translates to figures in the 110.00 dollars to 115.00 dollars/tonne FOB East Coast range. Strengthening global steel markets and pricing could usher in new opportunities for additional met coal sales in 2006, Alpha's CEO Mike Quillen said. Alpha will concentrate on sales in the U.S. market in 2006.' "There has been a price reduction for met coal in the Asian market, but the U.S., Europe and Brazil have stayed pretty steady. That was not necessarily predicted by other people. I don't see any reason for that to change in the next negotiating cycle."