During 2005, Arch disposed of select non-strategic assets in Central Appalachia that sharpened the company's focus in that region, unlocked the value of those assets, and greatly enhanced Arch's financial footing. Mr Steven Leer, chairman and CEO of Arch Coal, said in a letter to shareholders, "We believe our balance sheet provides us with the financial flexibility to capitalise on new opportunities that may arise in a marketplace bursting with potential." Arch Coal is moving ahead with major new and expansion projects in each of America's three principal low-sulfur coal supply regions. In the Powder River Basin, Arch recently announced its plans to restart Coal Creek mine in 2006 at a targeted annual production level of 15 Mt. In the Western Bituminous region of Utah and Colorado, where Arch is the market leader, the company is installing a longwall mine at the Skyline complex that will boost production by 3 Mt later this year. In Central Appalachia, Arch is developing an 8-Mt/y complex, Mountain Laurel, that is expected to become the centerpiece of Arch's eastern operations for many years to come. Mountain Laurel's longwall underground operation, Mountaineer II, is expected to be at full production in the last half of 2007.
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