Arch Coal Inc. says it has started $14.60 a share tender offer for rival International Coal Group. Arch says the offer that started Monday expires June 14.

The St. Louis-based coal industry giant agreed to buy ICG for $3.4 billion May 2. The deal is designed to exploit growing demand for high-priced coal used to manufacture steel. Arch says the combined companies would be the nation's second largest supplier of metallurgical coal.

Met coal commands premium prices often two or three times those charged for coal used to produce electricity. Government figures show exports grew to 55 million tons last year, from 42.5 million in 2008.

An invitation has been extended to anyone interested in playing in the First Elsie Pruett Endowment Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the White Oak Country Club.

Former Marshall University and Current NFL players scheduled to attend are Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich and Doug Legursky.

For more information please contact Josh Jones at 304.465.5639.

Statement from Bill Raney, President – West Virginia Coal Association – regarding the release of the Report from the Governor’s Independent Investigation Panel concerning the Upper Big Branch mine explosion:

“It’s appropriate and right that the first focus of the report is on the miners themselves – the 29 men who were lost that terrible day and the one miner who is seriously injured – because we must never forget that they and their families have paid a terrible price.

“We welcome the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the report and will be reviewing it in detail in the days and weeks ahead. We also look forward to the other three reports that will be issued this year so that everyone can get as full a picture as possible as to the causes of this explosion and take steps to ensure that our mines are operated safely every single day.

“That’s our goal and there have been great strides made over the years to improve safety and working conditions. But we know that we must continue those advancements and we’ll be working with a wide range of interested parties to achieve those objectives.”

MetroNews

West Virginia Coal Association Chairman Gary White says if the coal industry isn't crippled by federal regulators, bright days could lie ahead.

http://www.wvmetronews.com/news.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=45439

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Some of the nation's fuels would be required to contain a minimum volume derived from coal under a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republican Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia said Thursday that using coal to produce fuels for vehicles, machinery and aircraft would further reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil. She says it also would create good-paying jobs and increase the nation's energy security.

Democrat Nick Rahall is a co-sponsor of the bill.