Massey Reports Lower Shipments Of Coking Coal

TIM HUBER

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Mine operator Massey Energy Co. said Tuesday that coking coal made up less of its third-quarter shipments despite rebounding demand from steelmakers.

Coking or metallurgical coal accounted for 22 percent of shipments during the period, down from 24 percent in third-quarter 2008, Massey said. Revenue per ton of coking coal likewise dipped to $84.58 in the quarter, down from $97.47 a ton in 2008.

Several rivals have taken advantage of higher demand, particularly in China, where Massey says steel production rose 22 percent in August.

Overall, Massey said it sold 8.7 million tons in the quarter, down from 10.3 million a year earlier. The company estimated a fire that destroyed a southern West Virginia preparation plant in August cut production by 300,000 tons during the quarter.

Still, Chief Executive Don Blankenship said he is pleased the company increased its cash holdings to $640 million in the quarter, up from $609.6 million at the end of second quarter. The company also used $72 million in cash for an appeal bond stemming from a long-running legal dispute in West Virginia.