The complexion of the top 20 U.S. coal producers in the last five years has dramatically changed with the loss of eight companies from the list due to bankruptcies or sales. The drop in spot coal prices and decrease in natural gas prices, along with geological and regulatory challenges, contributed to these changes. Overall, U.S. production is down 17% during this time period. Spot prices across the four regions have dropped collectively approximately 35% with the steepest drop in Appalachia at 44%.

Dean Dorton continues to support the mining industry and stands ready to help mining companies navigate these challenging financial times.

Top Coal Producers, 2015 Tonnage (millions
1 Peabody Energy 177.9
2 Arch Coal 128.1
3 Cloud Peak Energy 75.1
 4 Alpha Natural Resources  72.0
 5  Murray Energy Corp.  55.2
 6  Alliance Resource Partners  41.2
 7  North American Coal  30.5
 8  Westmoreland Coal  30.3
 9  CONSOL Energy  29.3
 10  Luminant Mining  23.8
 11  Foresight Energy  20.1
 12  Kiewit Mining Group  18.2
 13  Bowie Resource Partners  12.2
 14  Patriot Coal  10.3
 15  Black Hawk Mining  10.1
 16  Sunrise Coal  8.8
 17  Armstrong Energy  8.2
 18  Coronado Coal  6.9
 19  Walter Energy  6.4
 20  Signal Peak Energy  6.4

Sources:

  • Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
  • National Mining Association (NMA)
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • S&P Global Platts