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Alliance Resource Partners

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FY2000 Annual Report · Alliance Resource Partners
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2000 Annual Report 

Breaking
Breaking
New
New
Ground
Ground

M e s s a g e   f r o m   t h e   P r e s i d e n t  
a n d   C h i e f   E x e c u t i v e   O f f i c e r

Dear Fellow Unitholders:
Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.’s  completion  of  its  first  full  calendar  year  as  the  coal  industry’s  only  publicly-
traded  master  limited  partnership  (MLP)  has  been  a  challenging  one.  We  began  the  year  with  abnormally
high  coal  inventories  following  the  Y2K  inventory  buildup  and  another  warmer  than  normal  winter.
Additionally,  several  major  utilities  reduced  their  shipments  in  the  first  quarter  of  the  year  due  to  unplanned
plant  outages.  The  overhang  of  coal  in  the  marketplace  resulted  in  a  dismal  pricing  environment.  We,  along
with  others,  responded  with  reduced  production.  Fortunately,  our  long-term  contracts  provided  pricing
stability  for  the  Partnership.

A year ago, in our annual report, we wrote that, though utility deregulation and new regulatory and legislative
initiatives create a changing economic environment within our industry, we remain convinced that increased coal
demand will be realized over the next decade. Less than one year later our view has been confirmed.

During the last half of 2000 the fundamentals for the U.S. coal industry began to drastically change. California’s
unfortunate experience with deregulation has been a wake-up call for the rest of America. The lack of
investment in electricity generation and transmission capacity has been recognized by leaders from both political
parties as an issue to be resolved. The development of a balanced national energy policy is currently a top priority
and coal is being identified by most as the practical long-term solution to U.S. electricity shortages. 

The combination of the energy crisis in the western U.S., a record cold winter in the eastern U.S., increased
electricity demand throughout the country, reduced coal production, and historically high natural gas prices have
reduced industry coal inventories to levels not seen in decades.  Consequently, the coal markets experienced a
dramatic turnaround in late 2000, rising more than 50% in select markets. With the majority of the Partnership’s
production under long-term contract, we are somewhat insulated by these price hikes, however, we will reap the
benefits from the improved market as contracts expire. The renewed commitment to coal by power developers
and the political leaders of our country is most encouraging to the Partnership for years to come. 

Reflecting on the Partnership’s accomplishments during 2000, we significantly increased our reserve base, began
construction on the extension of our Pattiki operation, and opened our seventh mining complex, all of which will
strengthen the Partnership for the future. Our predictable and stable cash flow continues to meet expectations,
allowing us to comfortably distribute the targeted minimum quarterly distribution of $2.00 per unit on an
annualized basis during each quarter since we
became a publicly-traded partnership.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (Nasdaq: ARLP)
2000 Performance Comparison
Percentage Change

The year 2000 was equally beneficial to our
unitholders as the stock market recognized the
Partnership’s efforts to excel and the favorable
outlook for the coal industry. Year-to-year price
appreciation in our unit trading value approached
50% during 2000, far exceeding the returns on
either the Dow Jones or Nasdaq composites.
When adding in the cash distributions paid in
2000, the total return on the Partnership units
was nearly 70%, making Alliance Resource
Partners, L.P. one of the best performing equities
of the year.

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Nasdaq

I would like to personally thank our employees and unitholders for making our first complete year as a publicly-
traded master limited partnership successful.  We are optimistic about the future for our industry and our
Partnership. We are committed to continually strengthen and grow our business to reward your support 
and confidence.

Joseph  W.  Craft  III
President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer

A l l i a n c e   R e s o u r c e   P a r t n e r s ,   L . P.
O p e r a t i o n s   O v e r v i e w

NAPP

Mettiki

MARYLAND

IB

INDIANA

ILLINOIS

Pattiki

Gibson 
County 
Coal

KENTUCKY
Pontiki
MC  Mining

Dotiki

Hopkins  County 
Coal

CAPP

Coal is the most abundant natural resource in the U.S. with nearly 300 years of supply.
Although coal resources have been found in 38 states, four regions supply more than 75%
of U.S. coal demand. The Partnership’s mining operations produce coal from three of the
four major supply areas.

M a j o r   U . S .   C o a l   R e g i o n s

Powder  River  Basin  Region  (PRB)

Illinois  Basin  Region  (IB)

Northern  Appalachia  Region  (NAPP)

Central  Appalachia  Region  (CAPP)

n Anthracite  Coal
n Bituminous  Coal
n Subbituminous  Coal
n Lignite  Coal

T o   t h e   U n i t h o l d e r s   o f
A l l i a n c e   R e s o u r c e   P a r t n e r s ,   L . P.

Our  2000  financial  results  continued  to
show  year  over  year  improvements.
Although  a  volatile  marketplace  and
difficult  mining  conditions  created
challenging  operating  issues,  the
dedication  and  teamwork  of  our
workforce  again  allowed  the
Partnership  to  have  another  successful
year.

Financial Highlights
For  the  year  ended  December  31,
2000,  the  Partnership  reported  net
income  of  $15.6  million  compared  to
pro  forma  net  income  of  $7.6  million
for  1999.  Revenues  were  $363.5  million
and  coal  sales  were  15.0  million  tons
for  2000,  compared  to  $365.9  million
and  15.0  million  tons  for  1999.  EBITDA
(income  before  net  interest  expense,
income  taxes,  depreciation,  depletion
and  amortization)  for  2000  was  $71.3
million  compared  to  $66.7  million  in
1999.  The  year  2000  financial  results
included  unusual  items  totaling  $9.5
million.  Excluding  the  unusual  items,
EBITDA  for  2000  was  $61.8  million  and
net  income  was  $6.1  million.

The  Partnership  produced  13.7  million
tons  in  2000,  a  small  decrease  from
the  prior  year.  The  slight  reduction  was
primarily  attributable  to  one  of  Hopkins
County  Coal’s  surface  mines  being  idled
during  May  2000  in  response  to
reduced  demand  due  to  unplanned
outages  at  several  major  utilities.  Even
with  lower  production  from  Hopkins
County  Coal,  the  Partnership
maintained  its  2000  sales  tonnage
consistent  with  1999.  Tons  sold
continued  at  15  million  tons  as  we
were  able  to  satisfy  utility  demand  by
reducing  our  coal  inventory  stockpiles
to  normal  levels.  The  Partnership
realized  slightly  higher  coal  sales
revenues  from  1999  levels  due  to
stronger  spot  coal  prices  resulting  from
improved  market  conditions  during  the
fourth  quarter  of  2000.

The  year  2000  contained  various
isolated  non-recurring  events  that
negatively  impacted  our  mining  costs.
During  the  first  quarter  of  2000,  we
were  impacted  by  weather-related
problems,  including  localized  flooding
and  tornadoes  that  interrupted
production  at  several  of  our  mines.
During  the  second  and  third  quarters,
our  Mettiki  mine  encountered  adverse

mining  conditions  due  to  a  sandstone
intrusion  in  the  longwall  panel.
Operating  expenses  were  also
negatively  impacted  by  the
development  of  the  Partnership’s  new
Gibson  County  Coal  mining  complex.
Gibson  County  Coal  incurred  start-up
operating  expenses  of  nearly  $4  million
during  2000  with  little  revenue  offset.
The  combination  of  these  factors  during
2000  offset  continued  productivity
improvements  at  our  operations
resulting  in  increased  overall  mining
cost  per  ton  by  3%  versus  prior  year
levels.  Of  the  increase,  approximately
one-half  was  due  to  the  Gibson  County
Coal  start-up  expenses.  The  majority  of
these  higher  operating  expenses  should
be  non-recurring,  leading  to  improved
operating  expenses  in  the  future. 

EBITDA
$ Millions

71.3

66.7

51.7

52.5

46.7

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

96

97

98

99

00

Although  many  of  our  increased
operating  expenses  were  non-recurring,
they  were  countered  by  equally  unusual
revenues.  During  the  third  quarter  of
2000,  the  Partnership  resolved  a
transloading  facility  dispute  with
Seminole  Electric  Cooperative,  Inc.  The
final  settlement  included  both  cash
payments  and  amendments  to  an
existing  coal  supply  contract.  The
Partnership  recorded  an  unusual  income
item,  net  of  legal  expenses  and  other
contingencies,  of  $9.5  million.  The  net
effect  of  these  revenues  and  expenses
resulted  in  the  Partnership  recording
EBITDA  of  $71.3  million  for  2000
compared  to  $66.7  million  for  1999, 

a  nearly  7%  increase.  We  continue  to
grow  and  strengthen  our  operations  to
achieve  the  objective  of  increasing  the
Partnership’s  distributable  cash  flow.
With  year-end  2000  cash  and
marketable  securities  approaching  $45
million,  the  Partnership  has  funding
available  to  take  advantage  of
incremental  expansion  opportunities.

Long-Term Contracts
Our  long-term  contracts  provide  the
Partnership  with  greater  predictability  of
sales  volumes  and  sales  prices.  In  2000,
approximately  85%  of  our  sales
tonnage  was  sold  under  long-term
contracts  with  terms  extending  up  to
2012.  Our  total  nominal  commitment
under  significant  long-term  contracts
was  approximately  75  million  tons  at
December  31,  2000.  The  electric  utility
industry,  as  the  predominant  consumer
of  coal,  is  the  primary  beneficiary  of
these  long-term  contracts.  The
Partnership’s  history  of  being  a  proven,
reliable  supplier  has  allowed  us  to
establish  long-term  relationships  with
major  electric  utilities.  In  2000,
approximately  50%  of  our  total
revenues  were  generated  from
customers  that  have  purchased  coal
regularly  from  us  for  more  than  15
years.  Our  long-term  contracts
contribute  to  the  stability  and
profitability  of  both  the  Partnership  and
our  customers.    Although,  we  will
continue  to  reserve  a  level  of  coal
available  to  pursue  new  customers  and
take  advantage  of  favorable  spot
market  conditions,  the  maintenance  of
our  long-term  contracts  position
provides  the  financial  support  necessary
to  fund  future  development.

Coal Reserves
In  2000,  the  Partnership  continued  to
expand  its  coal  reserve  base  to  provide
the  necessary  assets  to  support  long-
term  production.  Over  the  last  year,  we
have  increased  our  reserves  from
approximately  440  million  tons  of
proven  and  probable  reserves  at
December  31,  1999,  to  approximately
465  million  tons  of  reserves  at
December  31,  2000.  Since  1998,  the
Partnership  has  more  than  replaced  its
production,  growing  its  reserves  by
13%  by  adding  55  million  tons  to  its
reserve  base  during  this  period.  The
Partnership  has  also  entered  into
discussions  with  its  Special  General

Partner  to  lease  in  excess  of  150  million
tons  of  coal  located  along  the  common
border  of  Pennsylvania  and  West
Virginia.  If  an  agreement  can  be
reached,  the  Partnership  will  gain
access  to  the  additional  reserves
through  either  a  lease  or  purchase
agreement.  The  reserves  owned  by  the
Special  General  Partner  are  not  included
in  the  465  million  tons  of  reserves
noted  above. 

Cost Per Ton
$ per Ton

23.62

21.18

20.14

18.75 19.30

25

20

15

10

5

0

96

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98

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00

Pattiki Mine Extension
The  Partnership’s  Pattiki  mining  complex
in  southern  Illinois,  constructed  and
operated  since  1980,  is  approaching
the  boundary  of  its  existing  contiguous
reserve  base.  To  maintain  our
distributable  cash  flow,  we  approved
the  extension  of  Pattiki  into  adjacent
coal  reserves  with  groundbreaking
occurring  in  October  2000.  The
extension  will  involve  capital
expenditures  of  approximately  $30
million  during  the  2000-2003  transition
phase  for  new  mine  shafts,
underground  infrastructure,  and  surface
handling  facilities.  When  completed,  we
expect  Pattiki  to  be  positioned  to
increase  its  current  production  level  for
the  next  15  years.  The  Pattiki  mine
extension  provides  an  excellent
opportunity  to  build  upon  the  success
of  the  existing  management  and
workforce.

Distributions to Unitholders
During  2000,  the  Partnership  made
quarterly  cash  distributions  to  its

unitholders  of  $0.50  per  unit,  an
annualized  rate  of  $2.00  per  unit.
Distributions  were  declared  and  paid  on
all  of  the  Partnership’s  outstanding
common  and  subordinated  units.  The
Partnership’s  distributions  to  unitholders
are  generally  not  taxable  to  the  extent
of  the  unitholder’s  tax  basis.  However,
each  unitholder  is  allocated  a  share  of
income,  gains,  losses  and  deductions.
On  average,  approximately  90%  of  the
year  2000  distributions  were  not
subject  to  current  income  taxes,
resulting  in  a  significant  enhancement
of  the  after-tax  yield  on  the
Partnership’s  units.

Future Prospects
November  2000  marked  the  opening  of
the  Partnership’s  new,  low-sulfur
Gibson  County  Coal  mining  complex  in
southern  Indiana.  The  start-up  of  the
seventh  mining  complex  in  our  portfolio
concluded  18  months  of  project
construction  begun  in  June  1999.  As  a
greenfield  development  project,  Gibson
County  Coal  will  require  a  start-up
curve  to  reach  its  full  potential  of  over
2  million  tons  per  year.  We  currently
anticipate  the  operation  achieving  its
targeted  production  levels  in  the  third
quarter  of  2001.  With  the  support  of
the  long-term  sales  contract  with  PSI
Energy,  Inc.,  a  subsidiary  of  Cinergy
Corporation,  committing  23  million  tons
of  low-sulfur  production  through
December  2012,  the  Partnership  is  well
positioned  to  generate  additional  cash
flow  from  this  new  mine.

The  Partnership’s  Special  General
Partner  through  its  affiliates  have
recently  acquired  the  operating  assets
and  reserves  of  Roberts  Bros.  Coal  Co.,
Warrior  Coal  Mining  Company,  Warrior
Coal  Corporation  and  Cardinal  Trust
(collectively,  the  Warrior  Group),  located
adjacent  to  the  Partnership’s  Dotiki  and
Hopkins  County  mining  complexes.  Due
to  its  proximity  to  existing  operations,
the  Partnership  and  an  affiliate  of  its
Special  General  Partner  have  entered
into  a  mutual  option  agreement  that
will  allow  the  transfer  of  the  operating
assets  of  the  Warrior  Group  to  the
Partnership  between  2003  and  2006.
The  base  option  is  at  a  predetermined
price  and  can  be  exercised  subject  to
certain  conditions.  The  Warrior  Group  is
currently  undergoing  expansion  efforts
through  2002  that  should  increase  its
productive  capacity  to  more  than  2.5
million  tons  per  year.  If  the  option  is

exercised,  the  acquisition  should  provide
us  with  opportunities  to  take  advantage
of  favorable  operating  and  marketing
synergies  between  Dotiki,  Hopkins
County  Coal  and  the  Warrior  Group.

Tons Produced
Millions Tons

14.1

13.7

13.4

10.9

9.0

15

12

9

6

3

0

96

97

98

99

00

With  over  50%  market  share  in  2000,
coal  maintained  its  historical  dominance
as  the  largest  fuel  source  for  electricity
generation  in  the  United  States.  The
rolling  electricity  brownouts  recently
experienced  in  major  municipalities  have
increased  the  nation’s  awareness  of  the
need  for  additional,  low-cost  electricity.
As  the  nation’s  largest  natural  resource,
coal  is  positioned  to  supply  the  utility
industry’s  fuel  requirements  for
generations  to  come.  With  skyrocketing
natural  gas  prices,  coal  has  further
solidified  its  long-term  status  as  the
low-cost  fuel  alternative.  The  cost
advantages  of  coal  have  not  been
disregarded  by  electricity  generators.  In
the  United  States,  there  are  over  40
proposed  coal-fired  electricity  capacity
additions  under  consideration.  These
additions  are  not  only  to  existing
generating  units,  but  more  than  half  of
the  proposals  are  for  new  construction
of  coal-fired  utility  plants.  Reliable,  low-
cost  energy  is  a  requirement  to
maintain  and  improve  our  standard  of
living.  Although  the  coal  industry
already  produces  in  excess  of  one
billion  tons  annually,  the  necessary
reserve  base  is  there  to  fulfill  the
nation’s  energy  needs.  The  Partnership
stands  ready  to  participate  in  this
growing  demand  for  coal.

G i b s o n   C o u n t y   C o a l   –
B r e a k i n g   N e w   G r o u n d

Beneath  over  9,000  acres  of  rural  farmland  in  southern  Indiana
lies  a  geologic  anomaly  of  38  million  tons  of  low-sulfur  coal
reserves  in  the  predominantly  high-sulfur  Illinois  Basin  region.
Beginning  in  late  1999,  the  Partnership  began  to  take  advantage
of  this  phenomenon  by  developing  a  new  underground  mining
operation  located  in  Gibson  County,  Indiana.  During  2000,  the
Partnership  completed  the  initial  development  of  this  untapped
reserve  base  and  opened  its  seventh  mining  complex,  the  new
Gibson  County  Coal.

Construction Phase
In  October  1999,  the  Partnership  announced  the  award  of
engineering  and  construction  contracts  for  the  development  of
dual  mine  slopes  and  a  mine  shaft  to  support  mining  operations.
The  contractor’s  workforce  was  mobilized  and  construction  began
immediately.  Subsequent  contracts  were  awarded  by  our  Special
General  Partner  for  the  construction  of  a  coal  preparation  plant
and  handling  facilities,  providing  the  Partnership  access  to  these
facilities  under  a  long-term  operating  lease  agreement.  The  agreed
upon  construction  timeline  anticipated  production  from  Gibson
County  Coal  to  commence  in  late  2000.

Coal Contract
To  support  the  economic  development  of  Gibson  County  Coal,
the  Partnership  entered  into  a  new  long-term  contract  with  PSI
Energy,  Inc.,  a  subsidiary  of  Cinergy  Corporation.  The  contract
provides  commitments  for  an  aggregate  of  23  million  tons  of
production  from  Gibson  County  Coal through  2012.  Production  is
shipped  to  PSI’s  Gibson  Generating  Station,  one  of  the  largest
coal-burning  electric  utility  plants  in  the  United  States.  The  low-
sulfur  production  from  the  mine  is  shipped  via  truck  as  the  utility
plant  is  less  than  10  miles  away.

Development Phase
Primary  construction  was  completed  and  Gibson  County  Coal
commenced  production  in  November  2000  –  on  schedule  and  on
budget.  The  operation  will  utilize  continuous  mining  units
employing  room-and-pillar  mining  techniques.  The  mine  began
production  with  a  single  mining  unit  in  November  2000.  A
second  mining  unit  was  added  during  the  first  quarter  of  2001.
The  continuing  development  of  the  underground  infrastructure
will  allow  a  third  mining  unit  to  be  added  during  the  second
quarter  of  2001.  As  a  start-up  operation,  Gibson  County  Coal
requires  development  time  to  reach  its  full  potential.  We  currently
anticipate  the  mine  achieving  its  targeted  production  levels  of
over  2  million  tons  per  year  in  the  third  quarter  of  2001.

Expansion Potential
The  low-sulfur  reserve  quality  of  Gibson  County  Coal  is
uncommon  in  the  Illinois  Basin  where  it  operates.  This  competitive
advantage  should  allow  the  Partnership  to  participate  in  niche
markets  that  provide  additional  expansion  opportunities.  Gibson
County  Coal  has  been  designed  to  be  scalable,  allowing  operating
capacity  additions  by  building  upon  the  current  asset
infrastructure.  As  Gibson  County  Coal  completes  its  start-up  curve,
it  should  not  only  provide  additional  cash  flow  to  the  Partnership,
but  also  provide  a  platform  to  develop  new  markets  in  the  future.

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
_______________ 

FORM 10-K 

 [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 

OR 

 [   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________TO_____________ 

COMMISSION FILE NO.: 0-26823 
_______________ 

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. 

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) 

DELAWARE 
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF 
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) 

73-1564280  
 (IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)  

1717 SOUTH BOULDER AVENUE, SUITE 600, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74119 
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND ZIP CODE) 

 (918) 295-7600 
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Units representing limited partner interests 

_______________ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ] 

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  disclosure  of  delinquent  filers  pursuant  to  Item  405  of  Regulation  S-K  is  not  contained 
herein,  and  will  not  be  contained,  to  the  best  of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information  statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ] 

The aggregate value of the Common Units held by non-affiliates of the registrant (treating all executive officers and 
directors of the registrant, for this purpose, as if they may be affiliates of the registrant) was approximately $147,150,647 
on March 26, 2001, based on $19.81 per unit, the closing price of the Common Units as reported on the Nasdaq National 
Market on such date. 

As of March 26, 2001, 8,982,780 Common Units and 6,422,531 Subordinated Units are outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS` 

PART I 

Page 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.......................................................................................................................  

 2 

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES ..................................................................................................................  

  13 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ................................................................................................              16 

ITEM 4. 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES 
HOLDERS .......................................................................................................................  

  17 

PART II 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON UNITS AND 

RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS .........................................................................              17 

ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ...................................................................................              18 

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS .................................              19 

ITEM 7a.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES 

ABOUT MARKET RISK................................................................................................  

  25 

ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ................................              27 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS 

ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE...............................................  

  49 

PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE  

MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER.............................................................................  

  49 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ...................................................................................  

  52 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL  

OWNERS AND MANGEMENT ....................................................................................  

  55 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS ............................              57 

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND 

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K..............................................................................................              59 

PART IV 

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the 
beliefs  of  Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.  (Partnership)  as  well  as  assumptions  made  by  and  information 
currently  available  to  the  Partnership.  When  used  in  this  document,  the  words  "anticipate,"  "believe," 
"expect," "estimate," "forecast," "project," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These 
statements reflect the Partnership's current views with respect to future events and are subject to various risks, 
uncertainties  and  assumptions  including,  but  not  limited  to  (a)  the  Partnership's  dependence  on  significant 
customer contracts and the terms of those contracts, (b) the Partnership's productivity levels and margins that 
it earns from the sale of coal, (c) the effects of any unanticipated increases in labor costs, adverse changes in 
work  rules,  or  unexpected  cash  payments  associated  with  post-mine  reclamation,  workers'  compensation 
claims, and environmental litigation or cleanup, (d) the risk of major mine-related accidents or interruptions, 
and  (e)  the  effects  of  any  adverse  change  in  the  domestic  coal  industry,  electric  utility  industry,  or  general 
economic  conditions.  If  one  or  more  of  these  risks  or  uncertainties  materialize,  or  should  underlying 
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Partnership does not intend to update these 
forward-looking statements. 

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS  

GENERAL  

PART I 

We are a diversified producer and marketer of coal to major United States utilities and industrial users. We 
began mining operations in 1971 and, since then, have grown through acquisitions and internal development 
to  become  the  eighth  largest  coal  producer  in  the  eastern  United  States.  At  December  31,  2000,  we  had 
approximately  466  million  tons  of  reserves  in  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Maryland  and  West  Virginia.  In 
2000, we produced 13.7 million tons of coal and sold 15.0 million tons of coal. The coal we produced in 2000 
was 20.4% low-sulfur coal, 19.0% medium-sulfur coal and 60.6% high-sulfur coal. In 2000, approximately 
96% of our medium- and high-sulfur coal was sold to utility plants with installed pollution control devices, 
also known as "scrubbers," to remove sulfur dioxide. 

We  currently  operate  seven  mining  complexes  in  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky  and  Maryland.  Six  of  our 
mining complexes are underground and one has both surface and underground mines. Our mining activities 
are organized into three operating regions: (a) the Illinois Basin operations, (b) the East Kentucky operations, 
and (c) the Maryland operations. 

We  and  our  subsidiary,  Alliance  Resource  Operating  Partners,  L.P.  (Intermediate  Partnership),  were 
formed to acquire, own and operate substantially all of the coal production and marketing assets of Alliance 
Resource Holdings, Inc. (ARH), a Delaware corporation formerly known as Alliance Coal Corporation. We 
completed our initial public offering (IPO) on August 20, 1999, at which time ARH contributed substantially 
all of its operating assets and liabilities to the Intermediate Partnership. 

Our managing general partner, Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC (Managing GP) and our special 
general partner, Alliance Resource GP, LLC (Special GP) (collectively, the Special GP and the Managing GP 
are  the  General  Partners)  own  an  aggregate  2%  general  partner  interests  in  the  Partnership.  Our  limited 
partners,  including  the  General  Partners  as  holders  of  Common  Units  and  Subordinated  Units,  own  an 
aggregate 98% of the limited partner interests in the Partnership. 

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  coal  production  and  marketing  assets  of  ARH  acquired  by  the  Partnership  are  referred  to  as  the 
"Predecessor."  All  1999  operating  data  contained  herein  includes  the  results  of  the  Partnership  and  the 
Predecessor. 

MINING OPERATIONS  

We  produce  a  diverse  range  of  steam  coals  with  varying  sulfur  and  heat  contents,  which  enables  us  to 
satisfy  the  broad  range  of  specifications  demanded  by  our  customers.  The  following  chart  illustrates  our 
production by region for the last five years. 

 Operating Region and Mines  

2000 

  1999  

  1998      1997 

  1996 

(tons in millions) 

 Illinois Basin Operations: 

  Dotiki, Pattiki, Hopkins County, Gibson County 

  8.4 

  8.5 

  2.7 

  2.8 

7.9 

2.5 

5.2 

2.8 

4.3 

2.0 

   2.6 
   13.7 

   2.8 
   14.1 

  3.0 
  13.4 

  2.9 
  10.9 

  2.7 
  9.0 

 East Kentucky Operations: 
  Pontiki, MC Mining 

 Maryland Operations: 

  Mettiki 
              Total 

Illinois Basin Operations  

Our  Illinois  Basin  mining  operations  are  located  in  western  Kentucky,  southern  Illinois  and  southern 
Indiana.  We  have  approximately  835  employees  in  the  Illinois  Basin  and  currently  operate  four  mining 
complexes.  

Webster  County  Coal,  LLC.  Webster  County  Coal  operates  the  Dotiki  mine,  which  is  an  underground 
mining complex, located in Webster and Hopkins Counties, Kentucky. The mine was opened in 1966, and we 
purchased the mine in 1971. Our Dotiki operation utilizes continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar 
mining  techniques.  The  preparation  plant  has  a  throughput  capacity  of  1,000  tons  of  raw  coal  an  hour. 
Production from the mine is shipped via the CSX railroad, the Paducah & Louisville railroad and by truck. 
Our  primary  customers  for  coal  produced  at  Dotiki  are  Seminole  Electric  Cooperative,  Inc.  (Seminole), 
Tennessee  Valley  Authority  (TVA)  and  Western  Kentucky  Energy  Corp.  (WKE),  which  purchase  our  coal 
pursuant to long-term contracts for use in their scrubbed generating units.  During 2000, Webster County Coal 
entered  into  a  mineral  lease  and  sublease  with  an  affiliate  of  the  Special  GP.    See  “Item  13.  Certain 
Relationships and Related Transactions.”   

White County Coal, LLC. White County Coal operates the Pattiki mine, which is an underground mining 
complex, located in White County, Illinois. We began construction of the mine in 1980 and have operated it 
since its inception. Our Pattiki operation utilizes continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar mining 
techniques. We are in the process of extending our Pattiki mine into adjacent coal reserves.  This extension 
involves  capital  expenditures  of  approximately  $30  million  during  the  2000-2003  period  and  allows  the 
Pattiki  mine  to  continue  its  existing  productive  capacity  for  the  next  15  years.  The  preparation  plant  has  a 
throughput  capacity  of  1,000  tons  of  raw  coal  an  hour.  Production  from  the  mine  is  shipped  via  the  CSX 
railroad. Our primary customers for coal produced at Pattiki are Seminole and TVA, which purchase our coal 
pursuant to long-term contracts for use in their scrubbed generating units. 

Hopkins  County  Coal,  LLC.  Hopkins  County  Coal  is  a  mining  complex  located  in  Hopkins  County, 
Kentucky. The operation has three surface mines, two of which are currently idle, and one underground mine. 
We acquired Hopkins County Coal in January 1998.  The surface operations utilize dragline mining, and the 
underground operation utilizes a continuous mining unit employing room-and-pillar mining techniques. The 
preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 1,000 tons of raw coal an hour. Production from the complex is 
shipped via the CSX and  the Paducah & Louisville railroads and by truck. Our primary customers for coal 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
produced  at  Hopkins  County  Coal  include  Louisville  Gas  &  Electric,  TVA  and  WKE,  which  purchase  our 
coal pursuant to long-term contracts for use in their scrubbed generating units.  During 2000, Hopkins County 
Coal entered into an option to lease and sub-lease reserves with an affiliate of the Special GP.  See “Item 13. 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” 

Gibson  County  Coal,  LLC.  Gibson  County  Coal  is  an  underground  mining  complex  located  in  Gibson 
County, Indiana.  We began construction of the mine in 1999 and commenced production in November 2000.  
The  Gibson  County  mining  complex  utilizes  continuous  mining  units  employing  room-and-pillar  mining 
techniques.  The preparation plant is leased from the Special GP and has a throughput capacity of 700 tons of 
raw coal an hour.  Production from Gibson County Coal is a low-sulfur coal, shipped via truck to our primary 
customer, PSI Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Cinergy Corporation.  Gibson County Coal also has approximately 
104.2  million  tons  of  undeveloped  recoverable  reserves,  which  are  not  contiguous  to  the  reserves  currently 
being mined. 

East Kentucky Operations  

Our East Kentucky mining operations are located in the Central Appalachia coal fields. Our East Kentucky 
mines produce low-sulfur coal. We have approximately 360 employees and operate two mining complexes in 
East Kentucky. 

Pontiki Coal, LLC.  Pontiki is an underground mining complex located in Martin County, Kentucky.  We 
constructed  the  mine  in  1977.    Pontiki  owns  the  mining  complex  and  reserves  and  Excel  Mining  LLC,  an 
affiliate of Pontiki, is responsible for conducting all mining operations.  All of the coal produced at Pontiki 
meets  or  exceeds  the  compliance  requirements  of  Phase  II  of  the  Clean  Air  Act  Amendments.  Our  Pontiki 
operation  utilizes  continuous  mining  units  employing  room-and-pillar  mining  techniques.  The  preparation 
plant has a throughput capacity of 800 tons of raw coal an hour.  Production from the mine is shipped via the 
Norfolk Southern railroad and by truck. Our primary customers for coal produced at Pontiki are James River 
Cogeneration  Company,  the  successor  to  Cogentrix  of  Virginia,  Inc.,  and  AEI  Coal  Sales  Company,  Inc. 
(AEI). 

MC  Mining,  LLC.    MC  Mining  is  an  underground  mining  complex  located  in  Pike  County,  Kentucky, 
acquired  in  1989.  Since  we  began  operations  in  late  1996,  MC  Mining  was  operated  by  an  unaffiliated 
contract  mining  company.    However,  during  the  fourth  quarter  2000,  the  contract  mining  agreement  was 
terminated  and  MC  Mining  entered  into  an  intercompany  support  services  agreement  with  Excel  Mining.  
Selected  employees  of  the  contractor  and  other  qualified  individuals  were  hired  by  Excel  Mining,  which  is 
responsible for conducting all mining operations.  The operation utilizes continuous mining units employing 
room-and-pillar mining techniques.  The preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 800 tons of raw coal 
an hour. Production from the mine is shipped via the CSX railroad and by truck.  MC Mining sells its low-
sulfur production primarily in the spot market. 

Toptiki  Coal,  LLC.    Toptiki  was  a  surface  and  underground  mining  complex  located  in  Martin  County, 
Kentucky.    After  conducting  surface  mining  operations  through  1982  and  underground  operations  through 
1996,  we  discontinued  mining  at  the  complex  and  have  since  sold  our  member  interest  in  Toptiki  for  an 
immaterial amount. 

Maryland Operations  

Our Maryland mining operation is located in the Northern Appalachia coal fields. We have approximately 

235 employees and operate one mining complex in Maryland. 

Mettiki  Coal,  LLC.  Mettiki  is  an  underground  longwall  mining  complex  located  in  Garrett  County, 
Maryland. We constructed Mettiki in 1977 and have operated it since its inception. The operation utilizes a 
longwall miner for the majority of the coal extraction as well as continuous mining units used to prepare the 

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
mine for future longwall mining operation areas.  The preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 1,350 
tons of raw coal an hour.  Production from the mine is shipped via truck and the CSX railroad. Our primary 
customer for coal produced at Mettiki is Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO), which purchases 
the coal pursuant to a long-term contract for use in the generating units at its Mt. Storm, West Virginia power 
plant located less than 20 miles away.  We also process coal at Mettiki for Anker Energy Corporation and one 
of its affiliates. 

Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC. Mettiki (WV) has approximately 20.1 million tons of undeveloped recoverable 
reserves in Grant and Tucker Counties, West Virginia adjacent to Mettiki in Garrett County, Maryland.  We 
currently conduct no mining operations at Mettiki (WV). 

OTHER OPERATIONS  

Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC  

Mt.  Vernon  terminal  is  a  rail-to-barge  loading  terminal  on  the  Ohio  River  in  Mt.  Vernon,  Indiana.  The 
terminal has a capacity of 5.5 million tons per year with existing ground storage.  The terminal was used from 
1983  through  1998  for  shipments  from  Pattiki  and  Dotiki  under  our  coal  supply  agreement  with  Seminole.  
Seminole now transports these shipments directly by CSX railroad.  We currently use the facility as needed 
for spot shipments to customers other than Seminole  and continue to explore our opportunities and options 
regarding the terminal.  

Coal Brokerage  

We  buy  coal  from  outside  producers  throughout  the  eastern  United  States,  which  we  then  resell,  both 
directly  and  indirectly,  to  utility  and  industrial  customers.    We  purchased  and  sold  200,000  tons  of  outside 
coal in 2000.  We have a policy of matching our outside coal purchases and sales to minimize market risks 
associated with buying and reselling coal. 

Additional Services  

We develop and market additional services in order to establish ourselves as the supplier of choice for our 
customers.    Examples  of  the  kind  of  services  we  have  offered  to  date  include  ash  and  scrubber  sludge 
removal,  coal yard  maintenance,  and  arranging  alternate  transportation  services.    We  will  continue  to  think 
proactively  in  providing  additional  services  for  customers  and  believe  that  this  approach  will  give  us  a 
competitive advantage in obtaining coal supply contracts in the future. 

COAL MARKETING AND SALES  

As  is  customary  in  the  coal  industry,  we  have  entered  into  long-term  contracts  with  many  of  our 
customers. These  arrangements  are  mutually beneficial. Our utility customers secure a fuel supply for their 
power  plants  for  years  into  the  future.  Our  long-term  contracts  contribute  to  both  our  customers  and  our 
stability  and  profitability  by  providing  greater  predictability  of  sales  volumes  and  sales  prices.  In  2000, 
approximately  85%  of  our  sales  tonnage  was  sold  under  long-term  contracts  with  maturities  ranging  from 
2000 to 2012. Our total nominal commitment under significant long-term contracts was approximately 74.8 
million tons at December 31, 2000.  The total commitment of coal under contract is an approximate number 
because, in some instances, our contracts contain provisions that could cause the nominal total commitment to 
increase or decrease by as much as 20%.  In addition, the nominal total commitment can otherwise change 
because of price reopener provisions contained in certain of these long-term contracts. We believe our long-
term contract position compares favorably to those of our competitors. 

The  terms  of  long-term  contracts  are  the  results  of  both  bidding  procedures  and  extensive  negotiations 
with  the  customer.  As  a  result,  the  terms  of  these  contracts  vary  significantly  in  many  respects,  including, 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
among others, price adjustment features, price and contract reopener terms, permitted sources of supply, force 
majeure provisions, coal qualities, and quantities. Virtually all of our long-term contracts are subject to price 
adjustment  provisions  which  permit  an  increase  or  decrease  periodically  in  the  contract  price  to  reflect 
changes  in  specified  price  indices  or  items  such  as  taxes,  royalties  or  actual  production  costs.  These 
provisions, however, may not assure that the contract price will reflect every change in production or other 
costs. Failure of the parties to agree on a price pursuant to an adjustment or a reopener provision can lead to 
early  termination  of  a  contract.  Some  of  the  long-term  contracts  also  permit  the  contract  to  be  reopened  to 
renegotiate terms and conditions other than the pricing terms, and where a mutually acceptable agreement on 
terms  and  conditions  cannot  be  concluded,  either  party  may  have  the  option  to  terminate  the  contract.  The 
long-term  contracts  typically  stipulate procedures  for  quality  control,  sampling  and  weighing.  Most  contain 
provisions requiring us to deliver coal within ranges for specific coal characteristic such as heat, sulfur, ash, 
moisture,  grindability,  volatility  and  other  qualities.  Failure  to  meet  these  specifications  can  result  in 
economic penalties or termination of the contracts. While most of the contracts specify the approved seams 
and/or approved locations from which the coal is to be mined, some contracts allow the coal to be sourced 
from more than one mine or location. Although the volume to be delivered pursuant to a long-term contract is 
stipulated, the buyers often have the option to vary the volume within specified limits. 

RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS  

Our  four  largest  customers  are  AEI,  Seminole,  TVA  and  VEPCO.  Sales  to  these  customers  in  the 
aggregate accounted for approximately 62% of our 2000 total revenues, and sales to each of these customers 
accounted  for  more  than  10%  of  our  2000  total  revenues.  Three  of  these  customers  have  purchased  coal 
regularly from us for more than 15 years.  A national bond rating agency has recently reported that the parent 
company of one of our significant customers is in default on a significant amount of its outstanding debt.  All 
of the accounts receivable under the long-term contract with our customer are current.  Our management does 
not anticipate that this event will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. 

COMPETITION  

The  United  States  coal  industry  is  highly  competitive  with  numerous  producers  in  all  coal  producing 
regions. We compete with other large producers and hundreds of small producers in the United States. The 
largest  coal  company  is  estimated  to  have  sold  approximately  16%  of  the  total  2000  tonnage  sold  in  the 
United States market. We compete with other coal producers primarily on the basis of coal price at the mine, 
coal quality (including sulfur content), transportation cost from the mine to the customer, and the reliability of 
supply.  Continued  demand  for  our  coal  and  the  prices  that  we  obtain  are  also  affected  by  demand  for 
electricity, environmental and government regulations, technological developments, and the availability and 
price of alternative fuel supplies, including nuclear, natural gas, oil, and hydroelectric power. 

TRANSPORTATION  

Our  coal  is  transported  to  our  customers  by  rail,  truck  and  barge.  Depending  on  the  proximity  of  the 
customer to the mine and the transportation available for delivering coal to that customer, transportation costs 
can range from 10% to 60% of the delivered cost of a customer's coal. As a consequence, the availability and 
cost  of  transportation  constitute  important  factors  in  the  marketability  of  coal.  We  believe  our  mines  are 
located in favorable geographic locations that minimize transportation costs for our customers. 

Customers pay the transportation costs from the contractual F.O.B. point to the customer's plant. At our 
Gibson and Mettiki mines, a contractor operates a truck delivery system that transports the coal from the mine 
to the primary customer’s power plant. 

In  2000,  the  largest  volume  transporter  of  our  coal  production  was  the  CSX  railroad,  which  moved 
approximately 50% of our tonnage over its rail system. The practices of, and rates set by, the railroad serving 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a particular mine or customer might affect, either adversely or favorably, our marketing efforts with respect to 
coal produced from the relevant mine. 

REGULATION AND LAWS  

The coal mining industry is subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities on matters such as: 

employee health and safety;  

- 
-  mine permits and other licensing requirements;  
- 
-  water pollution;  
- 

air quality standards;  

storage  of  petroleum  products  and  substances  which  are  regarded  as  hazardous  under 
applicable laws or which, if spilled, could reach waterways or wetlands; 
plant and wildlife protection;  
reclamation and restoration of mining properties after mining is completed; 
the discharge of materials into the environment;  

- 
- 
- 
-  management of solid wastes generated by mining operations;  
- 
-  management of electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); 
- 
- 
- 

surface subsidence from underground mining;  
the effects that mining has on groundwater quality and availability; and 
legislatively mandated benefits for current and retired coal miners.  

protection of wetlands;  

In addition, the utility industry is subject to extensive regulation regarding the environmental impact of its 
power generation activities, which could affect demand for our coal. The possibility exists that new legislation 
or  regulations,  or  new  interpretations  of  existing  laws  or  regulations,  may  be  adopted  that  may  have  a 
significant impact on our mining operations or our customers' ability to use coal, and may require us or our 
customers to change our or their operations significantly or to incur substantial costs. 

We  are  committed  to  conducting  mining  operations  in  compliance  with  all  applicable  federal,  state  and 
local  laws  and  regulations.  However,  because  of  extensive  and  comprehensive  regulatory  requirements, 
violations  during  mining  operations  are  not  unusual  in  the  industry  and,  notwithstanding  our  compliance 
efforts, we do not believe these violations can be eliminated completely. None of the violations to date or the 
monetary penalties assessed at our operations have been material. 

While it is not possible to quantify the costs of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, those 
costs have been and are expected to continue to be significant. Capital expenditures for environmental matters 
have not been material in recent years. We have accrued for the present value estimated cost of reclamation 
and  mine  closing,  including  the  cost  of  treating  mine  water  discharge,  when  necessary.  The  accrual  for 
reclamation and mine closing costs is based upon permit requirements and the costs and timing of reclamation 
and mine closing procedures. Although management believes it has made adequate provisions for all expected 
reclamation  and  other  costs  associated  with  mine  closures,  future  operating  results  would  be  adversely 
affected if we later determine these accruals to be insufficient. Compliance with these laws has substantially 
increased the cost of coal mining for all domestic coal producers. 

Mining  Permits  and  Approvals.    Numerous  governmental  permits  or  approvals  are  required  for  mining 
operations. We may be required to prepare and present to federal, state or local authorities data pertaining to 
the effect or impact that any proposed production of coal may have upon the environment. All requirements 
imposed  by  any  of  these  authorities  may  be  costly  and  time-consuming,  and  may  delay  commencement  or 
continuation  of  mining  operations.  Future  legislation  and  administrative  regulations  may  emphasize  more 
heavily the protection of the environment and, as a consequence, our activities may be more closely regulated. 
Legislation  and  regulations,  as  well  as  future  interpretations  of  existing  laws,  may  require  substantial 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
increases in equipment and operating costs and delays, interruptions or a termination of operations, the extent 
of which cannot be predicted. 

Before  commencing  mining  on  a  particular  property,  we  must  obtain  mining  permits  and  approvals  by 
state  regulatory  authorities  of  a  reclamation  plan  for  restoring,  upon  the  completion  of  mining,  the  mined 
property  to  its  approximate  prior  condition,  productive  use  or  other  permitted  condition.  Typically,  we 
commence actions to obtain permits between 18 and 24 months before we plan to mine a new area. In  our 
experience, permits generally are approved within 12 months after a completed application is submitted. We 
have  not  experienced  difficulties  in  obtaining  mining  permits  in  the  areas  where  our  reserves  are  currently 
located. However, we cannot assure you that we will not experience difficulty in obtaining mining permits in 
the future. 

Under some circumstances, substantial fines and penalties, including revocation of mining permits, may be 
imposed under the laws described above. Monetary sanctions and, in severe circumstances, criminal sanctions 
may be imposed for failure to comply with these laws. Regulations also provide that a mining permit can be 
refused or revoked if the permit applicant or permittee owns or controls, directly or indirectly through other 
entities,  mining  operations  which  have  outstanding  permit  violations.  Although  we  have  been  cited  for 
violations in the ordinary course of our business, we have never had a permit suspended or revoked because 
of any violation, and the penalties assessed for these violations have not been material. 

Mine  Health  and  Safety  Laws.  Stringent  safety  and  health  standards  have  been  imposed  by  federal 
legislation since 1969 when the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 (CMHSA) was adopted. CMHSA 
resulted  in  increased  operating  costs  and  reduced  productivity.  The  federal  Mine  Safety  and  Health  Act  of 
1977,  which  significantly  expanded  the  enforcement  of  health  and  safety  standards  of  CMHSA,  imposes 
comprehensive  safety  and  health  standards  on  all  mining  operations.  Regulations  are  comprehensive  and 
affect  numerous  aspects  of  mining  operations,  including  training  of  mine  personnel,  mining  procedures, 
blasting,  the  equipment  used  in  mining  operations  and  other  matters.  The  Mine  Safety  and  Health 
Administration monitors compliance with these federal laws and regulations. In addition, as part of CMHSA 
and the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, the Black Lung Benefits Act requires payments of benefits by 
all  businesses  that  conduct  current  mining  operations  to  a  coal  miner  with  black  lung  disease  and  to  some 
survivors of a miner who dies from this disease. Most of the states where we operate also have state programs 
for  mine  safety  and  health  regulation  and  enforcement.  In  combination,  federal  and  state  safety  and  health 
regulation in the coal mining industry is perhaps the most comprehensive and rigorous system for protection 
of employee safety and health affecting any segment of any industry. Even the most minute aspects of mine 
operations, particularly underground mine operations, are subject to extensive regulation. This regulation has 
a significant effect on our operating costs. However, our competitors in all of the areas in which we operate 
are subject to the same laws and regulations. 

Black  Lung  Benefits  Act  (BLBA).  The  federal  BLBA  levies  a  tax  on  production  of  $1.10  per  ton  for 
underground-mined coal and $0.55 per ton for surface-mined coal, but not to exceed 4.4% of the applicable 
sales  price,  in  order  to  compensate  miners  who  are  totally  disabled  due  to  black  lung  disease  and  some 
survivors  of  miners  who  died  from  this  disease,  and  who  were  last  employed  as  miners  prior  to  1970  or 
subsequently  where  no  responsible  coal  mine  operator  has  been  identified  for  claims.  In  addition,  BLBA 
provides that some claims for which coal operators had previously been responsible will be obligations of the 
government trust funded by the tax. The Revenue Act of 1987 extended the termination date of this tax from 
January 1, 1996, to the earlier of January 1, 2014, or the date on which the government trust becomes solvent. 
For miners last employed as miners after 1969 and who are determined to have contracted black lung, we self-
insure against potential cost using actuarially determined estimates of the cost of present and future claims. 
We are also liable under state statutes for black lung claims. 

The  U.S.  Department  of  Labor  has  issued  revised  regulations  that  could  alter  the  claims  process  for  the 

federal black lung benefit recipients, which among other things: 

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

simplify administrative procedures for the adjudication of claims; 
propose preference for the miner’s treating physician under certain circumstances; 
allow previously denied claims to be refiled and litigated under a different standard;   
limit the amount of evidence all parties may submit for consideration; 
create a rebuttable presumption that medical treatment for any pulmonary condition is caused 
or aggravated by the miner’s work; and  
expand the definition of pneumoconiosis and total disability. 

Because the revised regulations are expected to result in an increase in the incidence and recovery of black 
lung  claims,  both  the  coal  and  insurance  industries  are  currently  challenging  through  litigation  certain 
provisions  of  the  revised  regulations.    A  federal  judge  has  granted  a  limited  stay  of  the  new  black  lung 
regulations at the request of the Bush administration.  Under the preliminary injunction, claims will continue 
to  be  processed  under  the  new  regulations,  but  no  final  decisions  will  be  made  on  claims  for  black  lung 
benefits filed after the new regulations became effective.  The outcome of the litigation and the impact of the 
revised regulations if eventually implemented on the Partnership’s liability for black lung claims cannot be 
determined at this time.  In addition, Congress and state legislatures regularly consider various items of black 
lung  legislation,  which  if  enacted,  could  adversely  affect  our  business  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

Workers'  Compensation.  We  are  required  to  compensate  employees  for  work-related  injuries.  Several 

states in which we operate consider changes in workers compensation laws from time to time.  

Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefits  Act (CIRHBA). The federal CIRHBA  was enacted to provide for 
the funding of health benefits for some United Mine Workers of America retirees. The act merged previously 
established union benefit plans into a single fund into which "signatory operators" and "related persons" are 
obligated to pay annual premiums for beneficiaries. The act also created a second benefit fund for miners who 
retired  between  July  21,  1992,  and  September  30,  1994,  and  whose  former  employers  are  no  longer  in 
business.  Because  of  our  union-free  status,  we  are  not  required  to  make  payments  to  retired  miners  under 
CIRHBA,  with  the  exception  of  limited  payments  made  on  behalf  of  predecessors  of  MC  Mining,  LLC. 
However,  in  connection  with  the  sale  of  the  coal  assets  acquired  by  ARH  in  1996,  MAPCO  Inc.  agreed  to 
retain all liabilities under CIRHBA. 

Surface  Mining  Control  and  Reclamation  Act  (SMCRA).    The  federal  SMCRA  establishes  operational, 
reclamation and closure standards for all aspects of surface mining as well as many aspects of deep mining. 
The  act  requires  that  comprehensive  environmental  protection  and  reclamation  standards  be  met  during  the 
course of and upon completion of mining activities. In conjunction with mining the property, we reclaim and 
restore  the  mined  areas  by  grading,  shaping  and  preparing  the  soil  for  seeding.  Upon  completion  of  the 
mining, reclamation generally is completed by seeding with grasses or planting trees for a variety of uses, as 
specified in the approved reclamation plan. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with 
applicable regulations relating to reclamation. 

SMCRA  and  similar  state  statutes,  require,  among  other  things,  that  mined  property  be  restored  in 
accordance with specified standards and approved reclamation plans. The act requires us to restore the surface 
to  approximate  the  original  contours  as  contemporaneously  as  practicable  with  the  completion  of  surface 
mining  operations.  The  mine  operator  must  submit  a  bond  or  otherwise  secure  the  performance  of  these 
reclamation  obligations.  The  earliest  a  reclamation  bond  can  be  released  is  five  years  after  reclamation  has 
been achieved. Federal law and some states impose on mine operators the responsibility for replacing certain 
water  supplies  damaged  by  mining  operations  and  repairing  or  compensating  for  damage  occurring  on  the 
surface  as  a  result  of  mine  subsidence,  a  consequence  of  longwall  mining  and  possibly  other  mining 
operations. In addition, the Abandoned Mine Lands Program, which is part of SMCRA, imposes a tax on all 
current mining operations, the proceeds of which are used to restore mines closed before 1977. The maximum 
tax is $0.35 per ton on surface-mined coal and $0.15 per ton on underground-mined coal. We have accrued 

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for the estimated costs of reclamation and mine closing, including the cost of treating mine water discharge 
when necessary. 

Under SMCRA, responsibility for unabated violations, unpaid civil penalties and unpaid reclamation fees 
of independent contract mine operators and other third parties can be imputed to other companies which are 
deemed,  according  to  the  regulations,  to  have  "owned"  or  "controlled"  the  third  party  violator.  Sanctions 
against the "owner" or "controller" are quite severe and can include being blocked from receiving new permits 
and revocation of any permits that have been issued since the time of the violations or, in the case of civil 
penalties and reclamation fees, since the time their amounts became due. We are not aware of any currently 
pending  or  asserted  claims  relating  to  the  "ownership"  or  "control"  theories  discussed  above.  However,  we 
cannot assure you that such claims will not develop in the future. 

Clean  Air  Act  (CAA).  The  federal  CAA  and  similar  state  laws,  which  regulate  emissions  into  the  air, 
affect  coal  mining  and  processing  operations  primarily  through  permitting  and  emissions  control 
requirements.  The  CAA  also  indirectly  affects  coal  mining  operations  by  extensively  regulating  the  air 
emissions of coal-fired electric power generating plants. For example, the CAA requires reduction of sulfur 
dioxide  (SO2)  emissions  from  electric  power  generation  plants  in  two  phases.  Only  some  facilities  were 
subject to the Phase I requirements. Beginning in year 2000, Phase II requires nearly all facilities to reduce 
emissions. The effected utilities are able to meet these requirements by: 

- 
- 
- 
- 

switching to lower sulfur fuels;  
installing pollution control devices such as scrubbers;  
reducing electricity generating levels; or  
purchasing or trading so-called pollution "credits."  

Specific emissions sources receive these "credits" that utilities and industrial concerns can trade or sell to 
allow other units to emit higher levels  of SO2. In addition, the CAA requires  a study of utility power plant 
emissions of some toxic substances and their eventual regulation, if warranted. The effect of the CAA cannot 
be  completely  ascertained  at  this  time,  although  the  SO2  emissions  reduction  requirement  is  projected 
generally to increase the demand for lower sulfur coal and potentially decrease demand for higher sulfur coal. 

The  CAA  also  indirectly  affects  coal  mining  operations  by  requiring  utilities  that  currently  are  major 
sources  of  nitrogen  oxides  (NOx)  in  moderate  or  higher  ozone  nonattainment  areas  to  install  reasonably 
available  control  technology  for  NOx,  which  are  precursors  of  ozone.  In  October  1998,  the  U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring 22 eastern states and the District of Columbia 
to  make  substantial  reductions  in  NOx  emissions  by  the  year  2003,  which  was  substantially  upheld  by  the 
U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on March 3, 2000.  On March 5, 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court 
declined to review that decision, in response to a petition by seven states and the power and coal industries.  
EPA  expects  that  effected  states  will  achieve  reductions  by  requiring  power  plants  to  make  substantial 
reductions  in  their  NOx  emissions.  This  in  turn  will  require  power  plants  to  install  reasonably  available 
control  technology  and  additional  control  measures.  Installation  of  reasonably  available  control  technology 
and additional measures required under  EPA regulations will make it more costly to operate coal-fired plants 
and, depending on the requirements of individual state implementation plans and the development of revised 
new  source  performance  standards,  could  make  coal  a  less  attractive  fuel  alternative  in  the  planning  and 
building  of  utility  power  plants  in  the  future.  Any  reduction  in  coal's  share  of  the  capacity  for  power 
generation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
The effect these regulations, or other requirements that may be imposed in the future, could have on the coal 
industry in general and on our business in particular cannot be predicted with certainty. We cannot assure you 
that the implementation of the CAA, the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) discussed 
below, or any other current or future regulatory provision, will not materially adversely affect us. 

In  addition,  EPA  has  already  issued  and  is  considering  further  regulations  relating  to  fugitive  dust  and 
emissions of other coal-related pollutants such as mercury, nickel, dioxin and fine particulates. For example, 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in July 1997 EPA adopted new, more stringent NAAQS for particulate matter, which may require some states 
to  change  existing  implementation  plans.  These  NAAQS  are  expected  to  be  implemented  by  2003.    These 
NAAQS were effectively affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court on February 27, 2001.  That decision upheld 
the constitutionality of EPA’s NAAQS statutory authority, finding that EPA acted properly in not considering 
costs  in  setting  the  NAAQS,  and  remanded  the  case  to  the  U.S.  Court  of  Appeals  for  the  D.C.  Circuit  to 
dispose of any remaining challenges to the rules.  Because coal mining operations and utilities emit particulate 
matter, our mining operations and utility customers are likely to be directly effected when the revisions to the 
NAAQS are implemented by the states.  

EPA  has  filed  suit  against  a  number  of  our  customers  over  implementation  of  new  source  performance 
standards  and  preconstruction  review  requirements  for  new  sources  and  major  modifications  under  the 
prevention of significant deterioration and nonattainment regulations. This issue surrounds the issue of what 
constitutes regular maintenance versus new construction. Some of our customers have agreed to or proposed 
settlements with EPA while others are preparing for litigation. These and other regulatory developments may 
restrict our ability to develop new mines, or could require us or our customers to modify existing operations.  

Framework  Convention  On  Global  Climate  Change  (Kyoto  Protocol).  The  United  States  and  more  than 
160  other  nations  are  signatories  to  the  Kyoto  Protocol  which  is  intended  to  limit  or  capture  emissions  of 
greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. The Kyoto Protocol established a binding set of emissions targets 
for  developed  nations.  The  specific  limits  vary  from  country  to  country.  Under  the  terms  of  the  Kyoto 
Protocol,  the  United  States  would  be  required  to  reduce  emissions  to  93%  of  1990  levels  over  a  five-year 
budget period from 2008 through 2012. The Clinton Administration signed the Kyoto Protocol in November 
1998.  Although  the  U.S.  Senate  has  not  ratified  the  Kyoto  Protocol  and  no  comprehensive  regulations 
focusing on greenhouse gas emissions have been enacted, efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions could 
result  in  reduced  use  of  coal  if  electric  power  generators  switch  to  lower  carbon  sources  of  fuel.  These 
restrictions,  if  established  through  regulation  or  legislation,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Clean  Water  Act  (CWA).  The  federal  CWA  affects  coal  mining  operations  by  imposing  restrictions  on 
effluent  discharge  into  waters.  Regular  monitoring,  as  well  as  compliance  with  reporting  requirements  and 
performance standards, are preconditions for the issuance and renewal of permits governing the discharge of 
pollutants  into  water.  We  are  also  subject  to  CWA  §404,  which  imposes  permitting  and  mitigation 
requirements associated with the dredging and filling of wetlands. The CWA and equivalent state legislation, 
where such equivalent state legislation exists, affect coal mining operations that impact wetlands. We believe 
we  have  obtained  all  necessary  wetlands  permits  required  under  Section  404.  However,  mitigation 
requirements under those existing, and possible future, wetlands permits may vary considerably. In addition, 
we  are  currently  interpreting  the  effect  of  a  January  9,  2001,  U.S  Supreme  Court  ruling  concerning  the 
definition of isolated wetlands. This issue should not cause any increase in post-mine reclamation accruals. In 
fact, this decision is expected to decrease the regulatory burden on mining operations that disturb intermittent 
streams  and other isolated wetlands. For that reason, the setting of post-mine reclamation accruals for  such 
mitigation  projects  is  difficult  to  ascertain  with  certainty.  We  believe  that  we  have  obtained  all  permits 
required  under  the  CWA  as  traditionally  interpreted  by  the  responsible  agencies.    Although  more  stringent 
permitting requirements may be imposed in the future, we are not able to accurately predict the impact, if any, 
of any such permitting requirements. 

However, each individual state is required to submit to EPA their biennial CWA §303(d) lists identifying 
all  waterbodies  not  meeting  state  specified  water  quality  standards.  For  each  listed  waterbody,  the  state  is 
required to begin developing a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to:  

- 

- 
- 

determine  the  maximum  pollutant  loading  the  waterbody  can  assimilate  without  violating 
water quality standards,  
identify all current pollutant sources and loadings to that waterbody,  
calculate the pollutant loading reduction necessary to achieve water quality standards, and  

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 

establish  a  means  of  allocating  that  burden  among  and  between  the  point  and  non-point 
sources contributing pollutants to the waterbody.  

We  are  currently  participating  in  stakeholders  meetings  and  in  negotiations  with  states  and  EPA  to 
establish reasonable TMDLs that will accommodate expansion. These and other regulatory developments may 
restrict our ability to develop new mines, or could require us or our customers to modify existing operations, 
the extent of which we cannot accurately or reasonably predict.  

Safe  Drinking  Water  Act  (SDWA).  The  federal  SDWA  and  its  state  equivalents  affect  coal  mining 
operations by imposing requirements on the underground injection of fine coal slurries, fly ash, and flue gas 
scrubber sludge, and by requiring a permit to conduct such underground injection activities. The inability to 
obtain these permits could have a material impact on our ability to inject materials such as fine coal refuse, fly 
ash, or flue gas scrubber sludge into the inactive areas of some of our old underground mine workings. 

In  addition  to  establishing  the  underground  injection  control  program,  the  federal  SDWA  also  imposes 
regulatory requirements on owners and operators of "public water systems." This regulatory program could 
impact our reclamation operations where subsidence, or other mining-related problems, require the provision 
of  drinking  water  to  effected  adjacent  homeowners.  However,  the  federal  SDWA  defines  a  "public  water 
system" for purposes of regulatory jurisdiction as a system for the provision to the public of water for human 
consumption  through  pipes  or  other  constructed  conveyances,  if  the  system  has  at  least  fifteen  service 
connections  or  regularly  serves  at  least  twenty-five  individuals.  It  is  unlikely  that  any  of  our  reclamation 
activities would require the provision of such a "public water system." While we have at least one drinking 
water  supply  source  for  our  employees  and  contractors  that  is  subject  to  SDWA  regulation,  the  SDWA  is 
unlikely to have a material impact on our operations. 

Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and  Liability  Act  (CERCLA).  The  federal 
CERCLA  and  similar  state  laws  affect  coal  mining  operations  by,  among  other  things,  imposing  cleanup 
requirements  for  threatened  or  actual  releases  of  hazardous  substances  that  may  endanger  public  health  or 
welfare  or  the  environment.  Under  CERCLA,  and  similar  state  laws,  joint  and  several  liability  may  be 
imposed on waste generators, site owners and operators and others regardless  of fault or the legality of the 
original disposal activity. Some products used by coal companies in operations, such as chemicals, generate 
waste containing hazardous substances, which are governed by the statute. Thus, coal mines that we currently 
own  or  have  previously  owned  or  operated,  and  sites  to  which  we  sent  waste  materials,  may  be  subject  to 
liability under CERCLA and similar state laws. We have been, on rare occasions, the subject of administrative 
proceedings,  litigation  and  investigations  relating  to  CERCLA  matters,  none  of  which  has  had  a  material 
adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition  or  results  of  operations.  We  cannot  assure  you  that  we  will  not 
become involved in future proceedings, litigation or investigations, or that liabilities arising out of any such 
proceedings will not be material. 

Toxic  Substances  Control  Act  (TSCA).  The  federal  TSCA  regulates,  among  other  things,  electrical 
equipment containing PCBs in excess of 50 parts-per-million. Specifically, TSCA’s PCB rules require that all 
PCB-containing equipment be properly labeled, stored, and disposed of, and require the on-site maintenance 
of  annual  records  regarding  the  presence  and  use  of  equipment  containing  PCBs  in  excess  of  50  parts-per-
million. Because the regulated PCB-containing electrical equipment in use in our operations is owned by the 
utilities that serve the operations where they are located, and because the use of PCB-containing fluids in such 
equipment is in the process of being phased out, we do not believe TSCA will have a material impact on our 
operations. 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The federal RCRA affects coal mining operations by 
imposing  requirements  for  the  generation,  transportation,  treatment,  storage,  disposal  and  cleanup  of 
hazardous wastes. Many mining wastes are excluded from the regulatory definition of hazardous wastes, and 
coal mining operations covered by SMCRA permits are exempted from regulation under RCRA by statute.  

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coal Combustion By-Products. In 2000, EPA declined to impose hazardous wastes regulatory controls on 
the  disposal  of  some  coal  combustion  by-products,  including  the  practice  of  using  coal  combustion  by-
products as minefill.  However, EPA is currently evaluating the possibility of placing additional solid waste 
burdens on the disposal of these types of materials, but it may be several years before these standards will be 
developed. 

While we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the EPA's assessment, we believe that the beneficial uses 
of coal combustion by-products we employ do not constitute poor practices due to, among other things, the 
fact  that  our  CWA  discharge  permits  for  treated  acid  mine  drainage  contain  parameters  for  pollutants  of 
concern, such as metals, and those permits require monitoring and reporting of effluent quality data.  Small 
quantities of regulated hazardous wastes are generated at some of our facilities.  However, we do not believe 
that the cost of complying with applicable regulations for those wastes will have a material impact. 

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION  

In  addition  to  the  laws  and  regulations  described  above,  we  are  subject  to  regulations  regarding 
underground  and  above  ground  storage  tanks  where  we  may  store  petroleum  or  other  substances.  Some 
monitoring equipment that we use is subject to licensing under the federal Atomic Energy Act. Water supply 
wells located on our property are subject to federal, state and local regulation. The costs of compliance with 
these requirements should not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. 

EMPLOYEES  

We  have  approximately  1,530  employees,  including  some  100  corporate  employees  and  some  1,430 
employees  involved  in  active  mining  operations.  Our  work-force  is  entirely  union-free.  Relations  with  our 
employees are generally good, and there have been no recent work stoppages or union organizing campaigns 
among our employees. 

ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES  

COAL RESERVES  

As of December 31, 2000, we had approximately 466 million tons of coal reserves. All of the estimates of 
reserves  which  are  presented  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  are  of  proven  and  probable  reserves. 
Proven  and  probable  reserves  are  reserves  that  we  can  economically  produce  using  current  extraction 
technology from acreage we own or lease. 

The following table sets forth production data and reserve information, as of December 31, 2000, about 

each of our mining complexes. 

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location

Mine Type

Webster and Hopkins 
County, KY
White County, IL
Hopkins County, KY

Gibson County, IN

Underground

Underground
Surface/
Underground
Underground

Gibson County, IN

Underground

Martin County, KY
Pike County, KY

Underground
Underground

Garrett County, MD
Grant and Tucker 
County, WV

Underground
Underground

2000
Saleable
Production
(tons in 
millions)

3.9

2.3

2.1
0.1

0.0

8.4

1.9
0.8
2.7

2.6
0.0

2.6

13.7

Typical Clean Coal Quality
Heat
Content (2)
(BTU
per pound)

Sulfur (2)
(%)

Ash (2)
(%)

12,500

11,700

11,300
11,600

2.9

3.0

3.2
1.0

8.1

7.9

12.4
7.0

11,600

2.1 (3)

NA

12,800
12,800

13,000
13,000

0.7
0.7

1.6
1.6

6.7
7.2

10.0
10.0

Proven and Probable Reserves

Low
Sulfur (1)

Medium
Sulfur (1)
(tons in millions)

High
Sulfur (1)

Total

107.4

107.4

81.3

35.0

49.2

272.9

44.1

44.1

0.0

0.0

36.0
20.1

56.1

100.2
21.5%

0.0

272.9
58.5%

81.3

35.0
39.4

104.2

367.3

19.7
23.1
42.8

36.0
20.1

56.1

466.2
100.0%

39.4

10.9

50.3

19.7
23.1
42.8

0.0

93.1
20.0%

(1)  We classify low-sulfur coal as coal with a sulfur content of less than 1%, medium-sulfur 
coal as coal  with a sulfur content between 1% and 2% and high-sulfur coal as coal with 
a sulfur content of greater than 2%. 

(2)  Fully washed quality.  Actual shipped quality varies according to the blending of washed and raw coal. 

(3)  Sulfur (%) represents a weighted average. 

Our reserve estimates are prepared from geological data assembled and analyzed by our staff of geologists 
and engineers. This data is obtained through our extensive, ongoing exploration drilling and in-mine channel 
sampling  programs.  Reserve  estimates  will  change  from  time  to  time  in  reflection  of  mining  activities, 
analysis of new engineering and geological data, acquisition or divestment of reserve holdings, modification 
of mining plans or mining methods, and other factors. 

We estimate that approximately 62 million tons of our reserves, or approximately 67% of our low-sulfur 
reserves and 13% of our total reserves at December 31, 2000, meet compliance standards for Phase II of the 
Clean  Air  Act  Amendments.  Compliance  coal  consists  of  coal  that  emits  less  than  1.2  pounds  of  SO2  per 
million Btu. 

We  lease  almost  all  of  our  reserves  and  generally  have  the  right  to  maintain  the  lease  in  force  until  the 
exhaustion of minable and merchantable coal located within the leased premises or a larger coal reserve area. 
These leases provide for royalties to be paid to the lessor at a fixed amount per ton or as a percentage of the 
sales price. Many leases require payment of minimum royalties, payable either at the time of the execution of 
the lease or in periodic installments, even if no  mining activities have begun. These minimum royalties are 
normally credited against the production royalties owed to a lessor once coal production has commenced. 

In  connection  with  our  corporate  reorganization  and  subsequent  IPO,  we  obtained  the  consents  of  our 
lessors or determined that obtaining such consents was not required.  Although we believe we have obtained 
all necessary consents, in the event that we have failed to obtain a necessary consent, our operations may be 
adversely impacted if we experience any disruption of our mining operations as a consequence. 

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For economic and other operational reasons, a portion of our reserves described above may be mined only 
after the construction of additional mining facilities. The extent to which we will eventually mine our reserves 
will  depend  on  the  price  and  demand  for  coal  of  the  quality  and  type  we  control,  the  price  and  supply  of 
alternative fuels, and future mining practices and regulations. 

RISK FACTORS  

If  any  of  the  following  risks  were  actually  to  occur,  our  business,  financial  condition  or  results  of 

operations could be materially adversely effected and the trading price of our Common Units could decline. 

Risks Inherent in Our Business  

-  Competition  within  the  coal  industry  may  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  sell  coal,  and  excess 

production capacity in the industry could put downward pressure on coal prices in the future. 

-  Current conditions in the coal industry may change and make it more difficult for us to extend existing 
or enter into new long-term contracts. This could affect the stability and profitability of our operations. 
-  Some  of  our  long-term  contracts  contain  provisions  allowing  for  the  renegotiation  of  prices  and,  in 

some instances, the termination of the contract or the suspension of purchases by customers. 

-  Some  of  our  long-term  contracts  require  us  to  supply  all  of  our  customers  coal  needs.  If  these 

customers' coal requirements decline, our revenues under these contracts will also drop. 

-  A substantial portion of our coal has a high-sulfur content. This coal may become more difficult to sell 
because  the  CAA  may  impact  the  ability  of  electric  utilities  to  burn  high-sulfur  coal  through  the 
regulation of emissions. 

-  We depend on a few customers for a significant portion of our revenues, and the loss of one or more 
significant  customers  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial  condition  or 
results of operations. 

-  Any future litigation relating to disputes with our customers may result in substantial costs, liabilities 

and loss of revenues. 

-  Any loss of the benefit from state tax credits may affect adversely our business financial condition or 

results of operations. 

-  Coal  mining  is  subject  to  inherent  risks  that  are  beyond  our  control,  and  we  cannot  assure  you  that 

these risks will be fully covered under our insurance policies. 

-  We  depend  on  third  party  service  providers  to  assist  us  in  producing  a  portion  of  our  coal.  If  these 
providers'  services  were  no  longer  available,  our  ability  to  produce  and  sell  coal  may  be  effected 
adversely. 

-  Any  significant  increase  in  transportation  costs  or  disruption  of  the  transportation  of  our  coal  may 

impair our ability to sell coal. 

-  We  may  not  be  able  to  grow  successfully  through  future  acquisitions,  and  we  may  not  be  able  to 

effectively integrate the various businesses or properties we do acquire. 

-  Our business may be adversely effected if we are unable to replace our coal reserves. 
-  The estimates of our reserves may prove inaccurate, and you should not place undue reliance on these 

estimates. 

-  Our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds, make distributions to Unitholders or 

capitalize on business opportunities. 

-  We are required to obtain and maintain bonds to secure our obligations to return mined property to its 
approximate original condition. The failure to do so may result in fines and the loss of mining permits. 

Risks Inherent in an Investment in the Partnership  

-  Unitholders have limited voting rights and do not control our Managing GP. 
-  We may issue additional Common Units without the approval of Common Unitholders, which would 

dilute existing Unitholders' interests. 

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  The  issuance  of  additional  Common  Units,  including  upon  conversion  of  Subordinated  Units,  will 
increase the risk that we will be unable to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution on all Common 
Units. 

-  Cost reimbursements to our General Partners may be substantial and will reduce our cash available for 

distribution. 

-  Our Managing GP has a limited call right that may require Unitholders to sell their Common Units at 

an undesirable time or price. 

-  Unitholders may not have limited liability under some circumstances.  
-  Cash  distributions  are  not  guaranteed  and  may  fluctuate  with  our  performance.  In  addition,  our 
Managing  GP's  discretion  in  establishing  reserves  may  negatively  impact  your  receipt  of  cash 
distributions. 

Regulatory Risks  

-  We are subject to federal, state and local regulations on numerous matters. These regulations increase 

our costs of doing business and may discourage customers from buying our coal. 

-  We are subject to black lung benefits and workers' compensation obligations, which could increase if 

new legislation is enacted. 

-  The CAA affects our customers and could significantly influence their purchasing decisions. 
-  The  passage  of  legislation  responsive  to  the  Kyoto  Protocol  could  result  in  a  reduced  use  of  coal  by 
electric  power  generators.  This  reduction  in  use  could  adversely  affect  our  revenues  and  results  of 
operations. 

-  The CWA imposes limitations and monitoring and reporting obligations on our discharge of pollutants 

into water. 

-  We are subject to reclamation, mine closure and real property restoration regulation obligations, which 

could increase if new legislation is enacted.   

-  We  and  our  customers  could  incur  significant  costs  under  federal  and  state  Superfund  and  waste 

management statutes. 

Tax Risks to Common Unitholders  

-  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could in the future choose to treat us as a corporation, which would 

substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to Unitholders. 
-  We have not requested an IRS ruling with respect to our tax treatment. 
-  You may be required to pay taxes on income from us even if you receive no cash distributions. 
-  Tax gain or loss on disposition of Common Units could be different than expected. 
-  Common  Unitholders,  other  than  individuals  who  are  U.S.  residents,  may  have  adverse  tax 

consequences from owning Common Units. 

-  We have registered with the IRS as a tax shelter. This may increase the risk of an IRS audit of us or a 

Common Unitholder. 

-  We  treat  a  purchaser  of  Common  Units  as  having  the  same  tax  benefits  as  the  seller;  the  IRS  may 

challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the Common Units. 

-  Common Unitholders will likely be subject to state and local taxes as a result of an investment in units. 

ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

We  are  subject  to  various  types  of  litigation  in  the  ordinary  course  of  our  business.  Disputes  with  our 
customers  over  the  provisions  of  long-term  coal  supply  contracts  arise  occasionally  and  generally  relate  to, 
among other things, coal quality, pricing, quantity, and the existence of force majeure conditions. Although 
we  are  not  currently  involved  in  any  litigation  involving  our  long-term  coal  supply  contracts,  we  cannot 
assure  you  that  disputes  will  not  occur  in  the  future  or  that  we  will  be  able  to  resolve  those  disputes  in  a 
satisfactory  manner.    We  are  not  engaged  in  any  litigation  which  we  believe  is  material  to  our  operations, 
including  under  the  various  environmental  protection  statutes  to  which  we  are  subject.      The  information 

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under  “General  Litigation”  under  “Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data.  –  Note  15. 
Commitments and Contingencies” is hereby incorporated by reference. 

ITEM 4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS  

None.  

PART II 

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON UNITS AND RELATED   

UNITHOLDER MATTERS   

The Common Units representing limited partner interests are listed on the Nasdaq National Market under 
the symbol "ARLP." The Common Units began trading on August 20, 1999, when the market price for the 
IPO of the Common Units was $19.00 per unit. On March 26, 2001 the closing market price for the Common 
Units  was  $19.81  per  unit.  There  were  approximately  6,100  record  holders  and  beneficial  owners  at 
December 31, 2000 (held in street name) of the Partnership's Common Units. 

The following table sets forth, the range of high and low sales price per Common Unit and the amount of 
cash  distribution  declared  with  respect  to  the  Units,  for  each  quarterly  period  since  commencement  of 
operations on August 20, 1999. 

           High                    Low         

                 Distributions Per  Unit 

3rd Quarter 1999 (from 

$ 

19.06 

$ 

13.50 

August 20, 1999) 

$0.23 (paid November 12, 1999 for the period from 
  August 20, 1999, through September 30, 1999) 

4th Quarter 1999 

1st Quarter 2000 

2nd Quarter 2000 

3rd Quarter 2000 

4th Quarter 2000 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

14.75  

14.50 

15.13 

17.75 

18.25 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

12.00 

12.13 

12.63 

14.25 

15.00 

$0.50 (paid February 14, 2000) 

$0.50 (paid  May 15, 2000) 

$0.50 (paid August 14, 2000) 

$0.50 (paid November 14, 2000) 

$0.50 (paid February 14, 2001) 

The Partnership has also issued 6,422,531 Subordinated Units, all of which are held by the Special GP, for 

which there is no established public trading market. 

The  Partnership  will  distribute  to  its  partners  (including  holders  of  Subordinated  Units),  on  a  quarterly 
basis,  all  of  its  Available  Cash.  Available  Cash  generally  means,  with  respect  to  any  quarter  of  the 
Partnership,  all  cash  on  hand  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  less  cash  reserves  in  an  amount  necessary  or 
appropriate  in  the  reasonable  discretion  of  the  Managing  GP  to  (a)  provide  for  the  proper  conduct  of  the 
Partnership's  business,  (b)  comply  with  applicable  law  of  any  debt  instrument  or  other  agreement  of  the 
Partnership  or  any  of  its  affiliates,  or  (c)  provide  funds  for  distributions  to  unitholders  and  the  General 
Partners for any one or more of the next four quarters. Available Cash is defined in the Partnership Agreement 
listed  as  an  exhibit  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  The  Partnership  Agreement  defines  minimum 
quarterly  distributions  (MQDs)  as  $0.50  for  each  full  fiscal  quarter.  Distributions  of  Available  Cash  to  the 
holder of the Subordinated Units are subject to the prior rights of the holders of the Common Units to receive 
MQDs for each quarter during the subordination period, and to receive any arrearages in the distribution of 
the MQDs on the Common Units for prior quarters during the subordination period. The subordination period 
will generally not end before September 30, 2004. Under certain circumstances, up to half of the Subordinated 

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                   
                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Units may convert into Common Units before the end of the subordination period, which will generally not 
occur before September 30, 2003. 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  

On August 20, 1999, the Partnership completed its IPO whereby the Partnership became the successor to 
the business of the Predecessor. Our selected pro forma and historical financial data below was derived from 
the audited consolidated financial statements of the Partnership as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, for the 
year  ended  December  31,  2000  and  the  period  from  the  Partnership's  commencement  of  operations  (on 
August 20, 1999) to December 31, 1999, the audited combined financial statements of the Predecessor, as of 
August 19, 1999, and for the period from January 1, 1999 to August 19, 1999, as of and for the years ended 
December 31, 1998, and 1997, and as of and for the five months ended December 31, 1996. The Predecessor 
purchased the coal operations of MAPCO Inc. effective August 1, 1996, in a business combination using the 
purchase  method  of  accounting  and  the  purchase  price  was  allocated  to  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities 
assumed  based  on  their  fair  values.  Accordingly,  the  audited  financial  data  for  periods  prior  to  August  1, 
1996, is not necessarily comparable to subsequent periods. The amounts in the table below, except for the per 
unit data and the per ton information, are in millions. 

Partnership

Predecessor

Year Ended
December 31, 
2000

Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 
1999 (1)

From
Commencement 
of Operations (on
August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 
1999

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 
1999

Year Ended
December 31,

1998

1997

Five
Months
Ended
December 31, 
1996

Seven
Months
Ended
July 31,
1996

$               

347.2
13.5
2.8
363.5

$                  

345.9
19.1
0.9
365.9

$                        

128.8
4.9
0.4
134.1

$              

217.0
14.2
0.6
231.8

$     

357.4
41.4
4.5
403.3

$       

305.3
42.7
8.5
356.5

$          

133.9
20.4
4.4
158.7

$          

184.1
29.0
7.5
220.6

257.4
13.5
16.9
15.2
39.1
16.6
(9.5)
349.2
14.3
1.3
15.6
-
15.6

$                 

242.0
19.1
24.2
15.1
39.7
19.4
-
359.5
6.4
1.2
7.6
-
7.6

$                     

89.9
4.9
6.4
6.2
15.1
5.9
-
128.4
5.7
0.6
6.3
-
6.3

$                           

152.1
14.2
17.7
8.9
24.6
0.1
-
217.6
14.2
0.5
14.7
4.5
10.2

$               

237.6
41.4
51.2
15.3
39.8
0.2
5.2
390.7
12.6
(0.1)
12.5
3.8
8.7

$        

197.4
42.7
49.8
15.4
33.7
-
-
339.0
17.5
0.5
18.0
4.3
13.7

$         

79.2
20.4
34.7
5.9
11.9
-
-
152.1
6.6
0.3
6.9
(0.9)
7.8

$              

110.7
29.0
45.7
7.3
7.7
-
-
200.4
20.2
-
20.2
5.5
14.7

$           

$                 

0.99

$                   

0.48

$                         

0.40

$                 

0.98

$                   

0.48

$                         

0.40

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,551,062

15,405,311

15,405,311

$                 

38.6
309.2
226.3
341.0
-
(31.8)

-
$                       
-
-
-
-
-

$                          

61.2
314.8
230.0
330.7
-
(15.9)

$                

11.2
262.8
1.8
110.2
151.6
-

15.0
13.7
23.33
19.30

$               
$               

15.0
14.1
23.12
18.75

$                  
$                  

5.6
5.3
23.07
18.30

$                        
$                        

9.4
8.8
23.15
19.01

$              
$              

$                 

71.3
71.4
(41.0)
(31.4)
21.2

$                    

66.7
-
-
-
6.0

$                          

27.3
(13.9)
(43.9)
65.8
6.0

$                

39.4
32.9
(21.5)
(11.4)
15.5

$         

7.1
261.1
1.7
108.3
152.8
-

15.1
13.4
23.97
20.14

$     
$     

$       

52.5
50.5
(35.6)
(14.9)
17.2

$         

10.3
245.8
1.9
87.0
158.8
-

$            

15.9
262.0
-
85.8
176.2
-

$            

24.6
270.7
-
85.0
185.7
-

12.4
10.9
25.31
21.18

$       
$       

5.1
3.9
27.12
23.49

$          
$          

6.9
5.3
27.77
23.72

$          
$          

$         

51.7
53.2
(22.4)
(30.8)
15.2

$            

18.8
23.0
(13.0)
(10.0)
2.7

$            

27.9
16.7
(16.7)
-
10.8

Statements of Income:
Sales and operating revenues

Coal sales
Transportation revenues (2)
Other sales and operating revenues

Total revenues

Expenses

Operating expenses
Transportation expenses (2)
Outside purchases
General and administrative
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Interest expense
Unusual items (3)

Total expenses

Income from operations
Other income (expense)
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income 
Basic net income per limited

partner unit

Diluted net income per limited

partner unit

Weighted average number of units

outstanding-basic

Weighted average number of units

outstanding-diluted

Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital (4)
Total assets
Long-term debt
Total liabilities
Net Parent investment
Partners' capital (deficit)
Other Operating Data:
Tons sold
Tons produced
Revenues per ton sold (5)
Cost per ton sold (6)
Other Financial Data:
EBITDA (7)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Maintenance capital expenditures (8)

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
                   
                      
                              
                  
         
           
              
              
                     
                        
                              
                    
           
             
                
                
                 
                    
                          
                
       
         
            
            
                 
                    
                            
                
       
         
              
            
                   
                      
                              
                  
         
           
              
              
                   
                      
                              
                  
         
           
              
              
                   
                      
                              
                    
         
           
                
                
                   
                      
                            
                  
         
           
              
                
                   
                      
                              
                    
           
               
                  
                 
                    
                         
                                
                      
           
               
                  
                 
                 
                    
                          
                
       
         
            
            
                   
                        
                              
                  
         
           
                
              
                     
                        
                              
                    
          
             
                
                 
                   
                        
                              
                  
         
           
                
              
                       
                         
                                
                    
           
             
               
                
        
         
               
        
         
               
                 
                         
                          
                
       
         
            
            
                 
                         
                          
                    
           
             
                  
                 
                 
                         
                          
                
       
           
              
              
                       
                         
                                
                
       
         
            
            
                  
                         
                           
                      
             
               
                  
                 
                   
                      
                              
                    
         
           
                
                
                   
                      
                              
                    
         
           
                
                
                   
                         
                           
                  
         
           
              
              
                  
                         
                           
                 
        
          
             
            
                  
                         
                            
                 
        
          
             
                 
                   
                        
                              
                  
         
           
                
              
(1)  The unaudited selected pro forma financial and operating data for the year ended December 31, 1999, is based on 
the historical financial statements of the Partnership from the Partnership's commencement of operations on August 
20, 1999, through December 31, 1999, and the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 1999, through August 19, 
1999. The pro forma results of operations reflect certain pro forma adjustments to the historical results of operations 
as if the Partnership had been formed on January 1, 1999. The pro forma adjustments include (a) pro forma interest 
on debt assumed by the Partnership and (b) the elimination of income tax expense as income taxes will be borne by 
the  partners  and  not  the  Partnership.    The  pro  forma  adjustments  do  not  include  approximately  $1.0  million  of 
general and administrative expenses that the Partnership believed would have been incurred as a result of its being a 
public entity. 

(2)  During the fourth quarter 2000, the Partnership adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues 
Task  Force  Issue  No. 00-10  “Accounting  for  Shipping  and  Handling  Fees  and  Costs”  (EITF  No. 00-10).    The 
Partnership  records  the  cost  of  transporting  coal  to  customers  through  third  party  carriers  and  the  corresponding 
Partnership’s direct reimbursement of these costs through customer billings.  This activity is separately presented as 
transportation  revenue  and  expense  rather  than  offsetting  these  amounts  in  the  consolidated  and  combined 
statements of income.  There was no cumulative effect of the accounting change on net income and prior periods 
presented have been reclassified to comply with EITF No. 00-10. 

(3)  Represents income from the final resolution of an arbitrated dispute with respect to the termination of a long-term 
contract,  net  of  impairment  charges  relating  to  certain  transloading  facility  assets,  partially  offset  by  expenses 
associated with other litigation matters in 2000 and the net loss incurred during the temporary closing of one of our 
mining complexes in the second half of 1998.  

(4)  Excludes accounts receivable from affiliates for the Predecessor prior to July 31, 1996.  

(5)  Revenues per ton sold is based on the total of coal sales and other sales and operating revenues divided by tons sold. 

(6)  Cost  per  ton  sold  is  based  on  the  total  of  operating  expenses,  outside  purchases  and  general  and  administrative 

expenses divided by tons sold. 

(7)  EBITDA is defined as income from operations before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and 
amortization. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash 
flows  from  operating  activities  or  any  other  measure  of  financial  performance  presented  in  accordance  with 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  EBITDA  has  not  been  adjusted  for  unusual  items.    EBITDA  is  not 
intended to represent cash flow and does not represent the measure of cash available for distribution, but provides 
additional  information  for  evaluating  our  ability  to  make  the  MQDs.    The  Partnership’s  method  of  computing 
EBITDA  also  may  not  be  the  same  method  used  to  compute  similar  measures  reported  by  other  companies,  or 
EBITDA  may  be  computed  differently  by  the  Partnership  in  different  contexts  (i.e.,  public  reporting  versus 
computation under financing arrangements). 

(8)  Maintenance capital expenditures for the Partnership, as defined under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, are 
defined as those capital expenditures required to maintain, over the long term, the operating capacity of our capital 
assets. Maintenance capital expenditures for the Predecessor reflect our historical designation of maintenance capital 
expenditures. 

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

GENERAL  

The  following  discussion  of  the  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  for  the  Partnership  and  its 
Predecessor should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto included 
elsewhere  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  For  more  detailed  information  regarding  the  basis  of 
presentation  for  the  following  financial  information,  see  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary 
Data. -- Note 1. Organization and Presentation." 

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are a diversified producer and marketer of coal to major U.S. utilities and industrial users. In 2000, our 
total production was 13.7  million tons and our total sales  were 15.0 million tons. The coal we produced in 
2000 was approximately 20.4% low-sulfur coal, 19.0% medium-sulfur coal and 60.6% high-sulfur coal. 

At December 31, 2000, we had approximately 466 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in 
Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Maryland  and  West  Virginia.  We  believe  we  control  adequate  reserves  to 
implement  our  currently  contemplated  mining  plans.  In  addition,  there  are  substantial  unleased  reserves  on 
adjacent properties that we intend to acquire or lease as our mining operations approach these areas. 

In  2000,  approximately  73%  of  our  sales  tonnage  was  consumed  by  electric  utilities  with  the  balance 
consumed  by  cogeneration  plants  and  industrial  users.  Our  largest  customers  in  2000  were  AEI,  Seminole, 
TVA, and VEPCO. We have had relationships with three of these customers for at least 15 years. In 2000, 
approximately 85% of our sales tonnage, including approximately 86% of our medium- and high-sulfur coal 
sales tonnage, was sold under long-term contracts. The balance of our sales were made on the spot market. 
Our long-term contracts contribute to our stability and profitability by providing greater predictability of sales 
volumes and sales prices. In 2000, approximately 96% of our medium- and high-sulfur coal was sold to utility 
plants with installed pollution control devices, also known as scrubbers, to remove sulfur dioxide. 

One  of  our  business  strategies  is  to  continue  to  make  productivity  improvements  to  remain  a  low  cost 
producer  in  each  region  in  which  we  operate.  Our  principal  expenses  related  to  the  production  of  coal  are 
labor and benefits, equipment, materials and supplies, maintenance, royalties and excise taxes. Unlike most of 
our competitors in the eastern U.S., we employ a totally union-free workforce.  Many of the benefits of the 
union-free  workforce  are  not  necessarily  reflected  in  direct  costs,  but  we  believe  are  related  to  higher 
productivity. In addition, while we do not pay our customers' transportation costs, they may be  substantial 
and often the determining factor in a coal consumer's contracting decision. Our mining operations are located 
near  many  of  the  major  eastern  utility  generating  plants  and  on  major  coal  hauling  railroads  in  the  eastern 
U.S.  We believe this gives us a transportation cost advantage compared to many of our competitors. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

In comparing 2000 to 1999 and 1999 to 1998, the Partnership and Predecessor periods for 1999 have been 
combined. Since the Partnership maintained the historical basis of the Predecessor's net assets, management 
believes  that  the  combined  Partnership  and  Predecessor  results  for  1999  are  comparable  with  1998.  The 
interest expense associated with the debt incurred concurrent with the closing of the IPO is applicable only to 
the Partnership period. See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. -- Note 1. Organization 
and Presentation." 

2000 Compared with 1999 

Coal  sales.    Coal  sales  for  2000  increased  0.4%  to  $347.2  million  from  $345.9  million  for  1999.    The 
increase of $1.3 million was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes in the Illinois Basin operations and 
at  the  restructured  Pontiki  operation,  which  were  directly  offset  by  planned  reduced  participation  in  low 
margin, coal export brokerage markets.  The brokerage business is not expected to be material in the future. 
Tons  sold  remained  consistent  at  15.0  million  for  2000  and  1999.    Tons  produced  decreased  2.9%  to  13.7 
million for 2000 from 14.1 million for 1999. 

Transportation revenues.  Transportation revenues for 2000 decreased 29.4% to $13.5 million from $19.1 
million for 1999.  The decrease of $5.6 million was primarily attributable to planned reduced participation in 
coal export brokerage  markets, which generally have higher transportation costs.  No  margin is realized  on 
transportation revenues. 

Other sales and operating revenues.  Other sales and operating revenues increased to $2.8 million for 2000 
from $0.9 million for 1999.  The increase of $1.9 million resulted from the introduction of a third party coal 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
synfuel production facility at the Hopkins County Coal mining complex. Hopkins County Coal provided the 
coal  feedstock  and  received  various  fees  for  operating  the  third  party’s  coal  synfuel  facility  and  providing 
other  services.    We  assisted  the  third  party  with  marketing  the  coal  synfuel  and  received  a  fee  for  such 
services.    Synfuel  shipments  continue  in  2001  on  a  month  to  month  basis,  currently  contemplated  through 
mid-2001, with customer interest through 2003.  However, future shipments are dependent upon, among other 
things, receiving a new favorable private letter ruling from the IRS.  In late October 2000, the IRS issued Rev. 
Proc.  2000-47,  suspending  issuance  of  private  letter  rulings  for  most  coal  synfuel  plants  while  a  review  is 
conducted concerning whether current tax rules adequately address the evolving synfuel industry.  The IRS 
requested public comment on Rev. Proc. 2000-47 by November 27, 2000.  The IRS indicated it will provide 
substantial guidance in the form of a general revenue ruling or a tax regulation to address tax credits granted 
under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Until such guidance is received from the IRS, we cannot give 
any assurance that future benefits will be received from the coal synfuel production facility.  

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased 6.3% to $257.4 million for 2000 from $242.0 million 
for 1999.  The increase of $15.4 million was a result of: (a) start-up expenses related to the opening of the 
newly  developed  Gibson  County  Coal  mining  complex  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2000,  (b)  higher  sales 
volumes  in  the  Illinois  Basin  operations,  (c)  increased  production  volumes  at  the  restructured  Pontiki 
operation, and (d) prolonged adverse mining conditions at the Mettiki longwall mine.  

Transportation expenses.  See “Transportation Revenues” above concerning the decrease in transportation 

expenses. 

Outside  purchases.    Outside  purchases  declined  30.2%  to  $16.9 million  for  2000  from  $24.2  million  for 
1999.  The decrease of $7.3 million was the result of lower coal export brokerage volumes.  See “Coal sales” 
above concerning the decrease in coal export brokerage volumes. 

General and administrative.  General and administrative expenses were comparable for 2000 and 1999 at 

$15.2 million. 

Depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization.    Depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  expense  were 

comparable for 2000 and 1999 at $39.1 million and $39.7 million, respectively. 

Interest  expense.    Interest  expense  was  $16.6  million  for  2000  compared  to  $6.0  million  for  1999.    The 
increase reflected the full year impact of interest on the $180 million principal amount of 8.31% senior notes 
and  $50  million  of  borrowings  on  the  term  loan  facility  in  connection  with  the  IPO  and  concurrent 
transactions occurring on August 20, 1999.   See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. -- 
Note 1.  Organization and Presentation.” 

Unusual  items.  The  Partnership  was  involved  in  litigation  with  Seminole  with  respect  to  Seminole’s 
termination  of  a  long-term  contract  for  the  transloading  of  coal  from  rail  to  barge  through  the  Mt.  Vernon 
terminal  in  Indiana.    The  final  resolution  between  the  parties,  reached  in  conjunction  with  an  arbitrator’s 
decision rendered during the third quarter, included both cash payments and amendments to an existing coal 
supply contract.  The Partnership recorded income of $12.2 million, which is net of litigation expenses and 
impairment charges relating to certain Mt. Vernon transloading facility assets.  Additionally, the Partnership 
recorded an expense of $2.7 million related to other litigation matters. The net effect of these unusual items 
was $9.5 million. See “Item 8. Financial Statements. -- Note 4. Unusual Items.” 

Income before income taxes.  Income before income taxes was $15.6 million for 2000 compared to $21.0 
million for 1999.  The decrease of $5.4 million was primarily attributable to: (a) start-up expenses related to 
the opening of the new Gibson County coal mining complex during the fourth quarter of 2000, (b) increased 
operating  expenses  as  a  result  of  prolonged  adverse  mining  conditions  encountered  at  the  Mettiki  longwall 
mining  complex  and  (c)  additional  interest  expense  associated  with  the  debt  incurred  concurrent  with  the 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
closing of the IPO, partially offset by unusual items recorded during 2000.  See “Unusual items” described 
above. 

Income tax expense.  The Partnership’s earnings or loss for federal income taxes purposes will be included 
in  the  tax  returns  of  the  individual  partners.    Accordingly,  no  recognition  is  given  to  income  taxes  in  the 
accompanying  financial  statements  of  the  Partnership.    The  Predecessor  was  included  in  the  consolidated 
federal income tax return of ARH.  Federal and state income taxes were calculated as if the Predecessor had 
filed its return on a separate company basis utilizing an effective income tax rate of 31%. 

EBITDA  (income  from  operations  before  net  interest  expense,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and  depletion 
and amortization) increased 6.9% to $71.3 million for 2000 compared with $66.7 million for 1999.  The $4.6 
million increase was primarily attributable to the unusual items recorded during 2000, see “Unusual items” 
described above, and the increased production and sales volumes at the restructured Pontiki mine, which was 
partially  offset  by  increased  operating  expenses  as  a  result  of  adverse  mining  conditions  at  the  Mettiki 
longwall mining complex. 

EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows 
from  operating  activities  or  any  other  measure  of  financial  performance  presented  in  accordance  with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  EBITDA has not been adjusted for unusual items. EBITDA is not 
intended  to  represent  cash  flow  and  does  not  represent  the  measure  of  cash  available  for  distribution,  but 
provides  additional  information  for  evaluating  the  Partnership’s  ability  to  make  MQDs.    The  Partnership’s 
method of computing EBITDA also may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported 
by other companies, or EBITDA may be computed differently by the Partnership in different contexts (i.e., 
public reporting versus computation under financing agreements). 

1999 Compared with 1998  

Coal  sales.  Coal  sales  for  1999  declined  3.2%  to  $345.9  million  from  $357.4  million  for  1998.  The 
decrease of $11.5 million was primarily attributable to lower coal export brokerage volumes partially offset 
by  improved  results  from  the  restructured  Pontiki  mining  complex  and  full-year  benefits  from  the  capital 
invested  at  Hopkins  County  Coal.  The  lower  brokerage  volumes  were  largely  attributable  to  reduced 
participation in coal export brokerage markets. The brokerage business is not expected to be material in the 
future. Because coal brokerage operations generate lower margins than direct coal sales, changes in the levels 
of  brokerage  activity  have  a  greater  impact  on  revenues  and  outside  purchases  than  on  margins.  Tons  sold 
decreased  less  than  1.0%  to  15.0  million  tons  for  1999  from  15.1  million  tons  for  1998.  Tons  produced 
increased 5.1% to 14.1 million tons for 1999 from 13.4 million tons for 1998. 

Transportation revenues. Transportation revenues for 1999 decreased 53.9% to $19.1 million from $41.4 
million for 1998.  The decrease of $22.3 million was primarily attributable to planned reduced participation in 
coal export brokerage  markets, which generally have higher transportation costs.  No  margin is realized  on 
transportation revenues. 

Other sales and operating revenues. Other sales and operating revenues declined 79.0% to $0.9 million for 
1999 from $4.5 million from 1998. The decrease of $3.6 million was primarily due to lower volumes at the 
Mt. Vernon facility due to the dispute with Seminole.  See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data. -- Note 4. Unusual Items." 

Transportation expenses. See “Transportation Revenues” above concerning the decrease in transportation 

expenses. 

Operating expenses. Operating expenses were comparable for 1999 and 1998 at $242.0 million and $237.6 

million, an increase of 1.9%. 

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outside  purchases.  Outside  purchases  declined  52.8%  to  $24.2  million  for  1999  from  $51.2  million  for 
1998. The decrease of $27.0 million was the result of lower coal  export brokerage volumes. See coal  sales 
above concerning the decrease in coal export brokerage volumes. 

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses were comparable for 1999 and 1998 at 

$15.2 million and $15.3 million, a decrease of less than 1.0%. 

Depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization.  Depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  expense  were 

comparable for 1999 and 1998 at $39.7 million and $39.8 million, a decrease of less than 1.0%. 

Interest  expense.    Interest  expense  was  $6.0  million  for  1999  compared  to  $0.2  million  for  1998.  The 
increase reflected the interest on the $180 million principal amount of 8.31% senior notes and $50 million of 
borrowings  on  the  term  loan  facility  in  connection  with  the  IPO  and  concurrent  transactions  occurring  on 
August 20, 1999.  See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. -- Note 1.  Organization and 
Presentation.” 

Unusual  items.  In  response  to  market  conditions,  the  Pontiki  mining  complex  ceased  operations  and 
terminated substantially all of its workforce in September 1998. During the idle status period, which ended in 
November 1998, Pontiki incurred a net loss of approximately $5.2 million consisting of estimated amounts 
for  increased  workers'  compensation  claims  of  $1.2  million  and  severance  payments  consistent  with  the 
Worker  Adjustment  and  Retraining  Notification  Act  of  $1.2  million,  as  well  as  the  costs  associated  with 
maintaining an idled mine of $2.8 million. 

Income  before  income  taxes.  Income  before  income  taxes  increased  67.3%  to  $21.0  million  for  1999 
compared  to  $12.5  million  for  1998.  The  increase  of  $8.5  million  was  primarily  attributable  to  improved 
productivity,  which  included  the  benefits  of  the  restructured  operation  at  Pontiki  following  the  idle  status 
period of the mine, which resulted in the $5.2 million unusual item recorded in 1998 as discussed above, and 
the capital investments at the Hopkins County operation, partially offset by the losses incurred at Mt. Vernon 
due to the dispute with Seminole. 

Income tax expense. The Partnership's earnings or loss for federal income taxes purposes are included in 
the  tax  returns  of  the  individual  partners.  Accordingly,  no  recognition  is  given  to  income  taxes  in  the 
accompanying financial statements of the Partnership. The Predecessor is included in the consolidated federal 
income tax return of ARH. Federal and state income taxes are calculated as if the Predecessor had filed its 
return on a separate company basis utilizing an effective income tax rate of 31%. 

EBITDA. (income from operations before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and depletion 
and  amortization)  increased  26.9%  to  $66.7  million  for  1999  compared  with  $52.5  million  for  1998.  The 
$14.2 million increase was attributable to the same factors that contributed to the increase in income before 
income taxes. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  

Cash Flows  

Cash provided by operating activities was $71.4 million in 2000 compared to $19.0 million in 1999. The 
increase in cash provided by operating activities was principally attributable to the decrease in coal inventory 
of approximately $10.0 million and the Special GP retaining approximately $37.9 million of trade receivables 
in conjunction with the IPO and concurrent transactions that occurred on August 20, 1999.  

Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  of  $41.0  million  in  2000  was  principally  attributable  to  capital 
expenditures.  Net cash used in investing activities of $65.4 million for 1999 was principally attributable to 

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
capital  expenditures  and  the  purchase  of  U.S.  Treasuries  in  conjuction  with  the  IPO  and  concurrent 
transactions that occurred on August 20, 1999. 

Net  cash  used  in  financing  activities  was  $31.4  million  for  2000  compared  to  net  cash  provided  by  
financing  activities  of  $54.4  million  for  1999.    Cash  used  in  financing  activities  during  2000  was  a  direct 
result of four MQDs paid in 2000 of $0.50 per unit on Common and Subordinated Units outstanding.  The net 
cash provided by financing activities in 1999 was principally attributable to net cash provided by the IPO and 
concurrent transactions that occurred on August 20, 1999. 

  Capital Expenditures  

Capital expenditures increased to $46.2 million in 2000 compared to $39.2 million in 1999. The increase 
was  primarily  attributable  to  the  development  of  the  new  Gibson  County  Coal  mining  complex,  which 
commenced  production  in  November  2000.  During  2000,  the  Partnership  liquidated  approximately  $7.1 
million  of  U.S.  Treasury  Notes  to  fund  various  qualifying  capital  expenditures  with  the  remaining 
expenditures  funded  through  cash  generated  from  operations.  The  Partnership  approved  an  extension  of  its 
existing  Pattiki  mine  into  adjacent  coal  reserves.    The  extension  involves  capital  expenditures  of 
approximately  $30.0  million  during  the  2000-2003  period  and  is  expected  to  allow  the  Pattiki  mine  to 
continue its existing production level for the next 15 years. 

We currently expect that our average annual maintenance capital expenditures will be approximately $23.5 
million.  We currently expect to fund our anticipated capital expenditures with cash generated from operations 
and the utilization of the revolving credit facility described below. 

Notes Offering and Credit Facility  

Concurrently with the closing of the IPO, the Special GP issued and the Intermediate Partnership assumed 
the  obligations  with  respect  to  $180  million  principal  amount  of  8.31%  senior  notes  due  August  20,  2014 
(Senior Notes). The Special GP also entered into, and the Intermediate Partnership assumed the obligations 
under a $100 million credit facility (Credit Facility). The Credit Facility consists of three tranches, including a 
$50  million  term  loan  facility,  a  $25  million  working  capital  facility  and  a  $25  million  revolving  credit 
facility.  The  Partnership  has  borrowings  outstanding  of  $50  million  under  the  term  loan  facility,  but  no 
borrowings outstanding under either the working capital facility or the revolving credit facility at December 
31, 2000, and 1999. The weighted average interest rates on the term loan facility at December 31, 2000, and 
1999,  was  7.77%  and  7.07%,  respectively.  The  Credit  Facility  expires  August  2004.  The  Senior  Notes  and 
Credit  Facility  are    guaranteed  by  Alliance  Coal,  LLC  and  all  of  its  subsidiaries.  In  addition,  the  Credit 
Facility  is  further  secured  by  a  pledge  of  treasury  securities,  which,  upon  written  notice,  are  released  for 
purposes of financing qualified capital expenditures of the Intermediate Partnership or its subsidiaries.  The 
Senior Notes and Credit Facility contain various restrictive and affirmative covenants, including the amount 
of distributions by the Intermediate Partnership and the incurrence of other debt. 

Accruals of Other Liabilities  

We  had  accruals  for  deferred  credits  and  other  liabilities,  including  current  obligations,  totaling  $67.1 
million and $61.9 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999. These accruals were chiefly comprised of workers' 
compensation  benefits,  black  lung  benefits,  and  costs  associated  with  reclamation  and  mine  closing.  These 
obligations are self-insured and were funded at the time the expense was incurred. The accruals of these items 
were based on estimates of future expenditures based on current legislation and related regulations and other 
developments. Thus, from time to time, the Partnership's results of operations may be significantly effected by 
changes to these deferred credits and other liabilities. See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data.  --  Note  12.  Reclamation  and  Mine  Closing  Costs  and  Note  13.  Pneumoconiosis  ("Black  Lung") 
Benefits." 

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are required to pay black lung benefits to eligible and former employees under the BLBA.  We also 
are liable under various state statutes for similar claims. We provide self-insured accruals for these benefits. 
We had accrued liabilities of $22.2 million for these benefits at December 31, 2000, and 1999. 

We accrue for reclamation and mine closing costs. We estimate the costs and timing of future reclamation 
and mine closing costs and record those estimates on a present value basis. We had accrued liabilities of $16.0 
million and $14.8 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999 for these costs. 

We  accrue  for  workers'  compensation  claims  resulting  from  traumatic  injuries  based  on  actuarial 
valuations  and  periodically  adjust  these  estimates  based  on  the  estimated  costs  of  claims  made.  We  had 
accrued liabilities of $20.6 million and $19.5 million at December 31, 2000 and 1999 for these costs. 

INFLATION  

Inflation  in  the  U.S.  has  been  relatively  low  in  recent  years  and  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our 

results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 or 1998. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS  

Effective January 1, 2001, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, 
“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which establishes accounting and reporting 
standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities.  It requires that all derivatives be recognized as 
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and be measured at fair value.  The Partnership 
currently  has  no  identified  derivative  instruments  or  hedging  activities.    Accordingly,  this  standard  had  no 
material effect on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 

During the fourth quarter 2000, the Partnership adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging 
Issues Task  Force Issue  No. 00-10  “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees  and Costs.”   Accordingly, 
the Partnership reflects the cost of transporting coal to customers through third party carriers as transportation 
expenses  and  the  corresponding  reimbursement  of  these  costs  through  customer  billings  as  transportation 
revenues  in  the  consolidated  and  combined  statements  of  income.    These  amounts  were  previously  offset.  
There was no cumulative effect on net income and the prior periods’ consolidated and combined statements of 
income have been reclassified to comply with this presentation. 

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  

Almost  all  of  the  Predecessor's  transactions  were,  and  almost  all  of  the  Partnership's  transactions  are, 
denominated  in  U.S.  dollars,  and  as  a  result,  the  Partnership  does  not  have  material  exposure  to  currency 
exchange-rate risks. 

The Partnership does not, engage in any interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate or commodity price-

hedging transactions. 

The Intermediate Partnership assumed obligations under the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit 

Facility are at variable rates and as a result the Partnership has interest rate exposure. 

The  table  below  provides  information  about  the  Partnership's  market  sensitive  financial  instruments  and 
constitutes a "forward-looking statement." The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted 
cash  flow  analyses,  based  upon  the  Partnership's  current  incremental  borrowing  rates  for  similar  types  of 
borrowing  arrangements  as  of  December  31,  2000  and  1999.  The  carrying  amounts  and  fair  values  of 
financial instruments are as follows (in thousands): 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected Maturity Dates
as of December 31, 2000

Senior Notes-fixed rate
Weighted Average interest rate

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value
December 31,
2000

$          
-

$           
-

$           
-

$           
-

$     

18,000
8.31%

$     

162,000
8.31%

$     

180,000

$          

180,000

Term Loan-floating rate
Weighted Average interest rate

$      

3,750
7.77%

$     

15,000
7.77%

$     

16,250
7.77%

$     

15,000
7.77%

$           
-

$             
-

$       

50,000

$            

50,000

Expected Maturity Dates
as of December 31, 1999

Senior Notes-fixed rate
Weighted Average interest rate

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value
December 31,
1999

$          
-

$           
-

$           
-

$           
-

$           
-

$     

180,000
8.31%

$     

180,000

$          

165,000

Term Loan-floating rate
Weighted Average interest rate

$          
-

$       

3,750
7.07%

$     

15,000
7.07%

$     

16,250
7.07%

$     

15,000
7.07%

$             
-

$       

50,000

$            

50,000

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
To the Board of Directors of the Managing  
   General Partner and the Partners of  
   Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. 
and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the related consolidated and 
combined statements of income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period 
from the Partnership’s commencement of operations (on August 20, 1999) to December 31, 1999 and 
the Predecessor period from January 1, 1999 to August 19, 1999 and the year ended December 31, 
1998 and the statement of Partners’ capital (deficit) for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the 
period from the Partnership’s commencement of operations (on August 20, 1999) to December 31, 
1999.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States 
of America.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, 
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit 
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated and combined financial statements present fairly, in all material 
respects, the financial position of the Partnership at December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the results of 
their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period from the 
Partnership’s commencement of operations (on August 20, 1999) to December 31, 1999 and the 
Predecessor period from January 1, 1999 to August 19, 1999 and the year ended December 31, 1998 in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 

Tulsa, Oklahoma 
January 24, 2001 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 1999
(In thousands, except unit data)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents
   Trade receivables
   Due from affiliates
   Marketable securities (at cost, which approximates fair value)
   Inventories
   Advance royalties
   Prepaid expenses and other assets

           Total current assets

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AT COST
LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION

OTHER ASSETS:
   Advance royalties
   Coal supply agreements, net
   Other long-term assets

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Accounts payable
   Due to affiliates
   Accrued taxes other than income taxes
   Accrued payroll and related expenses
   Accrued interest
   Workers’ compensation and pneumoconiosis benefits
   Other current liabilities
   Current maturities, long-term debt

           Total current liabilities

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
   Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
   Accrued pneumoconiosis benefits
   Workers’ compensation
   Reclamation and mine closing
   Due to affiliates
   Other liabilities

           Total liabilities
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL (DEFICIT):
   Common Unitholders 8,982,780 units outstanding
   Subordinated Unitholder 6,422,531 units outstanding
   General Partners
           Total Partners’ capital (deficit)

See notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

28 

December 31,

2000

1999

$       

6,933
35,898
208
37,398
10,842
2,865
1,168

95,312

320,445
(135,782)

184,663

10,009
16,324
2,858
309,166

$   

$     

25,558
-     
4,863
6,975
5,439
4,415
5,710
3,750

$       

8,000
33,056
-     
42,339
21,130
1,557
923

107,005

278,221
(102,709)

175,512

8,306
19,879
4,112
314,814

$  

$     

19,377
334
4,574
8,811
5,491
4,317
2,937
-     

56,710

45,841

226,250
21,651
16,748
14,940
1,278
3,376

340,953

230,000
21,655
15,696
13,407
472
3,671

330,742

149,642
116,794
(298,223)
(31,787)
309,166

$   

158,705
123,273
(297,906)
(15,928)
314,814

$  

       
       
            
            
       
       
       
       
         
         
         
          
       
     
     
     
    
  
     
     
       
         
       
       
         
       
            
            
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
          
       
       
     
     
       
       
       
       
       
       
         
            
         
       
     
     
     
     
     
     
    
  
      
    
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND THE PERIOD FROM THE PARTNERSHIP’S COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS (ON AUGUST 20, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND THE PREDECESSOR PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, 1999 TO AUGUST 19, 1999 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)

SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:
   Coal sales
   Transportation revenues
   Other sales and operating revenues
           Total revenues

EXPENSES:
   Operating expenses
   Transportation expenses
   Outside purchases
   General and administrative
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   Interest expense (net of interest income and interest
      capitalized of $3,015 and $999 for the year ended
      December 31, 2000 and 1999 partnership period)
   Unusual items
           Total operating expenses

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

NET INCOME

GENERAL PARTNERS’ INTEREST
   IN NET INCOME

LIMITED PARTNERS’ INTEREST
   IN NET INCOME

BASIC NET INCOME PER LIMITED
   PARTNER UNIT

DILUTED NET INCOME PER LIMITED
   PARTNER UNIT

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
   OF UNITS OUTSTANDING - BASIC

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
   OF UNITS OUTSTANDING - DILUTED

See notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

Partnership

Predecessor

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year Ended
December 31,
2000

Year Ended
December 31,
1998

$     

347,209
13,511
2,749
363,469

$     

128,860
4,907
358
134,125

$ 

217,033
14,223
577
231,833

$ 

357,440
41,408
4,453
403,301

257,365
13,511
16,874
15,176
39,141

16,563
(9,466)
349,164

14,305
1,276

15,581

-     

89,945
4,907
6,429
6,245
15,081

5,887
-     
128,494

5,631
641

6,272

-     

152,066
14,223
17,738
8,912
24,622

100
-     
217,661

14,172
531

14,703

4,498

237,576
41,408
51,151
15,301
39,838

169
5,211
390,654

12,647
(113)

12,534

3,866

$       

15,581

$         

6,272

$   

10,205

$     

8,668

$            

312

$            

125

$       

15,269

$         

6,147

$           

0.99

$           

0.40

$           

0.98

$           

0.40

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,551,062

15,405,311

29 

         
           
     
     
         
            
          
     
     
     
   
 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
       
         
   
   
         
           
     
     
         
           
     
     
         
           
       
     
         
         
     
     
 
                 
         
           
          
          
        
            
          
     
     
     
   
 
 
                 
 
                 
         
           
     
     
           
              
          
         
         
           
     
     
               
               
              
              
       
       
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
  
  
 
                 
 
                 
  
  
 
                 
 
                 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND THE PERIOD FROM THE PARTNERSHIP’S COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS (ON AUGUST 20, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND THE PREDECESSOR PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, 1999 TO AUGUST 19, 1999 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(In thousands)

Partnership

Predecessor

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

Year Ended
December 31,
2000

For the
period from

January 1, 1999 Year Ended
December 31,
1998

to
August 19, 1999

$  

15,581

$    

6,272

$  

10,205

$    

8,668

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
      provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization
      Impairment of transloading facility
      Deferred income taxes
      Reclamation and mine closings
      Coal inventory adjustment to market
      Other
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects 
         from 1998 purchase of coal business:
         Trade receivables
         Income tax receivable/payable
         Inventories
         Advance royalties
         Accounts payable
         Due to affiliates
         Accrued taxes other than income taxes
         Accrued payroll and related benefits
         Accrued pneumoconiosis benefits
         Workers’ compensation
         Other
           Total net adjustments
           Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment
   Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   Purchase of marketable securities
   Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities
   Payment for purchase of business
   Direct acquisition costs
           Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Net proceeds from initial public offering (Note 1)
   Cash contribution by General Partner
   Distributions upon formation (Note 1)
   Payment of formation costs
   Deferred financing cost
   Borrowings under revolving credit facility
   Payments under revolving credit facility
   Payments on long-term debt
   Distributions to Partners
   Dividend to Parent
   Return of capital to Parent
           Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

39,141
2,439
-     
1,074
579
391

(2,842)
-     
9,709
(3,011)
6,181
264
289
(1,836)
(4)
1,052
2,366
55,792
71,373

(46,151)
210
(72,523)
77,464
-     
-     
(41,000)

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
29,500
(29,500)
-     
(31,440)
-     
-     
(31,440)

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

(1,067)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 
   BEGINNING OF PERIOD

8,000

15,081
-     
-     
348
729
186

(33,048)
-     
(1,433)
366
(7,410)
3,252
(630)
844
(1,122)
2,222
452
(20,163)
(13,891)

(17,173)
125
(51,287)
24,434
-     
-     
(43,901)

137,872
5,917
(64,750)
(4,140)
(3,517)
-     
-     
(1,975)
(3,615)
-     
-     
65,792

8,000

-     

24,622
-     
639
457
-     
(114)

(6,521)
651
(371)
1,153
(129)
-     
678
(828)
544
(460)
2,370
22,691
32,896

(21,984)
447
-     
-     
-     
-     
(21,537)

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
(11,359)
(11,359)

-     

-     

39,838
-     
(1,750)
705
1,743
34

229
2,482
(6,563)
579
2,296
-     
1,137
491
839
817
(1,048)
41,829
50,497

(27,669)
185
-     
-     
(7,310)
(821)
(35,615)

-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
-     
(350)
-     
(8,642)
(5,890)
(14,882)

-     

-     

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$    

6,933

$    

8,000

$       

-     

$       

-     

See notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

30 

    
    
    
    
      
         
         
         
         
         
         
     
      
         
         
         
         
         
         
      
         
         
        
           
      
      
      
      
     
   
     
         
         
         
         
      
      
     
        
     
     
         
      
         
      
     
        
      
         
      
         
         
         
        
         
      
     
         
        
         
            
     
         
         
      
      
        
         
    
       
      
   
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
  
   
   
   
   
         
         
         
         
   
   
         
         
    
    
         
         
         
         
         
     
       
       
         
      
 
 
   
 
         
  
         
         
         
      
         
         
         
   
         
         
         
     
         
         
         
     
         
         
    
         
         
         
   
         
         
         
         
     
         
        
   
     
         
         
         
         
         
     
       
       
   
   
 
  
   
 
     
      
         
         
    
       
         
       
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND THE PERIOD FROM THE PARTNERSHIP’S

COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS (ON AUGUST 20, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999
(In thousands, except unit data)

Number of Limited
Partner Units

Common

Subordinated

Common

Subordinated

General
Partners

Minimum
Pension
Liability

Total
Partners’
Capital
(Deficit)

Balance at commencement of
   operations (on August 20, 1999)

-     

   Issuance of units to public

7,750,000

-     

-     

$        

-     

$            
1

$          

-     

$     

-     

$            
1

133,732

-     

-     

-     

133,732

1,232,780

6,422,531

23,455

122,186

(24,612)

(459)

120,570

-     

-     

-     

-     

5,917

-     

5,917

   Contribution of net assets of
      Predecessor

   Managing General Partner
      contribution

   Amount retained by Special 
      General Partner from 
      debt borrowings assumed
      by the Partnership

   Distribution at time of formation

   Distribution to Partners

   Comprehensive income:

      Net income from 
         commencement of 
         operations (on August 20,
         1999) to December 31, 1999

      Minimum pension liability

      Total comprehensive income

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

(214,514)

(64,750)

(2,066)

(1,477)

(72)

3,584

-     

3,584

2,563

-     

2,563

125

-     

125

-     

-     

-     

-     

459

459

-     

-     

-     

(214,514)

(64,750)

(3,615)

6,272

459

6,731

(15,928)

15,581

(31,440)

Balance at December 31, 1999

8,982,780

6,422,531

158,705

123,273

(297,906)

   Net income

   Distribution to Partners

-     

-     

-     

-     

8,903

6,366

(17,966)

(12,845)

312

(629)

Balance at December 31, 2000

8,982,780

6,422,531

$

149,642

$
116,794

$ 

(298,223)

$     

-     

$ 

(31,787)

See notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

31 

            
            
  
            
   
          
            
       
   
  
  
     
   
      
      
   
            
            
          
          
         
       
       
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
             
            
            
          
          
    
       
  
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
            
            
          
          
      
       
    
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
            
            
      
      
             
       
      
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
             
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
             
            
            
       
       
            
       
       
            
          
        
        
           
       
        
            
          
     
     
           
       
     
 
               
 
               
 
             
 
             
 
               
 
          
 
             
  
  
   
   
    
       
    
            
            
       
       
            
       
     
            
          
  
  
          
       
  
  
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND THE PERIOD FROM THE  
PARTNERSHIP’S COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS (ON AUGUST 20, 1999) TO  
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND THE PREDECESSOR PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1999 TO  
AUGUST 19, 1999 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 

 1.  ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”) was formed on 
May 17, 1999, to acquire, own and operate certain coal production and marketing assets of Alliance 
Resource Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ARH”) (formerly known as Alliance Coal 
Corporation), consisting of substantially all of ARH’s operating subsidiaries, but excluding ARH. 

Prior to August 20, 1999, (a) MAPCO Coal Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly-owned 
subsidiary of ARH merged with and into Alliance Coal, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company 
(“Alliance Coal”), which prior to August 20, 1999 was also a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARH, 
(b) several other indirect corporate subsidiaries of ARH were merged with and into corresponding 
limited liability companies, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Coal, and (c) two 
indirect limited liability company subsidiaries of ARH became subsidiaries of Alliance Coal as a result 
of the merger described in clause (a) above.  Collectively, the coal production and marketing assets and 
operating subsidiaries of ARH acquired by the Partnership, but excluding ARH, are referred to as the 
Alliance Resource Group (the “Predecessor”).  The Delaware limited partnerships and limited liability 
companies that comprise the Partnership are as follows:  Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., Alliance 
Resource Operating Partners, L.P. (the “Intermediate Partnership”), Alliance Coal, LLC (the holding 
company for operations), Alliance Land, LLC, Alliance Properties, LLC, Backbone Mountain, LLC, 
Excel Mining, LLC, Gibson County Coal, LLC, Hopkins County Coal, LLC, MC Mining, LLC, Mettiki 
Coal, LLC, Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC, Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC, Pontiki Coal, LLC, Webster 
County Coal, LLC, and White County Coal, LLC. 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the limited 
partnerships and limited liability companies disclosed above and present the financial position as of 
December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the results of their operations, cash flows and changes in partners’ 
capital (deficit) for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period from commencement of operations 
on August 20, 1999 to December 31, 1999.  The accompanying combined financial statements include 
the accounts and operations of the Predecessor for the periods indicated.  All material intercompany 
transactions and accounts of the Partnership and Predecessor have been eliminated. 

Initial Public Offering and Concurrent Transactions 

On August 20, 1999, the Partnership completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 7,750,000 
Common Units (“Common Units”) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a price of 
$19.00 per unit.   

Concurrently with the closing of the IPO, the Partnership entered into a contribution and assumption 
agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) dated August 20, 1999 among the Partnership and the other 
parties named therein, whereby, among other things, ARH contributed its 100% member interest in 
Alliance Coal, which is the sole member of thirteen subsidiary operating limited liability companies, to 
the Intermediate Partnership, and the Intermediate Partnership holds a 99.999% non-managing member 
interest in Alliance Coal.  The Partnership and the Intermediate Partnership are managed by Alliance 
Resource Management GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Managing GP”), which as 

32 

a result of the consummation of the transactions under the Contribution Agreement, holds (a) a 0.99% 
and 1.0001% managing general partner interest in the Partnership and the Intermediate Partnership, 
respectively, and (b) a 0.001% managing member interest in Alliance Coal.  Also, as a result of the 
consummation of the transactions completed under the Contribution Agreement, Alliance Resource GP, 
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of ARH (the “Special GP”), 
holds (a) 1,232,780 Common Units, (b) 6,422,531 Subordinated Units convertible into Common Units 
in the future upon the occurrence of certain events and (c) a 0.01% special general partner interest in 
each of the Partnership and the Intermediate Partnership. 

Concurrently with the closing of the IPO, the Special GP issued and the Intermediate Partnership 
assumed the obligations under a $180 million principal amount of 8.31% senior notes due August 20, 
2014.  The Special GP also entered into and the Intermediate Partnership assumed the obligations under 
a $100 million credit facility. 

Consistent with guidance provided by the Emerging Issues Task Force in Issue No. 87-21 “Change of 
Accounting Basis in Master Limited Partnership Transactions,” the Partnership maintained the historical 
cost of the $121 million of net assets received under the Contribution Agreement. 

Pro Forma Results of Operations (Unaudited) 

For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, the pro forma total revenues would have been 
approximately $346,828,000 and $361,893,000, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 1999 
and 1998, the pro forma net income (loss) would have been approximately $7,567,000 and $(6,740,000) 
and net income (loss) per limited partner unit would have been $0.48 and $(0.43), respectively.  The pro 
forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, are derived from the 
historical financial statements of the Partnership from the commencement of operations on August 20, 
1999 through December 31, 1999 and the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 1999 through 
August 19, 1999, and January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998.  The pro forma results of operations 
reflect certain pro forma adjustments to the historical results of operations as if the Partnership had been 
formed on January 1, 1998.  The pro forma adjustments include (i) pro forma interest on debt assumed 
by the Partnership and (ii) the elimination of income tax expense as income taxes will be borne by the 
partners and not the Partnership.   

 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Estimates – The preparation of consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated and combined financial statements.  
Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts for accounts receivable, marketable 
securities and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those 
instruments.  At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the estimated fair value of long-term debt was 
approximately $230 million and $215 million, respectively.  The fair value of long-term debt is based on 
interest rates that are currently available to the Partnership for issuance of debt with similar terms and 
remaining maturities. 

Cash Management – The Partnership reclassified outstanding checks of $4,698,000 and $3,844,000 at 
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, to accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Marketable Securities – The Partnership has investments in six month U.S. Treasury Notes that are 
classified as available-for-sale debt securities.  These investments are subject to certain provisions of the 
credit facility (Note 7), which could restrict the use of these investments for financing a required level of 

33 

capital expenditures within the second anniversary of the credit facility’s effective date.  At 
December 31, 2000, the Partnership has satisfied the capital expenditure requirements and consequently, 
the Partnership’s use of the investments is not restricted.  At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the cost of 
these investments approximates fair value and no effect of unrealized gains (losses) is reflected in 
Partners’ capital (deficit). 

Inventories – Coal inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis.  
Supply inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on an average cost basis. 

Property, Plant and Equipment – Additions and replacements constituting improvements are 
capitalized.  Maintenance, repairs, and minor replacements are expensed as incurred.  Depreciation and 
amortization are computed principally on the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives 
of the assets or the estimated life of each mine (9 to 15 years at the revaluation date of August 1, 1996), 
whichever is less and for 5 years on certain assets related to the 1998 business acquisition.  Depreciable 
lives for mining equipment and processing facilities range from 1 to 15 years.  Depreciable lives for land 
and land improvements and depletable lives for mineral rights range from 5 to 15 years.  Depreciable 
lives for buildings, office equipment and improvements range from 1 to 13 years.  Gains or losses 
arising from retirements are included in current operations.  Depletion of mineral rights is provided on 
the basis of tonnage mined in relation to estimated recoverable tonnage. 

Long-Lived Assets – The Partnership reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets and certain 
identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 
may not be recoverable based upon estimated undiscounted future cash flows.  The amount of an 
impairment is measured by the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset, 
which is based on cash flows from that asset, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved.  
During 2000, the Partnership recorded an impairment loss of approximately $2,439,000 relating to 
certain transloading facility assets, which is included as an unusual item in the accompanying 
consolidated and combined statements of operations. 

Advance Royalties – Rights to coal mineral leases are often acquired through advance royalty payments.  
Management assesses the recoverability of royalty prepayments based on estimated future production 
and capitalizes these amounts accordingly.  Royalty prepayments expected to be recouped within one 
year are classified as a current asset.  As mining occurs on those leases, the royalty prepayments are 
included in the cost of mined coal.  Royalty prepayments estimated to be nonrecoverable are expensed. 

Coal Supply Agreements – The Predecessor purchased the coal operations of MAPCO Inc. effective 
August 1, 1996, in a business combination using the purchase method of accounting.  A portion of the 
acquisition costs was allocated to coal supply agreements.  This allocated cost is being amortized on the 
basis of coal shipped in relation to total coal to be supplied during the respective contract term.  The 
amortization periods end on various dates from September 2002 to December 2005.  Accumulated 
amortization for coal supply agreements was $22,139,000 and $18,584,000 at December 31, 2000 and 
1999, respectively. 

Reclamation and Mine Closing Costs – Estimates of the cost of future mine reclamation and closing 
procedures of currently active mines are recorded on a present value basis.  Those costs relate to sealing 
portals at underground mines and to reclaiming the final pit and support acreage at surface mines.  Other 
costs common to both types of mining are related to removing or covering refuse piles and settling 
ponds and dismantling preparation plants and other facilities and roadway infrastructure.  Ongoing 
reclamation costs principally involve restoration of disturbed land and are expensed as incurred during 
the mining process. 

Workers’ Compensation and Pneumoconiosis (“Black Lung”) Benefits – The Partnership is 
self-insured for workers’ compensation benefits, including black lung benefits.  The Partnership accrues 

34 

a workers’ compensation liability for the estimated present value of current and, in the case of black 
lung benefits, future workers’ compensation benefits based on actuarial valuations. 

Income Taxes – No provision for income taxes related to the operations of the Partnership is included in 
the accompanying consolidated financial statements because, as a Partnership, it is not subject to federal 
or state income tax and the tax effect of its activities accrues to the unitholders.  Net income for financial 
statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to unitholders as a result of 
differences between the tax bases and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities and the taxable 
income allocation requirements under the Partnership agreement.   

The Predecessor is included in the combined U.S. income tax returns of ARH.  The Predecessor has 
provided for income taxes on its separate taxable income and other tax attributes.  Deferred income taxes 
are computed based on recognition of future tax expense or benefits, measured by enacted tax rates, that 
are attributable to taxable or deductible temporary differences between financial statement and income 
tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities.   

Revenue Recognition – Revenues are recognized when coal is shipped from the mine.  Revenues not 
arising from coal sales, which primarily consist of transloading fees, are included in operating revenues 
and are recognized as services are performed. 

Net Income Per Unit – Basic net income per limited partner unit is determined by dividing net income, 
after deducting the General Partners’ 2% interest, by the weighted average number of outstanding 
Common Units and Subordinated Units (a total of 15,405,311 units as of December 31, 2000 and 1999).  
Diluted net income per unit is based on the combined weighted average number of Common Units, 
Subordinated Units and common unit equivalents outstanding which primarily include restricted units 
granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (Note 11). 

Segment Reporting – The Partnership has no reportable segments due to its operations consisting solely 
of producing and marketing coal.  The Partnership has disclosed major customer sales information 
(Note 16) and geographic areas of operation (Note 17). 

New Accounting Standards – Effective January 1, 2001, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which 
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities.  It 
requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial 
position and be measured at fair value.  The Partnership currently has no identified derivative 
instruments or hedging activities.  Accordingly, this standard had no material effect on the Partnership’s 
consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 

During the fourth quarter 2000, the Partnership adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board 
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-10 “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs.”  
Accordingly, the Partnership reflects the cost of transporting coal to customers through third party 
carriers as transportation expenses and the corresponding reimbursement of these costs through 
customer billings as transportation revenues in the consolidated and combined statements of income.  
These amounts were previously offset.  There was no cumulative effect on net income and the prior 
periods’ consolidated and combined statements of income have been reclassified to comply with this 
presentation. 

Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1999 and 1998 combined and 
consolidated financial statements to conform to the classifications used in 2000. 

35 

 3.  BUSINESS ACQUISITION 

Effective January 23, 1998, the Predecessor acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain 
liabilities, excluding working capital, of an unrelated coal company’s west Kentucky coal operations, 
now Hopkins County Coal, LLC, for cash of approximately $7,310,000 and direct acquisition costs of 
$821,000.  The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  Accordingly, 
the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated 
fair values of $25,320,000 and $17,189,000, respectively.  The results of operations are included in the 
Partnership’s consolidated and combined financial statements from the acquisition date and are not 
considered significant. 

 4.  UNUSUAL ITEMS 

The Unusual items for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1998 are as follows (in thousands): 

Gain on settlement of transloading facility dispute
Litigation matters
Temporary mine closings

Year Ended
December 31,

2000

1998

$  

(12,141)
2,675
-     

$    

-     
-     
5,211

$    

(9,466)

$

5,211

The Partnership was involved in litigation with Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“Seminole”) with 
respect to Seminole’s termination of a long-term contract for the transloading of coal from rail to barge 
through the Partnership’s terminal in Indiana.  The final resolution between the parties, reached in 
conjunction with an arbitrator’s decision rendered during the third quarter of 2000, included both cash 
payments and amendments to an existing coal supply contract.  The Partnership recorded income of 
$12,141,000, which is net of litigation expenses and impairment charges relating to certain transloading 
facility assets. 

The Partnership recorded an expense of $2,675,000 related to litigation matters settled and contingencies 
associated with other litigation matters.   

In response to market conditions, one of the Predecessor’s operating mines ceased operations and 
terminated all of its workforce in September 1998.  Management planned to maintain the mine in an 
indefinite idle status pending improvement in market conditions.  Shortly after the mine closure, 
management executed a long-term coal supply contract for the mine and the mine resumed production in 
late 1998.  During the idle status period, the mine incurred a net loss of approximately $5,211,000 
consisting of estimated amounts for increased workers’ compensation claims of $1,200,000 and 
severance payments consistent with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or 
“WARN” Act, of $1,200,000 as well as the costs associated with maintaining the idled mine of 
$2,811,000. 

36 

       
      
          
 
 
             
 
         
 
 5. 

INVENTORIES 

Inventories consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands): 

Coal
Supplies

2000

1999

$   

5,140
5,702

$ 

15,180
5,950

$ 

10,842

$

21,130

 6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31, (in thousands): 

Mining equipment and processing facilities
Land and mineral rights
Buildings, office equipment and improvements
Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

2000

1999

$   

267,287
17,686
24,224
11,248
320,445
(135,782)

$ 

236,252
17,282
17,780
6,907
278,221
(102,709)

$  

184,663

$

175,512

 7.  LONG-TERM DEBT 

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, (in thousands): 

Senior notes
Term loan

Less current maturities

2000

1999

$ 

180,000
50,000
230,000
(3,750)

$ 

180,000
50,000
230,000
-     

$

226,250

$

230,000

The Special GP issued and the Intermediate Partnership assumed obligations with respect to a 
$180 million principal amount of senior notes pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement with a group of 
institutional investors in a private placement offering.  The senior notes are payable in ten annual 
installments of $18 million beginning in August 2005 and bear interest at 8.31%, payable semiannually.   

The Special GP also entered into and the Intermediate Partnership assumed obligations, under a 
$100 million credit facility consisting of three tranches, including a $50 million term loan facility, a 
$25 million working capital facility and a $25 million revolving credit facility.  In connection with the 
closing of the IPO, the Special GP borrowed $50 million under the term loan facility and the Special GP 
and Intermediate Partnership purchased $50 million of U.S. Treasury Notes, which secure the term loan.  
The U.S. Treasury Notes may be liquidated for the sole purpose of funding capital expenditures.  
Through December 31, 2000, the Partnership had liquidated approximately $15.5 million of U.S. 
Treasury Notes to fund various qualifying capital expenditures.   

37 

    
   
 
           
 
           
 
       
     
       
     
     
     
     
   
  
 
               
 
             
 
    
   
   
   
     
        
 
            
           
 
The working capital facility can be used to provide working capital and, if necessary, to fund 
distributions to unitholders.  The revolving credit facility can be used for general business purposes, 
including capital expenditures and acquisitions.  The rate of interest charged is adjusted quarterly based 
on a pricing grid, which is a function of the ratio of the Partnership’s debt to cash flow.  The credit 
facility provides the Partnership the option of borrowing at either (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate 
(“LIBOR”) or (2) the “Base Rate” which is equal to the greater of (a) the Chase Prime Rate, or (b) the 
Federal Funds Rate plus ½ of 1%, plus, in either option, an applicable margin.  The weighted average 
interest rates on the term loan facility at December 31, 2000 and 1999 were 7.77% and 7.07%, 
respectively.  In accordance with the pricing grid, a commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% 
per annum is paid quarterly on the unused portion of the working capital and revolving credit facilities.  
There were no amounts outstanding under the Partnership’s working capital facility or revolving credit 
facility as of December 31, 2000 and 1999.  The credit facility expires in August 2004.   

The senior notes and credit facility are guaranteed by Alliance Coal, LLC and all of its subsidiaries.  In 
addition, the credit facility is further secured by a pledge of treasury securities, which upon written 
notice, are released for purposes of financing qualifying capital expenditures of the Intermediate 
Partnership or its subsidiaries.  The senior notes and credit facility contain various restrictive and 
affirmative covenants, including the amount of distributions by the Intermediate Partnership and the 
incurrence of other debt.  The Partnership was in compliance with the covenants of both the credit 
facility and senior notes at December 31, 2000. 

The Partnership incurred debt issuance costs aggregating approximately $3,517,000, which have been 
deferred and are being amortized as a component of interest expense over the term of the notes. 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ending
December 31,
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    Thereafter

$     

3,750
15,000
16,250
15,000
18,000
162,000

$

230,000

 8.  DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH 

The Partnership will distribute 100% of its available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarter to 
unitholders of record and to the General Partners.  Available cash is generally defined as all cash and 
cash equivalents of the Partnership on hand at the end of each quarter less reserves established by the 
Managing GP in its reasonable discretion for future cash requirements.  These reserves are retained to 
provide for the conduct of the Partnership’s business, the payment of debt principal and interest and to 
provide funds for future distributions. 

Distributions of available cash to the holder of Subordinated Units are subject to the prior rights of 
holders of Common Units to receive the minimum quarterly distribution (“MQD”) for each quarter 
during the subordination period and to receive any arrearages in the distribution of the MQD on the 
Common Units for the prior quarters during the subordination period.  The MQD is $0.50 per unit 
($2.00 per unit on an annual basis).  Upon expiration of the subordination period, which will generally 
not occur before September 30, 2004, all Subordinated Units will be converted on a one-for-one basis 
into Common Units and will then participate, on a pro rata basis with all other Common Units in future 

38 

     
     
     
     
 
 
             
 
distributions of available cash.  However, under certain circumstances, up to 50% of the Subordinated 
Units may convert into Common Units on or after September 30, 2003.  Common Units will not accrue 
arrearages with respect to distributions for any quarter after the subordination period and Subordinated 
Units will not accrue any arrearages with respect to distributions for any quarter. 

If quarterly distributions of available cash exceed the MQD or the target distributions levels, the General 
Partners will receive distributions based on specified increasing percentages of the available cash that 
exceeds the MQD or target distribution levels.  The target distribution levels are based on the amounts of 
available cash from the Partnership’s operating surplus distributed for a given quarter that exceed 
distributions for the MQD and common unit arrearages, if any. 

For the 42-day period from the Partnership’s commencement of operations (on August 20, 1999) 
through September 30, 1999, the Partnership paid a pro-rata MQD distribution of $0.23 per unit on its 
outstanding Common and Subordinated Units.  For each of the quarters ended December 31, 1999 
through September 30, 2000, quarterly distributions of $0.50 per unit were paid to the common and 
subordinated unitholders.  On January 24, 2001, the Partnership declared a MQD, for the period from 
October 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000, of $0.50 per unit, totaling approximately $7,703,000 on its 
outstanding Common and Subordinated Units, payable on February 14, 2001 to all unitholders of record 
on January 31, 2001. 

 9. 

INCOME TAXES 

The Predecessor recognized a deferred tax asset for the future tax benefits attributable to deductible 
temporary differences and other credit carryforwards, including alternative minimum tax credit 
carryforwards.  Realization of these future tax benefits was dependent on the Predecessor’s ability to 
generate future taxable income, which was not assured.  Management of the Predecessor believed that 
future taxable income would be sufficient to recognize only a portion of the tax benefits and had 
established a valuation allowance. 

Concurrent with the closing of the IPO on August 20, 1999, and in connection with the Contribution 
Agreement, ARH retained the current and deferred income taxes of the Predecessor. 

Income before income taxes is derived from domestic operations.  Significant components of income 
taxes are as follows (in thousands): 

Current:
   Federal
   State

Deferred:
   Federal
   State

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year Ended
December 31,
1998

$ 

3,376
483
3,859

595
44
639

$   

4,815
801
5,616

(1,531)
(219)
(1,750)

Income tax expense

$

4,498

$  

3,866

39 

    
      
   
     
      
    
       
     
    
  
 
         
 
           
 
A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate and the Predecessor’s effective income tax 
rate is as follows: 

Statutory rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
   Excess of tax over book depletion
   Alternative minimum tax credit
      carryforwards
   State income taxes, net of federal
      benefit
   Valuation allowance
   Other

Effective income tax rate

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year Ended
December 31,
1998

35 %

(21)

3     

3     
10   
1    

35 %

(29)

6     

4     
14   
1   

31 %  

31 %  

10.  NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT 

A reconciliation of net income and weighted average units used in computing basic and diluted earnings 
per unit is as follows (in thousands, except per unit data): 

Net income per limited partner unit

Weighted average limited partner units - basic

Basic net income per limited partner unit

Weighted average limited partner units - basic
Units contingently issuable:
   Restricted units for Long-Term Incentive Plan
   Directors’ compensation units deferred

Year
Ended
December 31,
2000

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

$ 

15,269

15,405

$    

0.99

15,405

142
4

$   

6,147

15,405

$    

0.40

15,405

-     
-     

Weighted average limited partner units,
   assuming dilutive effect of restricted units

15,551

15,405

Diluted net income per limited partner unit

$    

0.98

$    

0.40

40 

  
  
 
    
 
    
   
   
 
           
 
           
   
   
        
        
          
       
 
  
 
11.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Effective January 1, 2000, the Managing GP adopted the Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) for certain employees and directors of the Managing GP and its affiliates 
who perform services for the Partnership.  Annual grant levels and vesting provisions for designated 
participants are recommended by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Managing GP, subject 
to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee.  Grants are made either of restricted units, 
which are “phantom” units that entitle the grantee to receive a Common Unit or an equivalent amount of 
cash upon the vesting of a phantom unit, or options to purchase Common Units.  Common Units to be 
delivered upon the vesting of restricted units will be acquired by the Managing GP in the open market at 
a price equal to the then prevailing price, or directly from ARH or any other third party.  The Partnership 
agreement provides that the Managing GP be reimbursed for all costs incurred in acquiring these 
Common Units or in paying cash in lieu of Common Units upon vesting of the restricted units.  The 
aggregate number of units reserved for issuance under the LTIP is 600,000.  Effective January 1, 2000, 
the Compensation Committee approved initial grants of 142,100 restricted units, which vest at the end of 
the subordination period, which will generally not end before September 30, 2004.  During 2000, the 
Managing GP billed the Partnership approximately $538,000 attributable to the LTIP.  The Partnership 
has recorded this amount as compensation expense.  Effective January 1, 2001, the Compensation 
Committee approved additional grants of 131,490 restricted units, which also vest at the end of the 
subordination period. 

Defined Contribution Plans – The Partnership’s employees currently participate in a defined 
contribution profit sharing and savings plan sponsored by the Partnership, which is the same plan 
sponsored by the Predecessor.  This plan covers substantially all full-time employees.  Plan participants 
may elect to make voluntary contributions to this plan up to a specified amount of their compensation.  
The Partnership makes contributions based on matching 75% of employee contributions up to 3% of 
their annual compensation as well as an additional nonmatching contribution of ¾ of 1% of their 
compensation.  Additionally, the Partnership contributes a defined percentage of eligible earnings for 
certain employees not covered by the defined benefit plan described below.  The Partnership’s expense 
for its plan was approximately $1,590,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000 and $715,000 for the 
period from August 20, 1999 to December 31, 1999.  The Predecessor’s expense for the plan was 
$1,226,000 for the period from January 1, 1999 to August 19, 1999, and $1,944,000 for the year ended 
December 31, 1998. 

Defined Benefit Plans – Certain employees at the mining operations participate in a defined benefit plan 
sponsored by the Partnership, which is the same plan sponsored by the Predecessor.  The benefit formula 
is a fixed dollar unit based on years of service. 

41 

The following sets forth changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for the years ended December 31, 
2000 and 1999 and the funded status of the plans reconciled with amounts reported in the Partnership’s 
consolidated and the Predecessor’s combined financial statements at December 31, 2000 and 1999, 
respectively.  The Partnership and Predecessor periods for 1999 have been combined.  Since the 
Partnership maintained the historical basis of the Predecessor’s net assets, management believes that the 
combined Partnership and Predecessor amounts for 1999 are comparable with 2000 (dollars in 
thousands): 

2000

1999

Change in benefit obligations:
   Benefit obligations at beginning of year
   Service cost
   Interest cost
   Actuarial (gain) loss
   Benefits paid
   Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in plan assets:
   Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
   Employer contribution
   Actual return on plan assets
   Benefits paid
   Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   Funded status

   Unrecognized prior service cost
   Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

$  

7,774
1,971
596
(136)
(70)
10,135

8,265
1,100
205
(70)
9,500

(635)

284
(828)

$   

6,742
2,107
452
(1,435)
(92)
7,774

2,911
4,736
710
(92)
8,265

491

332
(1,273)

           Net amount recognized

$ 

(1,179)

$    

(450)

Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
   Discount rate
   Expected return on plan assets

7.50 %
9.00 %

7.75 %
9.00 %

Components of net periodic benefit cost:
   Service cost
   Interest cost
   Expected return on plan assets
   Prior service cost
   Net gain
           Net periodic benefit cost

$  

$  

1,971
596
(737)
48
(49)
1,829

$   

2,107
452
(413)
48
-     
2,194

$   

           Effect on minimum pension liability

$     

-     

$    

(459)

12.  RECLAMATION AND MINE CLOSING COSTS 

The majority of the Partnership’s operations are governed by various state statutes and the federal 
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which establish reclamation and mine closing 
standards.  These regulations, among other requirements, require restoration of property in accordance 
with specified standards and an approved reclamation plan.  The Partnership has estimated the costs and 

42 

   
     
      
       
     
    
       
        
 
     
   
     
   
     
      
       
       
        
   
     
  
     
       
      
       
     
    
 
      
       
     
      
        
         
       
       
 
timing of future reclamation and mine closing costs and recorded those estimates on a present value 
basis using a 6% discount rate. 

Discounting resulted in reducing the accrual for reclamation and mine closing costs by $10,420,000 and 
$5,489,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.  Estimated payments of reclamation and mine 
closing costs as of December 31, 2000 are as follows (in thousands): 

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Thereafter

Aggregate undiscounted reclamation and mine closing
Effect of discounting

Total reclamation and mine closing costs
Less current portion

Reclamation and mine closing costs

$   

1,078
1,191
1,594
2,147
2,511
17,917

26,438
10,420

16,018
1,078

$

14,940

The following table presents the activity affecting the reclamation and mine closing liability (in 
thousands): 

Partnership

Predecessor

Year
Ended
December 31,
2000

$ 

14,796
1,074
(764)

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year
Ended
December 31,
1998

$  

13,856
348
(394)

$  

13,800
457
(401)

$    

5,439
705
(1,544)

912

986

-     

9,200

Beginning balance
Accrual
Payments
Allocation of liability associated
   with acquisition and mine
   development

Ending balance

$

16,018

$ 

14,796

$  

13,856

$ 

13,800

13.  PNEUMOCONIOSIS (“BLACK LUNG”) BENEFITS 

Certain mine operating entities of the Partnership are liable under state statutes and the federal Coal 
Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to pay black lung benefits to eligible employees and 
former employees and their dependents.  These subsidiaries provide self-insurance accruals, determined 
by independent actuaries, at the present value of the actuarially computed present and future liabilities 
for such benefits.  The actuarial studies utilize a 6% discount rate and various assumptions as to the 
frequency of future claims, inflation, employee turnover and life expectancies. 

The cost or reduction of cost due to change in the estimate of black lung benefits charged (credited) to 
operations for the year ended December 31, 2000, the period from the Partnership’s commencement of 
operations on August 20, 1999 to December 31, 1999 and for the Predecessor period from January 1, 

43 

     
     
     
     
 
   
 
   
   
 
           
 
     
         
         
         
       
       
        
    
 
           
 
            
 
            
 
            
        
         
         
      
         
          
 
           
           
 
1999 to August 19, 1999, and the year ended December 31, 1998 was $123,000, $(1,028,000), $726,000, 
and $1,139,000, respectively. 

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued revised regulations that could alter the claims process for the 
federal black lung benefit recipients.  The revised regulations are expected to result in an increase in the 
incidence and recovery of black lung claims.  Both the coal and insurance industries are currently 
challenging through litigation certain provisions of the revised regulations.  The impact of the revised 
regulations on the Partnership’s liability for future black lung claims cannot be determined at this time.  

14.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Partnership Agreement provides that the Managing GP and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct 
and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership, including 
management’s salaries and related benefits, accounting, budget and planning, treasury, public relations, 
land administration, environmental and permitting management, payroll and benefits management, 
disability and workers’ compensation management, legal and information technology services.  The 
Managing GP may determine in its sole discretion the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership.  
Total costs reimbursed to the Managing GP and its affiliates by the Partnership were approximately 
$3,899,000 and $1,283,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period from the Partnership’s 
commencement of operations on August 20, 1999 to December 31, 1999, respectively. 

ARH allocated certain direct and indirect general and administrative expenses to the Predecessor.  These 
allocations were primarily based on the relative size of the direct mining operating costs incurred by 
each of the mine locations of the Predecessor.  The allocations of general and administrative expenses to 
the Predecessor were approximately $2,982,000 and $2,595,000 for the period from January 1, 1999 to 
August 19, 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively.  Management is of the opinion 
that the allocations used are reasonable and appropriate. 

During November 1999, the Managing GP was authorized by its Board of Directors to purchase up to 
1.0 million Common Units of the Partnership.  As of December 31, 2000 and 1999 the Managing GP 
had purchased 164,000 Common Units in the open market at prevailing market prices. 

In September 2000, the Special GP acquired coal reserves and the right to acquire additional coal 
reserves that are (a) contiguous to the Webster County Coal, LLC (“WCC”) mining complex 
(“Providence No. 3 Reserves”) and (b) contiguous to the Hopkins County Coal, LLC (“HCC”)  mining 
complex (“Elk Creek Reserves”).  Such coal reserves and the rights to acquire additional coal reserves 
were transferred to SGP Land, LLC (“SGP Land”), a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the 
Special GP. 

Concurrent with such coal reserve acquisitions, the Special GP, through affiliates, was negotiating for 
the purchase of (a) the capital stock of Roberts Bros. Coal Co., Inc., Warrior Coal Mining Company, and 
Warrior Coal Corporation, and (b) the related coal reserves (“Warrior Reserves”) owned by Cardinal 
Trust, LLC (collectively the “Warrior Group”).  The Warrior Group’s operating assets are located 
adjacent to the Providence No. 3 Reserves and were purchased by a newly formed affiliate of the Special 
GP, Warrior Coal, LLC (“Warrior Coal”).  SGP Land acquired the Warrior Reserves, which are located 
between the Providence No. 3 Reserves and HCC.  The acquisition of the Warrior Group closed in 
January 2001. 

SGP Land entered into a mineral lease and sublease with WCC for a portion of each of the Providence 
No. 3 Reserves and the Warrior Reserves, and granted an option to HCC to lease and/or sublease the Elk 
Creek Reserves.  Under the terms of the WCC lease and sublease, WCC has an annual minimum royalty 
obligation of $2.7 million, payable in advance, from 2000 to 2013 or until $37.8 million of cumulative 
annual minimum and/or earned royalty payments have been paid.  WCC paid the first annual minimum 

44 

royalty of $2.7 million in 2000.  Under the terms of the HCC option to lease and sublease, HCC paid an 
option fee of $645,000 in 2000.  The anticipated annual minimum royalty obligation is 
$684,000 payable in advance, from 2001 to 2009. 

The Partnership and ARH Warrior Holdings, Inc. (“ARH Warrior Holdings”), the parent company of 
Warrior Coal, have entered into an Amended and Restated Put and Call Option Agreement (“Put/Call 
Agreement”) with the Partnership.  Under the terms of the Put/Call Agreement, ARH Warrior Holdings 
can require the Partnership to purchase Warrior Coal from ARH Warrior Holdings during the period 
from January 2, 2003 to January 11, 2003, with a put option price of the sum of $10 million and interest 
on the $10 million at 12 percent, compounded annually.  The Partnership can also require ARH Warrior 
Holdings to sell Warrior Coal to the Partnership during the period from April 12, 2003 to December 31, 
2006, with a call option price of the sum of (a) $10 million, (b) interest on the $10 million at 12 percent, 
compounded annually and (c) 25 percent of the interest determined in (b). 

Separately, on December 29, 2000, the Partnership entered into a noncancelable operating lease 
arrangement with the Special GP for a “build-to-suit” coal preparation plant and ancillary facilities at the 
Gibson County Coal, LLC mining complex that was constructed and is currently owned by the Special 
GP.  This lease arrangement qualified for sale-leaseback accounting treatment, and consequently, the 
Partnership has removed the corresponding asset and liability associated with the coal preparation plant 
from its consolidated balance sheet.  Based on the terms of the lease, the Partnership will make monthly 
payments of approximately $216,000 for 121 months.  Lease expense incurred for the year ended 
December 31, 2000 was approximately $14,000. 

15.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Commitments – The Partnership leases buildings and equipment under operating lease agreements 
which provide for the payment of both minimum and contingent rentals.  The Partnership also has a 
noncancelable lease with the Special GP (Note 14).  Future minimum lease payments under operating 
leases are as follows (in thousands): 

Year ending December 31,
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Thereafter

Affiliate

Others

Total

$   

2,595
2,595
2,595
2,595
2,595
13,190

$      

452
408
274
284
284
780

$   

3,047
3,003
2,869
2,879
2,879
13,970

$

26,165

$   

2,482

$

28,647

Lease expense under all operating leases was $1,409,000, $801,000, $496,000, and $1,169,000 for the 
year ended December 31, 2000, the period from the Partnership’s commencement of operations on 
August 20, 1999 to December 31, 1999 and the Predecessor period from January 1, 1999 to August 19, 
1999, and the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. 

Contractual Commitments – In connection with the expansion of an existing mine into adjacent coal 
reserves, the Partnership has entered into contractual commitments for mine development of 
approximately $22.5 million at December 31, 2000. 

General Litigation – The Partnership is involved in various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings, 
including those conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, incidental to its business.  The 
Partnership provides for costs related to litigation and regulatory proceedings, including civil fines 

45 

     
        
     
     
        
     
     
        
     
     
        
     
 
        
 
 
issued as part of the outcome of such proceedings, when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably 
determinable.  The Partnership also recorded an expense of $2,675,000 related to litigation matters 
settled and contingencies associated with other litigation matters, which is reflected in “Unusual items” 
in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of income.  In the opinion of management, 
the outcome of such matters to the extent not previously provided for or covered under insurance, will 
not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s business, financial position or results of 
operations, although management cannot give any assurance to that effect. 

16.  CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS 

The Partnership has significant long-term coal supply agreements, some of which contain price 
adjustment provisions designed to reflect changes in market conditions, labor and other production costs 
and, when the coal is sold other than FOB the mine, changes in railroad and/or barge freight rates.  Total 
revenues to major customers, including transportation revenues (Note 2), which exceed ten percent of 
total revenues are as follows (in thousands): 

Partnership

Predecessor

Year
Ended
December 31,
2000

$ 

67,234
61,007
58,498
38,713

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

$ 

23,104
26,993
16,090
11,926

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

$ 

38,875
40,752
31,328
19,582

Year
Ended
December 31,
1998

$ 

62,642
57,233
74,076
-     

Customer A
Customer B
Customer C
Customer D

Trade accounts receivable from these customers totaled approximately $18.1 million at December 31, 
2000.  The Partnership’s bad debt experience has historically been insignificant.  Based on current 
evaluations, Partnership management believes that no allowance is required to absorb potential 
uncollectible balances.  However, changes in the financial conditions of its customers could result in a 
material change to this estimate in future periods.  The coal supply agreements with customers A, B, C 
and D expire in 2006, 2001, 2010 and 2006, respectively.   

46 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
       
 
17.  GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 

Included in the consolidated and combined financial statements are the following revenues and long-
lived assets relating to geographic locations (in thousands): 

Partnership

Predecessor

Year
Ended
December 31,
2000

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year
Ended
December 31,
1998

Revenues:
   United States
   Other foreign countries

Long-lived assets:
   United States
   Other foreign countries

$  

363,469
-     
363,469

$ 

$  

210,996
-     
210,996

$ 

$  

$ 

134,125
-     
134,125

$  

$ 

203,697
-     
203,697

$  

221,339
10,494
231,833

$ 

$  

200,057
-     
200,057

$ 

$  

348,055
55,246
403,301

$ 

$  

204,078
-     
204,078

$ 

18.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

The Partnership’s and Predecessor’s supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and other 
non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows (in thousands): 

Partnership

Predecessor

Year
Ended
December 31,
2000

From
Commencement
of Operations
(on August 20, 1999)
to
December 31, 1999

For the
period from
January 1, 1999
to
August 19, 1999

Year
Ended
December 31,
1998

$  

19,043

$       

1,173

$     

-     

$     

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

3,504

3,135

230,000

15,486

-     
-     
-     

-     
-     
-     

Cash paid for:
   Interest
   Income taxes paid through
      Parent (Note 9)

Non-cash investing and financing
   activities:
   Debt transferred from Special GP
   Marketable securities transferred
      from Special GP

19.  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

On August 20, 1999, the Partnership completed its IPO in which the Partnership became the successor to 
the business of the Predecessor.  Accordingly, no recognition has been given to income taxes in the 
financial statements of the Partnership as income taxes will be borne by the partners and not the 
Partnership.  Additionally, interest expense associated with the debt incurred concurrent with the closing 
of the IPO is applicable only to the Partnership period.  Accordingly, the quarterly operating results prior 
to August 20, 1999 are not necessarily comparable to subsequent periods. 

47 

         
         
    
     
         
         
         
         
 
      
          
    
  
      
   
       
     
       
     
      
     
       
     
 
A summary of the quarterly operating results for the Partnership and Predecessor is as follows (in 
thousands, except unit and per unit data): 

Revenues
Operating income
Net income (loss)

Basic net income (loss) per limited Partner unit
Diluted net income (loss) per limited 
   Partner unit
Weighted average number of units
   outstanding - basic
Weighted average number of units
   outstanding - diluted

Partnership

Quarter Ended

March 31,

2000

June 30,

2000

September 30,

December 31,

2000 (1)

2000

$       

89,420
6,191
2,366

$       

86,652
5,912
2,098

$       

96,459
15,669
11,560

$       

90,938
3,096
(443)

$           

0.15

$           

0.13

$           

0.74

$          

(0.03)

$           

0.15

$           

0.13

$           

0.73

$          

(0.03)

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,405,311

15,550,489

15,550,845

15,552,017

15,553,372

Predecessor

Partnership

From

Commencement

Quarter Ended

to

(on August 20, 1999)

July 1, 1999

of Operations

March 31,

June 30,

August 19,

to

Quarter Ended

1999

1999

1999

September 30, 1999

December 31, 1999

Revenues
Operating income
Net income

$  

87,876
4,273
2,969

$  

93,395
6,995
4,934

$  

50,562
3,004
2,302

$        

45,758
5,019
3,509

$       

88,367
6,499
2,763

Basic and diluted net
   income per unit
Weighted average number
   of units outstanding - basic
   and diluted

-     

-     

-     

-     

-     

$            

0.22

$           

0.18

-     

15,405,311

15,405,311

(1)  The Partnership recorded income of $12.2 million, which is net of litigation expenses and costs relating to 
the impairment of certain transloading facility assets.  Additionally, the Partnership recorded an expense of 
$2.7 million related to litigation matters settled and contingencies associated with other litigation matters.  
The net effect of these unusual items for the quarter was $9.5 million (Note 4). 

Operating income in the above table represents income from operations before interest expense. 

* * * * * *  

48 

           
           
         
           
           
           
         
             
  
  
  
  
  
 
      
      
      
            
           
      
      
      
            
           
         
         
         
 
            
 
            
 
            
         
         
         
   
  
 
 
 
ITEM  9.      CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING     

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None.  

PART III 

ITEM  10.      DIRECTORS  AND  EXECUTIVE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  MANAGING  GENERAL 

PARTNER  

As is commonly the case with publicly-traded limited partnerships, we are managed and operated by our 
Managing  GP.  The  following  table  shows  information  for  the  directors  and  executive  officers  of  the 
Managing GP.  Executive officers and directors are elected for one-year terms. 

Name 
Joseph W. Craft  III 

Robert G. Sachse 

Thomas L. Pearson 

Michael L. Greenwood 

Charles R. Wesley 

Gary J. Rathburn 

John J. MacWilliams 

Preston R. Miller, Jr. 

John P. Neafsey 

John H. Robinson 

Paul R. Tregurtha 

Age 
 50 

Position With our Managing General Partner  
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

52 

 47 

 45 

 46 

 50 

 45 

 52 

 61 

 50 

 65 

Executive Vice President and Director 

Senior Vice President - Law and Administration, 
General Counsel and Secretary 

Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer 

Senior Vice President -  Operations 

Senior Vice President -  Marketing 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Joseph W. Craft III has worked for us since 1980. Prior to the formation of ARH, Mr. Craft was a Senior 
Vice President of MAPCO Inc., serving as General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer, and since 1986 as 
President of MAPCO Coal Inc. Mr. Craft has held his current positions since August 1996.  Prior to working 
with  us,  Mr.  Craft  was  an  attorney  at  Falcon  Coal  Corporation  and  Diamond  Shamrock  Coal  Corporation.  
Mr.  Craft  has  held  numerous  industry  leadership  positions,  including  past  Chairman  of  the  National  Coal 
Council, a Board and Executive Committee member of the National Mining Association, and a Director of the 
Center for Energy and Economic Development. Mr. Craft holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting 
and  a  Juris  Doctor  degree  from  the  University  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Craft  also  is  a  graduate  of  the  Senior 
Executive Program of the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  

Robert  G.  Sachse  joined  us  as  Executive  Vice  President  and  Vice  Chairman  in  August  2000.    Prior  to 
working with us, Mr. Sachse was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MAPCO Inc. from 
1996  to  1998  until  MAPCO  Inc.  merged  with  The  Williams  Companies,  Inc.    Mr.  Sachse  held  various 
positions with MAPCO Coal Inc. from 1982 to 1991, and was promoted to President of MAPCO Natural Gas 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquids in 1992.  Mr. Sachse holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity University and a Juris Doctor 
degree from the University of Tulsa. 

Thomas  L.  Pearson  has  worked  for  us  since  1989.  Prior  to  the  formation  of  ARH,  Mr.  Pearson  was 
Assistant  General  Counsel  of  MAPCO  Inc.  and  served  as  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of  MAPCO  Coal 
Inc.  from  1989-1996.    Mr.  Pearson  has  held  his  current  positions  since  September  1996.    Prior  to  working 
with us, Mr. Pearson was General Counsel and Secretary of McLouth Steel Products Corporation, one of the 
largest integrated steel producers in the United States; and Corporate Counsel of Midland-Ross Corporation, a 
multi-national company with numerous international joint venture companies and projects. Previously, he was 
an  attorney  with  the  Arter  &  Hadden  law  firm  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.    Mr.  Pearson  is  or  has  been  active  in  a 
number of educational, charitable and business organizations, including the following: Vice Chairman, Legal 
Affairs  Committee,  National  Mining  Association;  Member,  Dean's  Committee,  The  University  of  Iowa 
College of Law; and Contributions Committee, Greater Cleveland United Way. Mr. Pearson holds a Bachelor 
of Arts degree in History and Communications from DePauw University and a Juris Doctor degree from The 
University of Iowa. 

Michael  L.  Greenwood  has  worked  for  us  since  1986.  Prior  to  the  formation  of  ARH,  Mr.  Greenwood 
served  in  various  financial  management  capacities,  including  General  Manager  -  Finance  of  MAPCO  Coal 
Inc.,  General  Manager  of  Planning  and  Financial  Analysis,  and  Manager  -  Mergers  and  Acquisitions  of 
MAPCO Inc. Mr. Greenwood has held his current positions since September 1996.  Prior to working for us, 
Mr.  Greenwood  held  financial  planning  and  business  development  management  positions  in  the  energy 
industry  with  Davis  Investments,  The  Williams  Companies,  Inc.  and  Penn  Central  Corporation.  Mr. 
Greenwood holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University 
and  a  Master  of  Business  Administration  degree  from  the  University  of  Tulsa.  Mr.  Greenwood  has  also 
completed executive programs at Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University and The Center for 
Creative Leadership. 

Charles R. Wesley has worked for us since 1974. Mr. Wesley joined Webster County Coal Corporation in 
1974 as an engineering co-op student and worked through the ranks to become General Superintendent.  In 
1992 he became Vice President of Operations for Mettiki Coal Corporation. He has held his current position 
since September 1996. Mr. Wesley has served the industry as past President of the West Kentucky Mining 
Institute and National Mine Rescue Association Post 11. He also served on the board of the Kentucky Mining 
Institute.  Mr.  Wesley  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in  Mining  Engineering  from  the  University  of 
Kentucky. 

Gary  J.  Rathburn  has  worked  for  us  since  1980  when  he  joined  MAPCO  Coal  Inc.  as  Manager  of 
Brokerage  Coals.  Since  1980,  Mr.  Rathburn  has  managed  all  phases  of  the  marketing  group  involving 
transportation and distribution, international sales and the brokering of coal.  He has held his current position 
since  September  1996.    Prior  to  working  for  us,  Mr.  Rathburn  was  employed  by  Eastern  Associated  Coal 
Corporation in its International Sales and Brokerage groups. Mr. Rathburn has been active in industry groups 
such  as  the  Maryland  Coal  Association,  The  North  Carolina  Coal  Institute  and  the  National  Mining 
Association.  Mr.  Rathburn  was  a  Director  of  The  National  Coal  Association  and  Chairman  of  the  Coal 
Exporters  Association  for  several  years.  Mr.  Rathburn  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  in  Political  Science 
from  the  University  of  Pittsburgh  and  has  participated  in  industry-related  programs  at  the  World  Trade 
Institute, Princeton University and the Colorado School of Mines. 

John  J.  MacWilliams  has  served  as  a  Director  since  June  1996.    Mr.  MacWilliams  has  been  a  General 
Partner of The Beacon Group, LP (The Beacon Group) since May 1993. Prior to the formation of The Beacon 
Group,  Mr.  MacWilliams  was  an  Executive  Director  of  Goldman  Sachs  International  in  London,  where  he 
was responsible for heading the firm's International Structured Financing Group. Prior to moving to London, 
Mr. MacWilliams was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. in New 
York. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. MacWilliams was an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New 
York,  where  he  worked  on  international  bank  financings,  partnership  financings,  and  mergers  and 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
acquisitions.  Mr.  MacWilliams  is  also  a  director  of  Campagnie  Generale  Geophysique.  Mr.  MacWilliams 
holds  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  from  Stanford  University,  Master  of  Science  degree  from  Massachusetts 
Institute of Technology, and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. 

Preston R. Miller, Jr. has served as a Director since June 1996.  Mr. Miller has been a General Partner of 
The Beacon Group since June 1993. Prior to the formation of The Beacon Group, Mr. Miller was employed 
for  fourteen  years  by  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.  in  New  York  City,  where  he  was  a  Vice  President  in  the 
Structured Finance Group and had global responsibility for the coverage of the independent power industry, 
asset-backed  power  generation,  and  oil  and  gas  financings.  Mr.  Miller  also  has  a  background  in  credit 
analysis, and was head of the revenue bond rating group at Standard & Poor's Corp. prior to joining Goldman 
Sachs.    Mr.  Miller  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  from  Yale  University  and  a  Master  of  Public 
Administration degree from Harvard University. 

John  P.  Neafsey  has  served  as  Chairman  since  June  1996.    Mr.  Neafsey  has  served  as  President  of  JN 
Associates, an investment consulting firm, since January 1994.  Mr. Neafsey served as President and CEO of 
Greenwich  Capital  Markets  from  1990  to  1993  and  Director  since  its  founding  in  1983.  In  addition,  Mr. 
Neafsey  held  numerous  other  positions  during  his  twenty-three  years  at  The  Sun  Company,  including: 
Executive  Vice  President  responsible  for  Canadian  operations,  Sun  Coal  Company  and  Helios  Capital 
Corporation;  Chief  Financial  Officer;  and  other  executive  management  positions  with  numerous  subsidiary 
companies.  Mr.  Neafsey  is  or  has  been  active  in  a  number  of  educational,  charitable  and  business 
organizations,  including  the  following:  Director,  The  West  Pharmaceutical  Services  Company,  Longhorn 
Partners  Pipeline  Inc.  and  the  Provident  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company;  Trustee,  Cornell  University;  and 
Overseer  of  Cornell-Weill  Medical  Center.  Mr.  Neafsey  holds  Bachelor  and  Master  of  Science  degrees  in 
Engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell University. 

John  H.  Robinson  has  served  as  a  Director  since  December  1999.    In  April  2000,  Mr.  Robinson  joined 
Amey,  plc,  a  British  support  services  business,  as  Executive  Director  of  its  newly-formed  Technology 
Services Division.  Mr. Robinson previously served as Vice Chairman of Black & Veatch, a global engineer-
constructor firm, from January 1997 through March 2000. He was also the Chairman of Black & Veatch UK 
Ltd. and was responsible for guiding strategic development of the firm, having begun his career there in 1973.  
He is a Director of Coeur Precious Metals, Protection One and Commerce Bancshares. Mr. Robinson holds 
Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Engineering from the University of Kansas and has completed the 
Owner/President Management Program at the Harvard School of Business. 

Paul R. Tregurtha has served as a Director since December 1999. Mr. Tregurtha serves as Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer of Mormac Marine Group, Inc. and Moran Transportation Company, and Chairman 
of  MAC  Acquisitions,  Inc.    He  is  a  director  and  principal  officer  of  several  companies  involved  in  water 
transportation  and  natural  resources,  including  The  Interlake  Steamship  Company  and  Lakes  Shipping 
Company.  Mr.  Tregurtha  is  also  a  director  of  FleetBoston  Financial  and  FPL  Group,  Inc.,  the  parent  of 
Florida  Power  &  Light  Company.  Mr.  Tregurtha  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in  Mechanical 
Engineering  from  Cornell  University,  where  he  serves  as  Trustee  Emeritus,  and  a  Master  of  Business 
Administration degree from the Harvard School of Business. 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.  

Section  16(a)  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended,  requires  directors,  executive 
officers  and  persons  who  beneficially  own  more  than  ten  percent  of  a  registered  class  of  the  Partnership's 
equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports or changes in ownership of such 
equity  securities.  Such  persons  are  also  required  to  furnish  the  Partnership  with  copies  of  all  Section  16(a) 
forms  that  they  file.    Based  solely  upon  a  review  of  the  copies  of  the  forms  furnished  to  it,  or  written 
representations from certain reporting persons, the Partnership believes that during 2000 none of its officers 
and directors was delinquent with respect to any of the filing requirements under Rule 16(a) other than (a) Mr. 
Craft  did  not  file  a  Form  4  for  the  months  of  August  and  September  1999,  regarding  purchases  made  by  a 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
private foundation for which he serves as a trustee and disclaims beneficial ownership, and (b) Mr. Neafsey 
did not timely file a Form 4 for the month of August 2000, but has since filed this Form 4.  

Reimbursement of Expenses of the Managing GP and its Affiliates  

The  Managing  GP  does  not  receive  any  management  fee  or  other  compensation  in  connection  with  its 
management of us. However, our Managing GP and its affiliates, including ARH, perform services for us and 
are  reimbursed  by  us  for  all  expenses  incurred  on  our  behalf,  including  the  costs  of  employee,  officer  and 
director  compensation  and  benefits  properly  allocable  to  us,  as  well  as  all  other  expenses  necessary  or 
appropriate to the conduct of our business, and properly allocable to us. Our Partnership Agreement provides 
that  the  Managing  GP  will  determine  the  expenses  that  are  allocable  to  us  in  any  reasonable  manner 
determined by the Managing GP in its sole discretion. 

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

The following table sets forth certain compensation information for all executive officers of our Managing 
GP who received salary and bonus compensation in excess of $100,000 in 2000.  The Partnership was formed 
in May 1999 but did not commence business until August 1999.  Therefore 1999 compensation information is 
for the Partnership period from commencement of operations (on August 20, 1999) to December 31, 1999.  

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE 

Name and Principal Position 

Year 

Salary 

Bonus 
(1)  

Other Annual 
Compensation 
(2) 

Annual Compensation 

Long Term 
Compensation 
Restricted 
Stock Awards 
(3) 

All Other 
Compensation 
(4) 

2000 
1999 

$292,950  $94,200 
70,040 
  106,313 

      $     - 

  700 

$678,150 
- 

$63,695 
  21,495 

2000 
1999 

  177,000 
   64,234 

45,000 
  28,306 

1,550 
  - 

122,067 
- 

43,856 
12,385 

Joseph W. Craft III, 
President, Chief Executive Officer 
and Director 

Thomas L. Pearson, 
Senior Vice President-Law and 
Administration, General Counsel 
and Secretary 

Michael L. Greenwood, 
Senior Vice President-Chief 
Financial Officer and Treasurer 

2000 
1999 

  151,400 
   54,944 

45,000 
28,306 

- 
- 

Charles R. Wesley, 
Senior Vice President-Operations 

2000 
1999 

  187,000 
   67,863 

47,600 
35,565 

Gary J. Rathburn, 
Senior Vice President-Marketing 

2000 
1999 

  152,000 
   55,161 

45,000 
28,306 

1,500 
- 

1,500 
- 

122,067 
- 

135,630 
- 

122,067 
- 

26,009 
 7,972 

32,802 
12,383 

28,008 
  9,407 

(1)  Amount awarded under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.  See “Short-Term Incentive Plan” below. 

(2)  Amount reimbursed for income tax preparation. 

(3)  Awards  under  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan.  The  amount  represents  the  value  of  restricted  units  at  the  date  of 
issuance.    The  total  number  of  restricted  units  and  their  market  value  as  of  December  31,  2000,  were:  Mr.  Craft, 
50,000 units valued at $900,000; Mr. Pearson, 9,000 units valued at $162,000; Mr. Greenwood, 9,000 units valued 
at  $162,000;  Mr. Wesley, 10,000 units  valued  at $180,000;  Mr.  Rathburn,  9,000 units  valued  at  $162,000.   Units 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
granted  under  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  do  not  vest  until  the  end  of  the  subordination  period,  which  will 
generally not end before September 30, 2004.  See “Long-Term Incentive Plan” below. 

(4)  Amount  represents  (a)  the  Managing  General  Partner’s  matching  contributions  to  its  401(k)  Plan  and  (b)  the 

Managing General Partner’s contribution to a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS  

Under the Managing GP’s Directors Compensation Program (Directors Plan) each non-employee Director 
is paid an annual retainer of $20,000. The annual retainer is payable in Common Units of the Partnership to 
be paid on a quarterly basis in advance determined by dividing the pro rata annual retainer payable on such 
date by the closing sales price per Common Unit averaged over the immediately preceding ten trading days. 
Each non-employee director may elect to defer all or a portion of his or her compensation under the Deferred 
Compensation Plan for Directors.   

In  addition  each  non-employee  director  participates  in  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan.    The  directors 
restricted units vest in accordance with the same procedure as is described below.  Messrs. MacWilliams and 
Miller have declined compensation under the Directors and Long-Term Incentive Plans. 

Mr. Sachse has a consulting agreement with the Managing GP, for a term of three years, effective August 
14, 2000.  The consulting agreement provides that Mr. Sachse will serve as Executive Vice President of the 
Managing GP and devote his services on a part-time basis.  In addition to compensation received under the 
Directors Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan described above, Mr. Sachse is entitled to receive an annual fee 
of $150,000 payable in arrears monthly.  Mr. Sachse also is entitled to receive quarterly payments in arrears 
of $7,500 less the market value of 250 Common Units of the Partnership calculated by the closing sales price 
per  Common  Unit  averaged  over  the  immediately  preceding  ten  trading  days.      A  copy  of  the  consulting 
agreement with Mr. Sachse is filed as an exhibit hereto. 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS  

The executive officers of the Managing GP and some additional members of senior management will enter 
into employment agreements among the executive officer or member of senior management, on the one hand, 
and  the  Managing  GP  and  ARH,  on  the  other.  We  reimburse  the  Managing  GP  for  the  compensation  and 
benefits  costs  under  these  agreements.  This  summary  of  the  terms  of  the  employment  agreements  does  not 
purport to be complete, but outlines their material provisions.  A form of the agreements with each of Messrs. 
Craft, Pearson, Greenwood, Wesley and Rathburn are filed as exhibits. 

Each  of  the  employment  agreements  has  an  initial  term  that  expires  on  December  31,  2001,  but  will 
automatically be extended for successive one-year terms unless either party gives 12 months prior notice to 
the  other  party.  The  employment  agreements  provide  for  a  base  salary,  subject  to  review  annually,  of 
$292,950, $177,000, $151,400, $187,000 and $152,000 for Messrs. Craft, Pearson, Greenwood, Wesley and 
Rathburn,  respectively.  The  employment  agreements  provide  for  continued  salary  payments,  bonus  and 
benefits for a period of three years, in the case of Mr. Craft, and 18 months, in the case of Messrs. Pearson, 
Greenwood, Wesley and Rathburn, following termination of employment, except in the case of a change of 
control of the Managing GP. 

In the case of a "change of control" as defined in the agreements, in lieu of the continuation of salary and 
benefits, that executive will be entitled to a lump sum payment in an amount equal to three times base salary 
plus  bonus,  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Craft,  and  two  times  base  salary  plus  bonus  in  the  case  of  Messrs.  Pearson, 
Greenwood, Wesley and Rathburn. Unless the executive waives his or her right to the continuation of base 
salary  and  bonus,  the  agreements  provide  for  a  noncompetition  period  of  18  months.  The  noncompetition 
period  does  not  apply  after  a  change  in  control.  Amounts  paid  by  the  Managing  GP  pursuant  to  the 
employment agreements will be reimbursed by the Partnership. 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The executives who are subject to employment agreements also participate in the Short- and Long-Term 
Incentive Plans of the Managing GP described below along with other members of management. They also 
are entitled to participate in the other employee benefit plans and programs that the Managing GP provides for 
its employees. 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN  

Effective  January  1,  2000,  the  Managing  GP  adopted  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  (LTIP)  for  certain 
employees and directors of the Managing GP and its affiliates who perform services for us. The summary of 
the LTIP contained herein does not purport to be complete, but outlines its material provisions. 

The  LTIP  is  administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Managing  GP's  Board  of  Directors. 
Annual grant levels for designated participants are recommended by the President and CEO of the Managing 
GP, subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee. We will reimburse the Managing GP 
for  all  costs  incurred  pursuant  to  the  programs  described  below.  Grants  are  made  either  of  restricted  units, 
which are "phantom" units that entitle the grantee to receive a Common Unit or an equivalent amount of cash 
upon the vesting of a phantom unit, or options to purchase Common Units. Common Units to be delivered 
upon  the  vesting  of  restricted  units  or  to  be  issued  upon  exercise  of  a  unit  option  will  be  acquired  by  the 
Managing GP in the open market at a price equal to the then prevailing price, or directly from ARH or any 
other third party, including units newly issued by us, or use units already owned by the Managing GP, or any 
combination of the foregoing. The Managing GP is entitled to reimbursement by us for the cost incurred in 
acquiring  these  Common  Units  or  in  paying  cash  in  lieu  of  Common  Units  upon  vesting  of  the  restricted 
units.  If  we  issue  new  Common  Units  upon  payment  of  the  restricted  units  or  unit  options  instead  of 
purchasing  them,  the  total  number  of  Common  Units  outstanding  will  increase.  The  aggregate  number  of 
units  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  LTIP  is  600,000.    Effective  January  1,  2000,  the  Compensation 
Committee  approved  initial  grants  of  142,100  restricted  units,  which  vest  at  the  end  of  the  subordination 
period,  which  will  generally  not  end  before  September  30,  2004.    Effective  as  of  January  1,  2001,  the 
Compensation Committee approved additional grants of 131,490 restricted units, which also vest at the end of 
the subordination period. 

Restricted  Units.  Restricted  units  will  vest  over  a  period  of  time  as  determined  by  the  Compensation 
Committee.  However,  if  a  grantee's  employment  is  terminated  for  any  reason  prior  to  the  vesting  of  any 
restricted units, those restricted units will be automatically forfeited, unless the Compensation Committee, in 
its sole discretion, provides otherwise. In addition, vested restricted units will not be payable before the end of 
the subordination period, which will generally not end before September 30, 2004. 

The issuance of the Common Units pursuant to the restricted unit plan is intended to serve as a means of 
incentive  compensation  for  performance  and  not  primarily  as  an  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  equity 
appreciation  in  respect  of  the  Common  Units.  Therefore,  no  consideration  will  be  payable  by  the  plan 
participants upon receipt of the Common Units, and we receive no remuneration for these units. Following the 
subordination period, the Compensation Committee, in it discretion, may grant distribution equivalent rights 
with respect to restricted units. 

Unit  Options.  We  have  not  made  any  grants  of  unit  options.  The  Compensation  Committee  may,  in  the 
future, determine to make unit option grants to employees and directors containing the specific terms that they 
determine. When granted, unit options will have an exercise price set by the Compensation Committee which 
may be above, below or equal to the fair market value of a Common Unit on the date of grant. Unit options, if 
any, granted during the subordination period will become exercisable upon, and in the same proportions as, 
the  conversion  of  the  Subordinated  Units  to  Common  Units,  or  at  a  later  date  as  determined  by  the 
Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. 

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Managing GP's Board of Directors, in its discretion, may terminate the LTIP at any time with respect 
to  any  Common  Units  for  which  a  grant  has  not  previously  been  made.  The  Managing  GP's  Board  of 
Directors will also have the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of it from time to time, subject to 
unitholder approval as required by the exchange upon which the Common Units may be listed at that time; 
provided,  however,  that  no  change  in  any  outstanding grant  may  be  made  that  would  materially  impair  the 
rights of the participant without the consent of the affected participant. In addition, the Managing GP may, in 
its discretion, establish such additional compensation and incentive arrangements as it deems appropriate to 
motivate and reward its employees. The Managing GP is reimbursed for all compensation expenses incurred 
on our behalf. 

SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN  

Effective January 1, 1999, the Managing GP adopted a Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for management 
and  other  salaried  employees.  The  STIP  is  designed  to  enhance  the  financial  performance  by  rewarding 
management  and  salaried  employees  of  the  Managing  GP  and  Partnership  with  cash  awards  for  the 
Partnership achieving an annual financial performance objective. The annual performance objective for each 
year  is  recommended  by  the  President  and  CEO  of  the  Managing  GP  and  approved  by  the  Compensation 
Committee  of  its  Board  of  Directors  prior  to  January  1  of  that  year.  The  STIP  is  administered  by  the 
Compensation  Committee.  Individual  participants  and  payments  each  year  are  determined  by  and  in  the 
discretion of the Compensation Committee, and the Managing GP is able to amend the plan at any time. The 
Managing GP is entitled to reimbursement by us for the costs incurred under the STIP. 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT  

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 1, 2001, regarding the beneficial ownership 
of Common and Subordinated Units held by (a) each person known by the Managing GP to be the beneficial 
owner of 5% or more of the Common and Subordinated Units, (b) each director and executive officer of the 
Managing GP and (c) all directors and executive officers of the Managing GP as a group. The Managing GP 
is  owned  by  funds  affiliated  with  The  Beacon  Group  and  members  of  management.  The  Special  GP  is  a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of ARH. The address of ARH, the Managing GP and the Special GP, is 1717 South 
Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119. 

Name of Beneficial Owner
Alliance Resource GP, LLC (2)
Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC  (3)
Joseph W. Craft III (1) (7)
Robert G. Sachse (1)
Thomas L. Pearson (1) 
Michael L. Greenwood (1) 
Charles R. Wesley (1) 
Gary J. Rathburn (1) 
John J. MacWilliams (4)
Preston R. Miller, Jr. (4)
John P. Neafsey (1)
John H. Robinson (5)
Paul R. Tregurtha (6)
All directors and executive officers as

Common
Units
Beneficially
Owned (8)
1,232,780
164,000
73,500
646
9,971
29,950
20,000
8,000
1,396,780
1,396,780
12,257
2,257
2,257

Percentage of
Common
Units
Beneficially
Owned
13.72%
1.83%
*
*
*
*
*
*
15.55%
15.55%
*
*
*

Subordinated
Units
Beneficially
Owned
6,422,531

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

6,422,531
6,422,531

-
-
-

Percentage of
Subordinated
Units
Beneficially
Owned
100%
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
100%
100%
-
-
-

Percentage
of Total
Units
Beneficially
Owned
49.7%
1.1%
*
*
*
*
*
*
50.8%
50.8%
*
*
*

a group (11 persons)

1,555,618

17.32%

6,422,531

100%

51.8%

* Less than one percent.  

(1)  The address of Messrs. Craft, Sachse, Pearson, Greenwood, Wesley, Rathburn and Neafsey is 1717 South Boulder 

Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119. 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
        
         
           
                
             
           
           
             
      
        
      
        
           
             
             
      
        
(2)  ARH may be deemed to beneficially own the Common Units and the Subordinated Units held by the Special GP, 
as  a  result  of  ARH's  ownership  of  all  of  the  membership  interests  in  the  Special  GP.  MPC  Partners,  LP  (MPC 
Partners)  may  also  be  deemed  to  beneficially  own  the  Common  Units  and  the  Subordinated  Units  held  by  the 
Special GP as a result of MPC Partners' ownership of 86.2% of ARH's outstanding common stock. 

(3)  The  Managing  GP  is  an  affiliate  of  the  Special  GP,  and  as  a  consequence,  the  Special  GP  may  be  deemed  to 

beneficially own the Common Units held by the Managing GP. 

(4)  Messrs. MacWilliams and Miller may also be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the Common Units and the 
Subordinated  Units  held  by  the  Special  GP  and  the  Managing  GP  by  virtue  of  their  status  as  partners  of  The 
Beacon Group, an affiliate of MPC Partners. Messrs. MacWilliams and Miller disclaim beneficial ownership of the 
Common  and  Subordinated  Units  held  by  the  Special  GP  and  the  Managing  GP.  The  address  of  Messrs. 
MacWilliams and Miller is Beacon Group Energy Funds, an affiliate of JP Morgan Partners, 1221 Avenue of the 
Americas, 4th floor, New York, New York 10020. 

(5)  The address of Mr. Robinson is 24 Hanover Square, London, England W1S1JD.  

(6)  The address of Mr. Tregurtha is 3 Landmark Square, Stamford, Connecticut 06901. 

(7)  Mr. Craft owns 60,000 Common Units and may also be deemed to share beneficial ownership of 13,500 Common 
Units held by a private foundation for which he serves as a trustee. Mr. Craft disclaims beneficial ownership of the 
Common Units held by the private foundation. 

(8)  The amounts set forth do not include any restricted units granted under the LTIP. 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS  

The  Special  GP  owns  1,232,780  Common  Units  and  6,422,531  Subordinated  Units  representing  an 
aggregate  48.7%  limited  partner  interest  in  the  Partnership.  In  addition,  the  General  Partners  own,  on  a 
combined basis, an aggregate 2% general partner interest in the Partnership, the Intermediate Partnership and 
the  subsidiaries.  The  Managing  GP's  ability,  as  managing  general  partner,  to  manage  and  operate  the 
Partnership  and  its  ownership  of  164,000  Common  Units  together  with  the  Special  GP's  ownership  of 
1,232,780 Common Units and 6,422,531 Subordinated Units, effectively gives the General Partners the ability 
to veto some actions of the Partnership and to control the management of the Partnership. 

UNIT PURCHASE PROGRAM BY THE MANAGING GP  

The Managing GP authorized a Common Unit purchase program in November 1999 for the purchase of up 
to the greater of one million Common Units or $15 million of Common Units. As of December 31, 2000, the 
Managing  GP  has  purchased  164,000  Common  Units.  The  Common  Units  purchased  by  the  Managing  GP 
retain their rights to receive quarterly distributions of Available Cash. 

TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE PARTNERSHIP, SPECIAL GP AND ARH 

In September 2000, the Special GP acquired coal reserves and the right to acquire additional coal reserves 
(a) contiguous to our Dotiki mine (Providence No. 3 Reserves) and (b) contiguous to Hopkins County Coal 
(Elk Creek Reserves).  Such coal reserves and the rights to acquire additional coal reserves were transferred to 
SGP Land, LLC (SGP Land), a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Special GP. 

Concurrent with such coal reserve acquisitions, the Special GP, through affiliates, was negotiating for the 
purchase of (a) the capital stock of Roberts Bros. Coal Co., Inc., Warrior Coal Mining Company, and Warrior 
Coal  Corporation,  and  (b)  the  related  coal  reserves  (Warrior  Reserves)  owned  by  Cardinal  Trust,  LLC 
(collectively,  the  Warrior  Group).    The  Warrior  Group’s  operating  assets  are  located  adjacent  to  the 
Providence No. 3 Reserves and were purchased by a newly formed affiliate of the Special GP, Warrior Coal, 
LLC  (Warrior  Coal).    SGP  Land  acquired  the  Warrior  Reserves,  which  are  immediately  between  the 
Providence  No.  3  Reserves  and  Hopkins  County  Coal.    The  acquisition  of  the  Warrior  Group  closed  in 
January 2001. 

SGP Land entered into a mineral lease and sublease with Webster County Coal for a portion of each of the 
Providence No. 3 Reserves and the Warrior Reserves, and granted an option to Hopkins County Coal to lease 
and/or  sublease  the  Elk  Creek  Reserves.    Under  the  terms  of  the  Webster  County  Coal  lease  and  sublease, 
Webster County Coal has an annual minimum royalty obligation of $2.7 million, payable in advance, from 
2000  to  2013,  or  until  $37.8  million  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have 
been paid.  Webster County Coal paid the first annual minimum royalty of $2.7 million in 2000.  Under the 
terms of the Hopkins County Coal option to lease and sub-lease, Hopkins County Coal paid an option fee of 
$645,000 in 2000.  The anticipated annual minimum royalty obligation is $684,000 payable in advance, from 
2001 to 2009.  

Consistent  with  the  terms  of  the  Omnibus  Agreement  discussed  below,  the  above  transactions  were 
initially  offered  to  the  Partnership.    However,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Managing  GP,  with  the 
concurrence of its Conflicts Committee, elected not to pursue these transactions.  However, the Partnership 
and ARH Warrior Holdings, Inc. (ARH Warrior Holdings), the parent company of Warrior Coal, entered into 
an Amended and Restated Put and Call Option Agreement (Put/Call Agreement), filed as an exhibit hereto, 
which provides as follows: 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) ARH Warrior Holdings can require the Partnership to purchase Warrior Coal from ARH Warrior 
Holdings during the period from January 2, 2003 to January 11, 2003, with a put option price of the 
sum of (i) $10 million, and (ii) interest on the $10 million at 12 percent, compounded annually; and  

(b) the Partnership can require ARH Warrior Holdings to sell Warrior Coal to the Partnership during 
the period from April 12, 2003 to December 31, 2006, with a call option price  of the sum of (i) $10 
million, (ii) interest on the $10 million at 12 percent, compounded annually, and (iii) 25 percent of the 
interest determined in (ii). 

Separately,  we  entered  into  a  noncancelable  operating lease  arrangement  with  the  Special  GP  for  a  coal 
preparation plant and ancillary facilities at Gibson County Coal. This transaction was reviewed and approved 
by the Conflicts Committee.  Under the terms of the lease, the Partnership began making monthly payments 
commencing January 1, 2001, of approximately $216,000 for 121 months.   

We  may  enter  into  similar  arrangements  in  the  future  to  support  the  acquisition  of  additional  reserve 

properties or to develop facilities at our existing mining complexes. 

OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (Chase) is paying agent, co-administrative agent and a lender under our Credit 
Facility.  In 2000, we made interest payments to Chase on outstanding borrowings and paid Chase customary 
fees for their other services.  We expect that these relationships will continue in 2001.  The Beacon Group is 
an  affiliate  of  Chase.    Messrs.  MacWilliams  and  Miller  are  General  Partners  of  the  Beacon  Group  and 
Directors of the Managing GP. 

OMNIBUS AGREEMENT  

Concurrent  with  the  closing  of  the  IPO,  we  entered  into  an  Omnibus  Agreement  with  ARH  and  the 
General Partners, which governs potential competition among us and the other parties to this agreement. ARH 
agreed, and caused its controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as management and funds managed by The 
Beacon Group and its affiliates control the Managing GP, not to engage in the business of mining, marketing 
or transporting coal in the U.S. unless it first offers the Partnership the opportunity to engage in a potential 
activity or acquire a potential business, and the Board of Directors of the Managing GP, with the concurrence 
of its Conflicts Committee, elects to cause us not to pursue such opportunity or acquisition. In addition, ARH 
has the ability to purchase businesses, the majority value of which is not mining, marketing or transporting 
coal,  provided  ARH  offers  the  Partnership  the  opportunity  to  purchase  the  coal  assets  following  their 
acquisition.  The  restriction  does  not  apply  to  the  assets  retained  and  business  conducted  by  ARH  at  the 
closing of the IPO. Except as provided above, ARH and its controlled affiliates are prohibited from engaging 
in  activities  in  which  they  compete  directly  with  the  Partnership.  In  addition,  The  Beacon  Group,  and  the 
funds it manages, are prohibited from owning or engaging in businesses which compete with the Partnership. 
In  addition  to  its  non-competition  provisions,  this  agreement  contains  provisions  which  indemnify  the 
Partnership against liabilities associated with certain assets and businesses of ARH which were disposed of or 
liquidated prior to consummating the IPO. 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 14.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON 

PART IV 

FORM 8-K  

(a) (1) 

Financial Statements.  

The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section herein under Part II, 
Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

(a)(2)     

Financial Statement Schedules.  

No schedules are required to be presented by Alliance Resource Partners. 

(a)(3)     

Index of Exhibits.  

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

4.1 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource 
Partners,  L.P.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  of  the  Registrant’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource 
Operating  Partners,  L.P.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.2  of  the 
Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
1999). 

Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.6  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration 
Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on May 20, 1999). 

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P.  
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Registrant’s Statement on Form 
S-1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Form  of  Common  Unit  Certificate  (Included  as  Exhibit  A  to  the  Amended  and 
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.) 

Credit Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999,  among Alliance Resource GP, 
LLC,  The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank  (as  paying  agent),  Deutsche  Bank  AG,  New 
York  Branch  (as  documentation  agent),  Citicorp  USA,  Inc.  and  The  Chase 
Manhattan  Bank  (as  co-administrative  agents)  and  the  lenders  named  therein.  
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, among Alliance 
Resource GP, LLC and the purchasers named therein.  (Incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 1999). 

Contribution  and  Assumption  Agreement,  dated  August  16,  1999,  among 
Alliance  Resource  Holdings,  Inc.,  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC, 
Alliance Resource GP, LLC, Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., Alliance Resource 
Operating  Partners,  L.P.  and  the  other  parties  named  therein.    (Incorporated  by 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 1999). 

Omnibus  Agreement,  dated  August  16,  1999,  among  Alliance  Resource 
Holdings, Inc., Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, Alliance Resource GP, 
LLC and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.4  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 1999). 

Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  2000  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  (as 
amended).    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.11  of  the  Registrant’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Incentive  Plan.  
Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Short-Term 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Restated and Amended Coal Supply Agreement, dated February 1, 1986, among 
Seminole  Electric  Cooperative,  Inc.,  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation  and 
White  County  Coal  Corporation.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.9  of 
the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1/A  filed  with 
the 
Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Restated  and  Amended  Coal  Supply  Agreement 
effective  April  1,  1996,  between  MAPCO  Coal  Inc.,  Webster  County  Coal 
Corporation,  White  County  Coal  Corporation,  and  Seminole  Electric 
Cooperative, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000). 

Interim Coal Supply Agreement effective May 1, 2000, between Alliance Coal, 
LLC  and  Seminole  Electric  Cooperative,  Inc.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.15 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2000). 

Contract  for  Purchase  and  Sale  of  Coal,  dated  January  31,  1995,  between 
Tennessee  Valley  Authority  and  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation.  
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.10  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration 
Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Assignment/Transfer  Agreement  between  Andalex  Resources,  Inc.,  Hopkins 
County  Coal  LLC,  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation  and  Tennessee  Valley 
Authority, dated January 23, 1998, with Exhibit A – Contract for  Purchase and 
Sale of Coal between Tennessee Valley Authority and Andalex Resources, Inc., 
dated  January  31,  1995.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.11  of  the 
Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on 
July 20, 1999). 

10.12 

Contract for Purchase and Sale of Coal, dated July 7, 1998, between Tennessee 
Valley  Authority  and  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-
1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.13 

10.14 

 *10.15 

 *10.16 

Contract for Purchase and Sale of Coal, dated July 7, 1998, between Tennessee 
Valley  Authority  and  White  County  Coal  Corporation.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-
1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Agreement for Supply of Coal to the Mt. Storm Power Station, dated January 15, 
1996,  between  Virginia  Electric  and  Power  Company  and  Mettiki  Coal 
Corporation.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.  (t)  to  MAPCO  Inc.’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed April 1, 1996, File No. 1-5254). 

Coal Sales Agreement, dated October 3, 1998, between Pontiki Coal Corporation 
and A.E.I. Coal Sales, Inc.  (Portions of this agreement have been omitted based 
on a request for confidential treatment.  Those omitted portions have been filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  Coal  Sales  Agreement  dated  February  28,  2001,  between 
Pontiki  Coal,  LLC  and  AEI  Coal  Sales  Company,  Inc.    (Portions  of  this 
agreement  have  been  omitted  based  upon  a  request  for  confidential  treatment.  
Those  omitted  portions  have  been  field  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission).  

*10.17 

Amended and Restated Put and Call Option Agreement dated February 12, 2001 
between ARH Warrior Holdings, Inc. and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.   

 *10.18 

Consulting Agreement for Mr. Sachse dated January 1, 2001. 

   10.19 

Form  of  Employee  Agreement  for  Messrs.  Craft,  Pearson,  Greenwood,  Wesley 
and  Rathburn.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  of  the  Registrant’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on August 9, 
1999).  

 *  21.1 

List of Subsidiaries 

* Filed here within 

(b) 

Reports on Form 8-K:  

None.  

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Signatures 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 
14, 2001. 

  ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.  

By:  Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC  

its managing general partner 

/s/ Michael L. Greenwood 
  Michael L. Greenwood  
 Senior Vice President,  
      Chief Financial Officer  

and Treasurer  
(Principal Financial Officer and  
Principal Accounting Officer) 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by 

the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

/s/ Joseph W. Craft III 
Joseph W. Craft III 

/s/ Michael L. Greenwood 
Michael L. Greenwood 

/s/ John J. MacWilliams 
John J. MacWilliams 

/s/ Preston R. Miller, Jr. 
Preston R. Miller, Jr. 

/s/ John P. Neafsey 
John P. Neafsey 

/s/ John H. Robinson 
John H. Robinson 

/s/ Robert G. Sachse 
Robert G. Sachse 

/s/ Paul R. Tregurtha 
Paul R. Tregurtha 

President, Chief Executive 
Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Senior Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer 
(Principal Financial Officer and 
Principal Accounting Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Date 

March 14, 2001 

March 14, 2001 

March 14, 2001 

March 14, 2001 

March 14, 2001 

March 14, 2001 

Executive Vice President and Director  March 14, 2001 

Director 

March 14, 2001 

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 

                                                        Description 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

4.1 

  10.1 

  10.2 

  10.3 

  10.4 

  10.5 

  10.6 

Amended  and  Restated  Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource 
Partners, L.P.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Amended  and  Restated  Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource 
Operating  Partners,  L.P.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.2  of  the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P. 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement 
on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on May 20, 1999). 

Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource  Operating  Partners,  L.P. 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Registrant’s Statement on Form S-
1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Form  of  Common  Unit  Certificate  (Included  as  Exhibit  A  to  the  Amended  and 
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.). 

Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  August  16,  1999,  among  Alliance  Resource  GP, 
LLC,  The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank  (as  paying  agent),  Deutsche  Bank  AG,  New 
York  Branch  (as  documentation  agent),  Citicorp  USA,  Inc.  and  The  Chase 
Manhattan  Bank  (as  co-administrative  agents)  and  the  lenders  named  therein. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, among Alliance Resource 
GP, LLC and the purchasers named therein. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 1999). 

Contribution and Assumption Agreement, dated August 16, 1999, among Alliance 
Resource  Holdings,  Inc.,  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  Alliance 
Resource GP, LLC, Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., Alliance Resource Operating 
Partners,  L.P.  and  the  other  parties  named  therein.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit  10.3 of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the year  ended 
December 31, 1999). 

Omnibus Agreement, dated August 16, 1999, among Alliance Resource Holdings, 
Inc.,  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  Alliance  Resource  GP,  LLC  and 
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  2000  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  (as 
amended). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

Incentive  Plan. 
Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Short-Term 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). 

63

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.7 

  10.8 

  10.9 

  10.10 

  10.11 

  10.12 

  10.13 

  10.14 

*10.15 

*10.16 

Restated  and  Amended  Coal  Supply  Agreement,  dated  February  1,  1986,  among 
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc., Webster County Coal Corporation and White 
County Coal Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the 
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on 
July 20, 1999). 

Amendment No. 1 to the Restated and Amended Coal Supply Agreement effective 
April  1,  1996  between  MAPCO  Coal  Inc.,  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation, 
White  County  Coal  Corporation,  and  Seminole  Electric  Cooperative,  Inc.  
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000). 

Interim  Coal  Supply  Agreement  effective  May  1,  2000  between  Alliance  Coal, 
LLC and Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.15  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
June 30, 2000). 

Contract  for  Purchase  and  Sale  of  Coal,  dated  January  31,  1995,  between 
Tennessee Valley Authority and Webster County Coal Corporation. (Incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-
1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Assignment/Transfer  Agreement  between  Andalex  Resources,  Inc.,  Hopkins 
County  Coal  LLC,  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation  and  Tennessee  Valley 
Authority, dated January 23, 1998, with Exhibit A – Contract for Purchase and Sale 
of  Coal  between  Tennessee  Valley  Authority  and  Andalex  Resources,  Inc.,  dated 
January 31, 1995.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registration 
Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Contract  for  Purchase  and  Sale  of  Coal,  dated  July  7,  1998,  between  Tennessee 
Valley  Authority  and  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation.    (Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.12  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-
1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Contract  for  Purchase  and  Sale  of  Coal,  dated  July  7,  1998,  between  Tennessee 
Valley Authority and White County Coal Corporation. (Incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.13  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1/A  filed 
with the Commission on July 20, 1999). 

Agreement for Supply of Coal to the Mt. Storm Power Station, dated January 15, 
1996,  between  Virginia  Electric  and  Power  Company  and  Mettiki  Coal 
Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10. (t) to MAPCO Inc.’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, filed April 1, 1996, File No. 1-5254). 

Coal  Sales  Agreement,  dated  October  3,  1998, between  Pontiki Coal  Corporation 
and A.E.I. Coal Sales, Inc.  (Portions of this agreement have been omitted based on 
a request for confidential treatment.  Those omitted portions have been filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  Coal  Sales  Agreement  dated  February  28,  2001,  between 
Pontiki Coal, LLC and AEI Coal Sales Company, Inc. (Portions of this agreement 
have  been  omitted  based  on  a  request  for  confidential  treatment.    Those  omitted 
portions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission).  

* 10.17 

Amended  and  Restated  Put  and  Call  Option  Agreement  dated  February  12,  2001 
between ARH Warrior Holdings, Inc. and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.   

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*10.18 

Consulting Agreement for Mr. Sachse dated January 1, 2001. 

  10.19 

Form of Employment Agreement for Messrs. Craft, Pearson, Greenwood, Wesley 
and  Rathburn.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  of  the  Registrant’s 
Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1/A  filed  with  the  Commission  on  August  9, 
1999).  

* 21.1 

List of Subsidiaries. 

*Filed here within 

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U n i t h o l d e r   I n f o r m a t i o n

Publicly-Traded Units
Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.  is  a
publicly-traded  master  limited
partnership.

Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.
common  units  began  trading  on  the
Nasdaq  National  Market  under  the
symbol  “ARLP”  in  August  of  1999.  As
of  December  31,  2000,  there  were
15,405,311  common  and  subordinated
units  outstanding.

Cash Distributions
Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.  expects
to  make  Minimum  Quarterly
Distributions  of  $0.50  per  common
unit  within  45  days  after  the  end  of
each  March,  June,  September  and
December  to  unitholders  of  record  on
the  applicable  record  dates.

Partnership Tax Details
n Unitholders  are  partners  in  the 
Partnership  and  receive  cash 
distributions.  The  cash  distributions 
are  generally  not  taxable  as  long  as 
the  unitholder’s  tax  basis  remains 
above  zero.

n A  partnership  is  generally  not  subject
to  federal  or  state  income  tax.  The 
annual  income,  gains,  losses, 
deductions,  or  credits  of  the 
Partnership  flow  through  to  the 
unitholders,  who  are  required  to 
report  their  allocated  share  of  these 
amounts  on  their  individual  tax 
returns,  as  though  the  unitholder  had
incurred  these  items  directly.

n Unitholders  of  record  will  receive 

Schedule  K-1  packages  that 
summarize  their  allocated  share  of 
the  Partnership’s  reportable  tax  items
for  the  fiscal  year.  It  is  important  to 
note  that  cash  distributions  received 
should  not  be  reported  as  taxable 
income.  Only  the  amounts  provided 
on  the  Schedule  K-1  should  be 
entered  on  each  unitholder’s  2000 
tax  return. 

n Should  you  have  questions 

regarding  the  Schedule  K-1  contact:

Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P. 
K-1  Support
P.O.  Box    480927
Denver,  CO    80248
(800)  485-6875
Fax:  (720)  931-7937

Transfer Agent and Registrar
Unitholder  requests  regarding  transfer  of  units,  lost  certificates,  lost  distribution
checks  or  changes  of  address  should  be  directed  to:

American  Stock  Transfer  and  Trust  Company
Attn:  Shareholder  Services
40  Wall  Street
New  York,  NY  10005
(800)  937-5449

Additional Investor Information
Additional  information  about  Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.  can  be  obtained  by
contacting  Investor  Relations  by  e-mail  at  fredric@arlp.com,  telephone  at  (918)
295-7642,  or  writing  to  the  Partnership’s  Mailing  Address  provided  below. 

Partnership Offices
Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.
1717  South  Boulder  Avenue
Tulsa,  OK  74119
(918)  295-7600

Partnership Mailing Address
P.O.  Box  22027
Tulsa,  OK  74121-2027

Independent Auditors
Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP
Two  Warren  Place
6120  South  Yale,  Suite  1700 
Tulsa,  OK  74136

Officers and Directors
Joseph  W.  Craft  III
President,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and
Director
Robert  G.  Sachse
Executive  Vice  President  and  Director

Thomas  L.  Pearson
Senior  Vice  President  –  Law  and
Administration,  General  Counsel  and
Secretary

Michael  L.  Greenwood
Senior  Vice  President  –  Chief  Financial
Officer  and  Treasurer

Charles  R.  Wesley
Senior  Vice  President  –  Operations

Gary  J.  Rathburn
Senior  Vice  President  –  Marketing

John  J.  MacWilliams
Director

Preston  R.  Miller,  Jr.
Director

John  P.  Neafsey
Director

John  H.  Robinson
Director

Paul  R.  Tregurtha
Director

1717 South Boulder Avenue

P.O. Box 22027

Tulsa, Oklahoma  74121-2027

Contact:

Carolyn Fredrich

Director – Investor Relations

918-295-7642

fredric@arlp.com

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. 

common units 

are traded on the Nasdaq National Market

Ticker Symbol: ARLP
ARLP

(cid:13)