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Alliance Resource Partners

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FY2006 Annual Report · Alliance Resource Partners
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Fundamentally Strong.

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.
2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
MILLIONS EXCEPT PER UNIT AND PER TON AMOUNTS 

2006 

2005

OPERATING DATA
TONS SOLD 
TONS PRODUCED 

REVENUES PER TON SOLD 
COST PER TON SOLD 

FINANCIAL DATA
REVENUES 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 
NET INCOME 

24.4 
23.7 

$  38.02 
$  27.78 

$  967.6 
$  183.3 
$  172.9 

ADJUSTED BASIC NET INCOME PER LP UNIT(2)(3) 
ADJUSTED DILUTED NET INCOME PER LP UNIT(2)(3) 

$  4.07 
$  4.03 

BASIC NET INCOME PER LP UNIT(2) 
DILUTED NET INCOME PER LP UNIT(2) 

TOTAL ASSETS 
TOTAL DEBT 

$  3.06 
$  3.03 

$  635.0 
$  144.0 

22.8
22.3

$  35.07
$  25.00

$  838.7
$  173.9
$  160.0

$  4.07
$  3.99

$  2.89
$  2.84

$  532.7
$  162.0

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

$  250.9 

$  193.6

(2)  The weighted average basic units outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, were 36,425,350  
  and 36,288,527, respectively, and on a fully diluted basis, were 36,810,383 and 36,977,061, respectively.
(3)  See page 16 of the 2006 Annual Report for Adjusted Basic and Diluted N

reconciliation of Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per LP unit to Basic and Diluted Net Income per LP unit and  

  Management’s reason why disclosure of Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per LP unit is useful to investors.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Core Strengths and Investment Highlights.

Alliance Resource Partners again delivered on its promise of growth with

Revenues. In 2006 revenues of $967.6 million were up 15.4% from 2005 revenues of $838.7 million.
Net income. 2006 net income increased 8.1% to $172.9 million compared to 2005 net income of $160.0 million.
EBITDA(1). EBITDA (net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, minority 
interest and cumulative effect of accounting change) was up 9.0% to $250.8 million from 2005 EBITDA(1) of $230.1 million.
Distribution. Unitholder distributions increased 17.4% during 2006 to a current annualized rate of $2.16 per unit.

S
N
O
I
L
L
I
M
F
O
S
N
O
T

25

20

15

10

5

1000

800

600

400

200

0

S
N
O
I
L
L
I
M
N

I
S
R
A
L
L
O
D

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

TONS OF COAL SOLD
2002-2006

TONS OF COAL PRODUCED
2002-2006

REVENUES
2002-2006

S
N
O
I
L
L
I
M
N

I
S
R
A
L
L
O
D

250

200

150

100

50

5

S
N
O
I
L
L
I
M
N

I
S
R
A
L
L
O
D

250

200

150

100

50

0

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

NET INCOME
2002-2006

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
2002-2006

EBITDA(1)
2002-2006

S
N
O
I
L
L
I
M
F
O
S
N
O
T

25

20

15

10

5

S
N
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L
L
I
M
N

I
S
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A
L
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O
D

200

160

120

80

40

0

(1) 

  Net Income and Management’s reason why disclosure of EBITDA is useful to investors.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Coal Mining Complexes.

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania

12

Maryland

11

10

West 
Virginia

1 

4 
2
3 

5 

7 

6

Kentucky

8 

9 

Virginia

Current Mining Operation

Future Growth Project

Transfer Terminal

1 |

PATTIKI COMPLEX
Pattiki Mine

4 |

MOUNT VERNON  
TRANSFER TERMINAL

7 |

GIBSON COMPLEX
Gibson North Mine

9 |

MC MINING COMPLEX
Excel No. 3 Mine

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur
Transportation: EVWR & Barge

Operation: Ohio River Rail  
to Barge Transloading Facility  
Rail Service: CSX, EVWR & PAL

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: Low-sulfur
Transportation: Truck & Barge

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: Low-sulfur
Transportation: CSX & Truck

2 |

RIVER VIEW COMPLEX
(Updating existing permits)

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur

3 |

DOTIKI COMPLEX
Dotiki Mine

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur
Transportation: CSX, PAL,  
Truck & Barge

5 |

WARRIOR COMPLEX
Warrior Mine

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur
Transportation: CSX,  
PAL & Truck

6 |

HOPKINS COMPLEX
Elk Creek Mine

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur
Transportation: CSX,  
PAL & Truck

Gibson South Mine
(Permitting in process)

10 |

TUNNEL RIDGE COMPLEX
(Permitting in process)

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: Medium-sulfur

8 |

PONTIKI COMPLEX
Excel No. 2 & Van Lear Mines

Type: Underground
Method: Continuous Mining
Coal Type: Low-sulfur
Transportation: NS & Truck

Type: Underground
Method: Longwall and  
Continuous Mining
Coal Type: High-sulfur

11 |

PENN RIDGE COMPLEX
(Initiating permitting process)

Type: Underground
Coal Type: High-sulfur

12 |

METTIKI COMPLEX  
Mountain View Mine

Type: Underground
Method: Longwall and  
Continuous Mining
Coal Type: Medium-sulfur
Transportation: CSX & Truck

Fundamentally Strong

To Our Fellow Unitholders.

There are four words from the Chief Executive Officer of a publicly-held entity that never 
grow old: “We’re pleased to report.” While some would consider those four words a 
cliché, they are appropriate when the reporting involves the sixth consecutive record 
year for Alliance Resource Partners. 

Indeed, we again delivered on our promise of growth, 
and we’re pleased to report: 

n  Record revenues of $967.6 million up 15.4%  

from 2005 revenues of $838.7 million.

n  Record net income of $172.9 million up 8.1%  

from 2005 net income of $160.0 million.

n  Record EBITDA(1) (net income before net interest  
  expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion  
  and amortization, minority interest and cumulative  
  effect of accounting change) of $250.8 million up  
  9.0% from 2005 EBITDA(1) of $230.1 million. 
n  Current quarterly distribution to unitholders of $0.54  
  per unit, an annualized rate of $2.16 per unit,  
  compared to an annualized rate of $1.84 at the  
  end of 2005. This represents an increase in cash  
  distributions to unitholders of 17.4% over the  
  past twelve months.
n  Record tons sold of 24.4 million up 7.0% from 22.8  
  million in 2005.
n  Record average coal sales prices per ton of $36.79  
  up 9.3% from 2005. 

We are proud of the outstanding financial and operating  
performance delivered by the Partnership during 2006, 
and that our management, which cumulatively owns 
approximately 44% of Alliance Resource Partners, 
clearly shares with you the goals of every investor in  
the Partnership. Stated simply the goals are two-fold:  
1. return on one’s investment, and  2. appreciation of 
that investment—i.e., a higher price per unit. 

The first goal is one that Alliance Resource Partners  
is proud to have fulfilled. Over the past four years, for 
example, we have increased quarterly cash distributions 
to our unitholders by 106%, an annual compounded 
growth rate of nearly 20%. 

The second goal, at least during this past fiscal year, 
was not attained. Why? The coal sector was, to put it 
mildly, out of favor with the equity market this past year.  

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

1

 
 
Fundamentally Strong

Continued Growth and Consistency.

Coal remains the energy resource of choice as this country’s electricity is provided  
by 50% coal, 19% nuclear, 18% natural gas, and 7% hydroelectric. It remains the least 
volatile, least expensive, and is the most abundant fossil fuel in the United States.

While the market drove coal equities down during 2006, 
the long-term fundamentals, which originally brought 
favorable attention to this segment, were remarkably 
unchanged. Coal remains the energy resource of choice 
as 50% of this country’s electricity generation is provided 
by coal compared to 19% nuclear, 18% natural gas, and 
7% hydroelectric. Obviously, like any commodity, coal 
prices will fluctuate and occasionally the equity market  
is disturbed by short-term price cycles. But, as even a 
cursory analysis will show, coal continues to be the least 
volatile and most abundant fossil fuel in the United States.

Moving from a coal industry perspective to our own 
point-of-view, we constantly work toward creating  
sustainable and consistent growth through a variety of 
strategies. For example, our strategy of maintaining a 
significant long-term contract position with our customer 
results in greater predictability of sales volume and  
price and has historically provided us with less volatility 
during market fluctuations.

With our customers’ installation of scrubber technology 
to meet the increased clean air standards of our country, 
we believe the demand for scrubber-quality, or high-
sulfur, coal will increase in the future. As a result, our 
future remains bright as we continue to focus our efforts 
on securing the permits and long-term coal sales  
commitments needed to bring our growth projects at 
River View, Gibson South, Tunnel Ridge and Penn 
Ridge into production.

These four projects, along with our current operations  
in the Illinois Basin and Northern Appalachian regions, 
leave Alliance Resource Partners well positioned to  
take advantage of the growth we anticipate in these 
markets. In addition, we continue to be alert to further 
growth through acquisitions that would enhance our 
operating portfolio.

As our country continues to focus on energy  
independence, coal will play an important role in the  
generation of secure, reliable, low-cost domestic energy. 
The construction of a new generation of efficient,  
coal-fired power plants and advances in cost-effective 
coal-to-liquids and coal-to-gas technologies are evidence 
of the role of coal in our country’s energy future. Coal is 
a sound investment, today and tomorrow, and our record 
supports such a judgment.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

3

funDamental strengths

* Diversity in geography (4) anD proDuct(5)
.
* efficient, low-cost operating history.
* consistent growth – six consecutive  
  years of recorD results.
* long-term relationships with electric  
  utilities anD inDustrial customers.
* fourth largest coal proDucer in the  
  eastern uniteD states(6)
.
* visible inventory of growth projects.
* proven track recorD of executing 
  growth strategy.
* strong economic alignment  
  with unitholDers.

(4) Diversity in geography (we are well-positioned in three of the United States’ coal producing areas)  
(5) and product (our reserves include low-sulfur, medium-sulfur, and scrubber quality, or high-sulfur coal).
(6) Platts coal data as of September 30, 2006.

 
Fundamentally Strong

Our Primary Objective is Unchanged.

And that is to create sustainable, capital-efficient growth in distributable cash flow that 
will enable growth in distributions for Alliance unitholders. We will do that by continuing 
to be results oriented with confidence that our long-term promise and performance will 
be recognized by the equity market.

With ever increasing needs for energy security and 
economic growth in our country, the fundamentals that 
have been the strength of Alliance Resource Partners 
remain unchanged. Coal, as the United States’ most 
abundant energy resource, is uniquely positioned to not 
only meet the expanded demands of industry and 
consumers, but to help reduce reliance upon imported 
energy resources.

Coal is our country’s first line of defense in the battle for 
increased energy independence. As research and 
technology continue to advance and current applications 
accelerate, coal will continue to become increasingly 
compatiable with environmentally sound policies.

Meanwhile, it is important to remember the strong 
position of Alliance Resource Partners in this sector of 
the domestic energy industry.

Fundamental Strengths

*  Diversity in geography and product.
*  Efficient, low-cost operating history. 
*  Consistent growth—six consecutive years of  
  record results.
*  Long-term relationships with electric utilities and  

industrial customers. 

*  Fourth largest coal producer in the eastern  
  United States.
*  Visible inventory of growth projects.
*  Proven track record of executing growth strategy.
*  Strong economic alignment with unitholders.

(Geographically, we are well-positioned in three of  
the four United States’ coal producing areas, and  
our reserves include low-sulfur, medium-sulfur,  
and scrubber quality, or high-sulfur coal).

By achieving numerous operating highlights during 
2006, we continued to build toward a bright future for 
Alliance Resource Partners.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

5

 
 
 
Fundamentally Strong

Progress as Planned.

Alliance Resource Partners completed several major projects during 2006. Three of the 
most significant included activities at our Elk Creek, Mountain View and Pontiki Mines.

We also successfully moved our production operations 
at the Pontiki Complex in East Kentucky to the Van Lear 
seam and the Albridge Branch area of the Pond Creek 
seam. In addition, we began construction of a rail load 
out facility at our Gibson County Mine. Completion of this  
rail facility will provide Gibson County with access to 
expanded market opportunities. 

We completed development of our Elk Creek Mine in 
Hopkins County, Kentucky, during 2006 and are  
operating that mine at full production as 2007 begins.  
As you may recall, the Elk Creek Mine replaces the 
Newcoal surface mining operation, which was depleted 
at the end of 2005. As planned, we used some of the 
Newcoal infrastructure in the development of  
underground operations at Elk Creek. 

During the year we completed the development of our 
Mountain View Mine in West Virginia. As planned, we 
completed coal production operations at the Mettiki D- 
Mine in Maryland and transitioned our longwall operation 
across the state line to Mountain View during the fourth 
quarter of 2006. The Mountain View Mine is now  
successfully operating as scheduled and continues to 
use the Mettiki complex surface facilities in Maryland. 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

7

Fundamentally Strong

Safety Enhancing Projects.

Our safety performance has consistently been industry leading. We continuously seek to 
improve the safety of our operations through an emphasis on training and a commitment 
to innovative uses of the best available technology. During 2006, we concentrated our 
efforts on three safety-enhancing projects. 

We have installed proprietary Miner Tracking Systems at 
all operations. Our Miner & Equipment Tracking System, 
or METS, is an electronic safety and tracking system 
designed specifically for mining environments to track 
underground personnel and equipment. 

Reliable, accurate communication is essential to a safe 
operating environment and last year we completed a 
state-of-the-art Leaky Feeder mine communications 
system at all Alliance Resource Partners’ operations.

We have also installed fiber optic-based mine monitoring 
systems at all operations to enhance our ability to 
constantly evaluate key safety measurements within  
our mines.

The system is an invaluable tool for increasing safety, 
productivity, and efficiency of mining operations. We’re 
additionally pleased to report that the Mine Safety and 
Health Administration has approved METS, and other 
coal companies have shown an interest in acquiring this 
tracking system for their own operations.

METS
MinEr EquipMEnT & Tracking SySTEM

RFID Tags Transmits an  
identifying signal to readers.

Readers Receive transmission 
from tags and relay information  
to server.

Server Receives tag information  
from readers and stores data for 
workstations.

Staging Monitor Used to display 
miners in staging area and verify 
tag operation.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

9

Coal 

is the energy resource of choice.

Fundamentally Strong

Our Board of Directors.

As 2007 began, our Partnership welcomed two new members to our board of directors 
as three veteran directors retired from the board. We are pleased that all of our retiring 
board members will continue to serve the Partnership in the future as one assumes 
additional senior management responsibilities and two remain available to provide 
advice and counsel.

Merribel S. ayres and Wilson M. Torrence have 
joined the board. Ms. Ayres has been a leader in the 
Washington D.C. business and public policy community 
for more than two decades and founded the Lighthouse 
Consulting Group in 1996. Mr. Torrence retired from 
Fluor Corporation in 2006 as a senior vice president and 
is now providing investment and business consulting 
services for clients in various energy-related businesses. 
Both of these new board members bring a wealth of 
diverse experience as well as specialized knowledge in 
various energy-related endeavors. 

retiring from the board are John J. MacWilliams,  
preston r. Miller and robert g. Sachse. Both Messrs. 
MacWilliams and Miller have been valuable members  
of our board since 1996 and we’re pleased they will  
continue to be involved with the partnership by providing 
advice and counsel as we pursue our strategic growth 
initiatives. Meanwhile, I’m pleased that Mr. Sachse, 
whose coal industry experience dates to 1982 and who 
formerly served as chief operating officer of MAPCO, 
Inc., will take on an expanded role with the partnership 
as executive vice president with a primary focus on 
marketing and strategic growth opportunities.

13

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Fundamentally Strong

A Bright Future.

We are confident in the fundamental strength of both our industry and our Partnership. 
And our confidence is built upon the sound foundation of six consecutive years of record 
results and strong distribution growth to unitholders. 

As we look forward, coal will continue to play a major 
role in our country’s energy future. We will continue to 
advocate the need for research and technology  
development to ensure environmentally responsible 
mining as well as use of our natural resources.    

We are confident in the fundamental strength of both  
our industry and our Partnership. Our confidence is  
built upon the sound foundation of six consecutive  
years of record results and strong distribution growth  
to unitholders. The future for the industry and Alliance 
Resource Partners continues to be bright—we’re 
pleased to report. 

So far as the future is concerned, we will continue to  
be dedicated to creating sustainable increases in cash 
flow that results in continued distribution growth to our 
unitholders. We will demonstrate that dedication through 
continued focus on the long-term. As a result, our  
production growth will be commensurate with a sound 
economy, the growth of our customers, as well as the 
addition of new customers. With our attractive position in 
scrubber-quality coal and our identified development 
projects at River View, Gibson South, Tunnel Ridge and 
Penn Ridge, we believe we are in a position to continue 
to growth internally at a sustainable pace.

External growth through acquisition opportunities is 
another option as we look to the future. Alliance  
Resource Partners has the balance sheet, financial 
resources, cash flow and an experienced management 
team with the potential to grow by acquisitions should 
the right opportunities be found. 

Joseph W. craft iii
President and Chief Executive Officer
April 20, 2007

reconciliation of gaap “cash Flows provided by Operating activities” to non-gaap “EBiTDa” and 
reconciliation of non-gaap “EBiTDa” to gaap “net income” (in thousands).

EBITDA is defined as income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change, minority interest, interest income, interest 
expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization.  EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management 
and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess:

n 

n 

the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;

the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and support our indebtedness;

n  our operating performance and return on investment as compared to those of other companies in the coal energy sector, without  

regard to financing or capital structures; and

n 

the viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.

EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operating activities or 
any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  EBITDA is not 
intended to represent cash flow and does not represent the measure of cash available for distribution.  Our method of computing 
EBITDA may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies, or EBITDA may be computed 
differently by us in different contexts (i.e. public reporting versus computation under financing agreements).

The following table presents a reconciliation of (a) GAAP “Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities” to a non-GAAP EBITDA and 
(b) non-GAAP EBITDA to GAAP net income (in thousands):

Cash flows provided by operating activities
Long-term incentive plan
Reclamation and mine closing
Coal inventory adjustment to market
Net gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Loss on retirement of damaged vertical belt equipment
Other
Net effect of working capital changes
Interest expense, net
Income taxes

EBITDA
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Interest expense, net
Income taxes
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Minority interest

yEar EnDED DEcEMBEr 31,

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

 $  250,923
(4,112)
(2,101)
(319)
1,188

 -

(1,119)
(5,317)
9,175
2,443

  250,761
(66,489)
(9,175)
(2,443)
112
161

 $  193,618
(8,193)
(1,918)
(573)
(179)
(1,298)
(580)
34,770
11,816
2,682

   230,145
(55,637)
(11,816)
(2,682)

 -
 -

 $  145,055
(20,320)
(1,622)
(488)
332

 -

(587)
7,915
14,963
2,641

147,889
(53,664)
(14,963)
(2,641)

 -
 -

 $  110,312
(7,687)
(1,341)
(687)
885

 -

(532)
(553)
15,981
2,577

  118,955
(52,495)
(15,981)
(2,577)

 -
 -

 $  101,306
(2,338)
(1,365)
(48)
41

 -

973
(11,376)
16,360
(1,094)

  102,459
(52,408)
(16,360)
1,094

 -
 -

Net income

 $  172,927

 $  160,010

  $  76,621

  $  47,902

  $  34,785

15

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reconciliation of gaap “net income per Limited partner unit” reflecting the impact of EiTF 03-6 to non-gaap 
“adjusted net income per Limited partner unit”

Net income per limited partner unit as dictated by Emerging 
Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-6, Participating 
Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement 
No. 128, is theoretical and pro forma in nature and does not 
reflect the economic probabilities of whether earnings for an 
accounting period would or could be distributed to unitholders. 
The Partnership Agreement does not provide for the distribution 
of net income, rather, it provides for the distribution of available 
cash, which is a contractually defined term that generally means 
all cash on hand at the end of each quarter after establishment 
of sufficient cash reserves required to operate the Partnership 
in a prudent manner. Accordingly, the distributions we have 
paid historically and will pay in future periods are not impacted 
by net income per limited partner unit as dictated by EITF 03-6.

In addition to net income per limited partner unit as calculated  
in accordance with EITF 03-6, we intend to continue to present 
“adjusted net income per limited partner unit,” as reflected in  
the table below. “Adjusted net income per limited partner unit,” 
as presented in the table below, is defined as net income  
after deducting the amount allocated to the general partners’ 
interests, including the managing general partner’s incentive 
distribution rights, divided by the weighted average number  
of outstanding limited partner units during the period. 

As part of this calculation, in accordance with the cash  
distribution requirements contained in the Partnership Agree-
ment, Partnership net income is first allocated to the managing 
general partner based on the amount of incentive distributions 
attributable to the period. The remainder is then allocated 
between the limited partners and the general partners based on 
their respective percentage ownership in the Partnership. 
Adjusted net income per limited partner unit is used as a 
supplemental financial measure by our management and by 
external users of our financial statements such as investors, 
commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess:

n  the actual operation of our Partnership Agreement with  
respect to the rights of the general and limited partners 

  participation in distributions, 

n  the financial performance of our assets without regard to 
     financing methods or capital structure; and our operating 
     performance and return on investment as compared to 
     those of other companies in the coal energy sector, without 
     regard to financing or capital structures.

Our method of computing adjusted net income per 
limited partner unit may not be the same method used to 
compute similar measures reported by other companies and 
may be computed differently by us in different contexts.

yEar EnDED
DEcEMBEr 31,

2006 

2005

$  3.06 
$  3.03 

$  2.89
$  2.84

$  1.01 
$  1.00 

$  1.18
$  1.15

$  4.07 
$  4.03 

$  4.07
$  3.99

Net income per  
Limited Partner Unit -
Basic
Diluted

Dilutive impact of theoretical  
distribution of earnings  
pursuant to EITF 03-6 -
Basic
Diluted

Adjusted Net Income  
Per Limited Partner Unit -
Basic
Diluted

16

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2006 

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 400, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74119 

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND ZIP CODE) 

(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE) 

(918) 295-7600 

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

Title of Each Class 
Common Units 

Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered 
NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC 

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

_______________ 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. [X] Yes  [   ] No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

[   ] Yes    [X] No 

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. [X] Yes   [   ] 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. [  ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition 

of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (check one)  

Large Accelerated Filer [X] 

Accelerated Filer [   ] 

Non-Accelerated Filer [   ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   [   ] Yes   [X] No 

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  $736,276,929  as  of  June  30,  2006,  the  last 
business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the reported closing price of the common units as 
reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC on such date. 

As of February 28, 2007, 36,550,659 common units were outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Page 

Item 1. 

Business 

.................................................................................................................................... 

  1 

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors ................................................................................................................................... 

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments .......................................................................................................... 

Item 2. 

Item 3. 

Properties 

.................................................................................................................................... 

Legal Proceedings.......................................................................................................................... 

Item 4. 

Submission Of Matters To A Vote Of Securities Holders ............................................................. 

PART II 

Item 5. 

Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer  
Purchases Of Equity Securities ...................................................................................................... 

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data.................................................................................................................. 

Item 7. 

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations..... 

Item 7A. 

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ...................................................... 

Item 8. 

Financial Statements And Supplementary Data............................................................................. 

Item 9. 

Changes In And Disagreements With Accountant On Accounting And Financial Disclosure...... 

Item 9A. 

Controls And Procedures  .............................................................................................................. 

Item 9B. 

Other Information .......................................................................................................................... 

  16 

  31 

  31 

  33 

  34 

  35 

  36 

  38 

  58 

  59 

  91 

  91 

  94 

PART III 

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers And Corporate Governance Of The Managing General Partner .... 

  95 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation................................................................................................................ 

  100 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management,  
And Related Unitholder Matters .................................................................................................... 

  118 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships And Related Transactions And Director Independence.............................. 

  120 

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees And Services  ...................................................................................... 

  123 

Item 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ....................................................................................... 

  124 

PART IV 

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the 
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided 
by those sections.  These statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently 
available  to,  us.    When  used  in  this  document,  the  words  "anticipate,"  "believe,"  "continue,"  "estimate,"  "expect," 
"forecast," "may," "project," "will," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  Without limiting the 
foregoing,  all  statements  relating  to  our  future  outlook,  anticipated  capital  expenditures,  future  cash  flows  and 
borrowings  and  sources  of  funding  are  forward-looking  statements.  These  statements  reflect  our  current  views  with 
respect to future events and are subject to numerous assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but are open to a wide 
range  of  uncertainties  and  business  risks,  and  actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  those  discussed  in  these 
statements.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are:   

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• 

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• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
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• 
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• 

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• 
• 
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• 

• 

• 

increased competition in coal markets and our ability to respond to the competition; 
fluctuation in coal prices, which could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows; 
risks associated with the expansion of our operations and properties; 
deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the domestic coal industry, 
electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; 
dependence  on  significant  customer  contracts,  including  renewing  customer  contracts  upon  expiration  of 
existing contracts; 
customer bankruptcies and/or cancellations or breaches to existing contracts; 
customer delays or defaults in making payments; 
fluctuations  in  coal  demand,  prices  and  availability  due  to  labor  and  transportation  costs  and  disruptions, 
equipment availability, governmental regulations and other factors; 
our productivity levels and margins that we earn on our coal sales;  
greater than expected increases in raw material costs; 
greater than expected shortage of skilled labor; 
any  unanticipated  increases  in  labor  costs,  adverse  changes  in  work  rules,  or  unexpected  cash  payments 
associated with post-mine reclamation and workers’ compensation claims; 
any unanticipated increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; 
greater than expected environmental regulation, costs and liabilities; 
a variety of operational, geologic, permitting, labor and weather-related factors; 
risks associated with major mine-related accidents, such as mine fires, or interruptions; 
results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; 
difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung 
benefits; 
coal market's share of electricity generation; 
prices of fuel that compete with or impact coal usage, such as oil or natural gas; 
legislation, regulatory and court decisions; 
the impact from provisions of The Energy Policy Act of 2005; 
replacement of coal reserves; 
a  loss  or  reduction  of  the  direct  or  indirect  benefit  from  certain  state  and  federal  tax  credits,  including  non-
conventional source fuel tax credits;  
difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation (excluding any 
applicable deductible) in the commercial insurance property program; and 
other factors, including those discussed in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" and Item 3. "Legal Proceedings." 

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, 
our  actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  those  described  in  any  forward-looking  statement.    When  considering 
forward-looking statements, you should also keep in mind the risk factors described in "Risk Factors" below.  The risk 
factors  could  also  cause our actual  results  to differ  materially  from  those  contained  in  any  forward-looking  statement.  
We  disclaim  any  obligation  to  update  the  above  list  or  to  announce  publicly  the  result  of  any  revisions  to  any  of  the 
forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments. 

ii

  
 
 
 
 
 
You should consider the information above when reading any forward-looking statements contained: 

in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; 
other reports filed by us with the SEC; 
our press releases; and 

• 
• 
• 
•  written or oral statements made by us or any of our officers or other authorized persons acting on our behalf. 

iii

  
 
 
Significant Relationships Referenced in this Annual Report 

•  References  to  "we,"  "us,"  "our"  or  "ARLP  Partnership"  are  intended  to  mean  the  business  and  operations  of 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the parent company, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries.  

•  References to "ARLP" are intended to mean and include Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., individually as the 

parent company, and not on a consolidated basis. 

•  References  to  "MGP"  mean  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  the  managing  general  partner  of 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our managing general partner. 

•  References  to  "SGP"  mean  Alliance  Resource  GP,  LLC,  the  special  general  partner  of  Alliance  Resource 

Partners, L.P., also referred to as our special general partner. 

•  References  to  "Intermediate  Partnership"  mean  Alliance  Resource  Operating  Partners,  L.P.,  the  intermediate 

partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our intermediate partnership. 

•  References to "Alliance Coal" mean Alliance Coal, LLC, the holding company for the operations of Alliance 

Resource Operating Partners, L.P., also referred to as our operating subsidiary. 

•  References  to  "AHGP"  mean  Alliance  Holdings  GP,  L.P.,  individually  as  the  parent  company,  and  not  on  a 

consolidated basis. 

PART I 

ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS  

General  

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 what 
we  believe  to  be  the  fourth  largest  coal  producer  in  the  eastern  United  States.    At  December  31,  2006,  we  had 
approximately 633.9 million tons of reserves in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  
In 2006, we produced 23.7 million tons of coal and sold 24.4 million tons of coal of which 30.0% was low-sulfur coal, 
13.9%  was  medium-sulfur  coal  and  56.1%  was  high-sulfur  coal.    In  2006,  approximately  96.1%  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 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%. 

At  December  31,  2006,  we  operated  eight  mining  complexes  in  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Maryland,  and  West 
Virginia.    Three  of  our  mining  complexes  supplied  coal  feedstock  and  provided  services  to  third-party  coal  synfuel 
facilities located at or near these complexes.  We also operated a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mt. Vernon, 
Indiana. Our mining activities are conducted in three geographic regions commonly referred to in the coal industry as the 
Illinois Basin, Central Appalachian and Northern Appalachian regions.  We have grown historically, and expect to grow 
in the future, through expansion of our operations by adding and developing mines and coal reserves in existing, adjacent 
or neighboring properties.  

ARLP  is  a  Delaware  limited  partnership  listed  on  the  NASDAQ  Global  Select  Market  under  the  ticker  symbol 
"ARLP."  ARLP was formed in May 1999 to acquire, upon completion of ARLP's initial public offering on August 19, 
1999, 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.    ARH  was  previously  owned  by  current  and  former  management  of  the  ARLP  Partnership.    In  June 
2006, our special general partner, SGP, and its parent, ARH, became wholly-owned, directly and indirectly, by Joseph 
W. Craft, III, our President and Chief Executive Officer. 

We  are  managed  by  our  managing  general  partner,  MGP,  a  Delaware  limited  liability  company,  which  holds  a 
0.99% and 1.0001% managing general partner interest in ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership, respectively.  AHGP is 
a Delaware limited partnership that was formed to own and become the controlling member of MGP.  AHGP completed 
its initial public offering (AHGP IPO) on May 15, 2006 and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the 
ticker  symbol  "AHGP."    Upon  the  closing  of  the  AHGP  IPO,  AHGP  owned,  directly  and  indirectly,  100%  of  the 
members’ interest of MGP, a 0.001% managing interest in Alliance Coal, the incentive distribution rights in ARLP and 
15,550,628 common units of ARLP.  In November 2006, AHGP contributed 6,459 common units of ARLP to MGP and 
MGP contributed these ARLP units to us in exchange for a general partner interest in our Intermediate Partnership.  The 

1

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
unit  contribution  by  MGP  was  necessary  for  it  to  maintain  its  1.0001%  general  partner  interest  in  the  Intermediate 
Partnership. 

Our internet address is www.arlp.com, and we make available on our internet website our Annual Reports on Form 
10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Forms 3, 4 and 5 for our Section 16 
filers (and amendments and exhibits, such as press releases, to such filings) as soon as reasonably practicable after we 
electronically file with or furnish such material to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Our "Code of Ethics" for 
our chief executive officer and our senior financial officers is also posted on our website. 

Recent Developments 

New Mine Safety Laws and Regulations.  In 2006, the U.S. Congress, as well as several state legislatures (including 
those  in  West  Virginia,  Illinois  and  Kentucky),  passed  new  legislation  addressing  mine  safety  practices  and  imposing 
stringent new mine safety and accident reporting requirements and increasing civil and criminal penalties for violations 
of mine safety laws.  In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which monitors compliance with 
federal laws, published a final rule addressing mine safety equipment, training, and emergency reporting requirements.  
Although we are unable to quantify the impact, implementing and complying with these new laws and regulations have 
and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the results of our operations and financial position.  Please 
read "—Mine Health and Safety Laws." 

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 required by our customers. The following chart summarizes our coal production by region 
for the last five years. 

Regions and Complexes 

2006 

2005 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 
(tons in millions) 

2003 

Illinois Basin: 

Dotiki, Warrior, Pattiki, Hopkins and Gibson 
complexes 

Central Appalachian: 

Pontiki and MC Mining complexes 

Northern Appalachian: 
Mettiki complex 
Total 

Illinois Basin Operations  

16.9 

3.5 

3.3 
23.7 

15.7 

3.3 

3.3 
22.3 

13.6 

3.6 

3.2 
20.4 

12.3 

3.6 

3.3 
19.2 

2002 

12.1 

3.0 

2.9 
18.0 

Our Illinois Basin mining operations are located in western Kentucky, southern Illinois and southern Indiana. We 
have approximately 1,600 employees in the Illinois Basin and currently operate five mining complexes.  Additionally, 
we host a coal synfuel facility at two of our mining complexes. 

Dotiki Complex. Our subsidiary, Webster County Coal, LLC (Webster County Coal), operates Dotiki, which is an 
underground  mining  complex  located  near  the  city  of  Providence  in  Webster  County,  Kentucky.  The  complex  was 
opened in 1966, and we purchased the mine in 1971. The Dotiki complex utilizes continuous mining units employing 
room-and-pillar mining techniques to produce high-sulfur coal.  In 2004, the preparation plant throughput capacity was 
increased to 1,300 tons of raw coal an hour.  Capacity was increased principally to accommodate a change in customer 
requirements for washed coal rather than raw coal. 

Coal from the Dotiki complex is shipped via the CSX and PAL railroads and by truck on U.S. and state highways. 
Our primary customers for coal produced at Dotiki are Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), Seminole 
Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Seminole), and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the latter two of which purchase our coal 
pursuant to long-term contracts for use in their scrubbed generating units.  

2

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrior  Complex.    Our  subsidiary,  Warrior  Coal,  LLC  (Warrior),  operates  the  Cardinal  mine,  an  underground 
mining  complex  located  near  Madisonville  in  Hopkins  County,  Kentucky,  adjacent  to  our  other  western  Kentucky 
operations.  The Warrior complex was opened in 1985 and acquired by us in February 2003.  Warrior utilizes continuous 
mining units employing room-and-pillar mining techniques to produce high-sulfur coal.  Warrior’s preparation plant has 
a throughput capacity of 600 tons of raw coal an hour.   

Warrior  sells  substantially  all  of  its  production  to  Synfuel  Solutions  Operating,  LLC  (SSO)  for  feedstock  in  the 
production  of  coal  synfuel,  as  discussed  below.    SSO’s  coal  synfuel  production  facility  was  moved  from  our  mining 
complex  operated  by  our  subsidiary,  Hopkins  County  Coal,  LLC  (Hopkins  County  Coal)  to  our  Warrior  complex  in 
April  2003.    Warrior’s  production  can  be  shipped  via  the  CSX  and  PAL  railroads  and  by  truck  on  U.S.  and  state 
highways.  Additionally, Warrior purchased supplemental production from a third-party supplier for resale to SSO and 
expects to continue purchasing tons from the third-party supplier through June 2007.  SSO continues to ship coal synfuel 
to  electric  utilities  that  have  been  purchasers  of  our  coal.    We  maintain  "back-up"  coal  supply  agreements  with  these 
long-term customers for our coal, which automatically provide for the sale of our coal to them in the event they do not 
purchase coal synfuel from SSO. 

We have entered into long-term agreements with SSO to host and operate its coal synfuel facility currently located 
at  Warrior,  supply  the  facility  with  coal  feedstock,  assist  SSO  with  the  marketing  of  coal  synfuel  and  provide  other 
services.    These  agreements,  which  expire  on  December  31,  2007,  provide  us  with  coal  sales,  rental  and  service  fees 
from  SSO  based  on  the  synfuel  facility  throughput  tonnages.  These  amounts  are  dependent  on  the  ability  of  SSO’s 
members  to  use  certain  qualifying  tax  credits  applicable  to  the  facility.  As  discussed  above,  we  sell  most  of  the  coal 
produced at Warrior to SSO, while Alliance Coal Sales, a division of Alliance Coal, assists SSO with the sale of its coal 
synfuel  to  our  customers  pursuant  to  a  sales  agency  agreement.  Certain  of  these  services  are  performed  by  Alliance 
Service, Inc. (Alliance Service), a wholly-owed subsidiary of Alliance Coal.  Alliance Service is subject to federal and 
state income taxes.  

On April 23, 2006, SSO temporarily suspended operation of the synfuel facility due to the increase in the wellhead 
price  of  domestic  crude  oil.    SSO  resumed  operation  of  the  synfuel  facility  May  11,  2006.    SSO  again  temporarily 
suspended operation of the synfuel facility due to the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil, effective after 
production  on  July  31,  2006,  after  which  SSO  resumed  production  on  September  5,  2006.    During  the  suspension 
periods, we sold coal directly to SSO’s synfuel customers under the "back up" coal-supply agreements referred to above.  
SSO has advised us that the continued operation of the synfuel facility is dependant upon the future price of crude oil.  
Non-conventional source fuel tax credits are subject to a pro-rata phase-out or reduction if the annual average wellhead 
price per barrel for all domestic crude oil as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury exceeds certain levels.   

For  2006,  the  incremental  annual  net  income  benefit  from  the  combination  of  the  various  coal  synfuel-related 
agreements associated with the facility located at Warrior was approximately $21.6 million, assuming that coal pricing 
would not have increased without the availability of synfuel.  The term of each of these agreements is subject to early 
cancellation  pursuant  to  provisions  customary  for  transactions  of  these  types,  including  provisions  permitting 
cancellation due to the unavailability of synfuel tax credits, the termination of associated coal synfuel sales contracts, and 
the occurrence of certain force majeure events.  Therefore, the continuation of the revenues and incremental net income 
benefit associated with the coal synfuel production facility cannot be assured.  Pursuant to our agreement with SSO, we 
are not obligated to make retroactive adjustments or reimbursements if SSO’s tax credits are disallowed. 

Pattiki Complex. Our subsidiary, White County Coal, LLC (White County Coal), operates Pattiki, an underground 
mining complex located near the city of Carmi in White County, Illinois. We began construction of the complex in 1980 
and have operated it since its inception. Our Pattiki complex utilizes continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar 
mining techniques to produce high-sulfur coal.  The preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 1,000 tons of raw coal 
an hour.  

Coal  from  the  Pattiki  complex  is  shipped  via  the  Evansville  Western  and  CSX  railroads.    Two  of  our  primary 
customers  for  coal  produced  at  Pattiki  have  been  NIPSCO  and  Seminole  for  use  in  their  scrubbed  generating  units.  
Pattiki production is also shipped via rail to our Mt. Vernon transloading facility for sale to utilities capable of receiving 
barge deliveries.  In 2007, Pattiki expects to ship a significant portion of its production to Seminole, TVA, Corn Products 
International, Inc., and Tampa Electric Company. 

3

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hopkins Complex.  Hopkins County Coal's mining complex, which we acquired in January 1998, is located near the 
city  of  Madisonville  in  Hopkins  County,  Kentucky.    During  2006,  Hopkins  County  Coal  ceased  production  from  its 
Newcoal  surface  mine,  which  is  being  reclaimed,  and  continued  with  the  development  of  its  Elk  Creek  mine  in  the 
underground reserves leased by Hopkins County Coal in 2005.   

The  Elk  Creek  mine,  an  underground  mining  complex  using  continuous  mining  units  employing  room-and-pillar 
mining techniques to produce high-sulfur coal, emerged from development in the second quarter of 2006 with production 
from  the  operation  of  three  mining  units.    Elk  Creek  has  the  capacity  to  increase  production  by  adding  a  fourth  unit 
should conditions in the marketplace so warrant.  Operating at the three-unit level, we expect annual production to be 
approximately 2.6 million tons. 

We are utilizing both existing and newly constructed coal handling and other surface facilities at Hopkins County 
Coal to process and ship coal produced from the Elk Creek mine.  In conjunction with the development of the Elk Creek 
mine, Hopkins County Coal constructed a new preparation plant with a throughput capacity of 1,200 tons of raw coal an 
hour.  Hopkins County Coal’s Elk Creek production can be shipped via the CSX and PAL railroads and by truck on U.S. 
and state highways.   

Gibson Complex.  Our subsidiary, Gibson County Coal, LLC (Gibson County Coal), operates the Gibson mine, an 
underground mining complex located near the city of Princeton in Gibson County, Indiana. The mine began production 
in November 2000 and utilizes continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar mining techniques to produce low-
sulfur coal.  The preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 700 tons of raw coal an hour.  We refer to the reserves 
mined at this location as the "Gibson North" reserves.  We also control undeveloped reserves in Gibson County that are 
not contiguous to the reserves currently being mined, which we refer to as the "Gibson South" reserves. 

Production from Gibson is a low-sulfur coal that historically has been primarily shipped via truck approximately 10 
miles on U.S. and state highways to Gibson’s principal customer, PSI Energy Inc. (d/b/a Duke Energy Indiana, Inc.), a 
subsidiary  of  Cinergy  Corporation  (d/b/a  Duke  Energy  Corporation).    Gibson’s  production  is  also  trucked  to  our  Mt. 
Vernon  transloading  facility  for  sale  to  utilities  capable  of  receiving  barge  deliveries.    We  are  in  the  process  of 
constructing a new rail loop at Gibson with access to both the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads, which we currently 
anticipate will expand the market for coal produced at Gibson beginning mid-year 2007. 

In January 2005, Gibson County Coal entered into long-term agreements with PC Indiana Synthetic Fuel #2, L.L.C. 
(PCIN) to host its coal synfuel facility, supply the facility with coal feedstock, assist PCIN with the marketing of coal 
synfuel and provide other services.  The synfuel facility commenced operations at Gibson in May 2005.  A significant 
portion of Gibson’s production is sold to PCIN.  The agreements, which will expire on December 31, 2007, provide us 
with coal sales, rental and service fees from PCIN based on the synfuel facility throughput tonnages.  These amounts are 
dependent on the ability of PCIN’s members to use certain qualifying tax credits applicable to the facility.   

On May 11, 2006, PCIN temporarily suspended operation of the synfuel facility due to the increase in the wellhead 
price  of  domestic  crude  oil.    PCIN  resumed  operation  of  the  synfuel  facility  on  September  27,  2006.    During  the 
suspension period, we sold coal directly to PCIN’s synfuel customers under "back up" coal-supply agreements, which 
automatically provide for the sale of our coal to these customers in the event that they do not purchase coal synfuel from 
PCIN.   PCIN has  advised  us  that  the  continued operation  of  the  synfuel  facility  is  dependant upon  the future  price  of 
crude oil. 

For  2006,  the  incremental  annual  net  income  benefit  from  the  combination  of  the  various  coal  synfuel  related 
agreements  associated  with  the  facility  located  at  Gibson  was  approximately  $3.5  million,  assuming  that  coal  pricing 
would not have increased without the availability of synfuel.  The term of each of these agreements is subject to early 
cancellation pursuant to provisions customary for transactions of these types, including the unavailability of synfuel tax 
credits,  the  termination  of  associated  coal  synfuel  sales  contracts,  and  the  occurrence  of  certain  force  majeure  events.  
Therefore, revenues and incremental net income associated with the coal synfuel production facility cannot be assured.  
Pursuant to our agreement with PCIN, we are not obligated to make retroactive adjustments or reimbursements if PCIN’s 
tax credits are disallowed.   

We have partially completed the permitting process for the Gibson South reserves and continue to actively evaluate 
its development.  Capital expenditures required to develop the Gibson South reserves are estimated to be in the range of 
approximately  $100  million  to  $110  million,  excluding  capitalized  interest  and  capitalized  mine  development  costs 
associated with net cost related to incidental production.  For more information about mine development costs, please 

4

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
read  "Mine Development  Costs"  under  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data  – Note  2.  Summary  of 
Significant  Accounting  Policies."    Assuming  sufficient  sales  commitments  are  obtained  and  the  permitting  process 
continues as anticipated, initial production could commence in 2008 to 2010.  When the Gibson South mine reaches full 
production  capacity,  we  expect  annual  production  of  approximately  2.7  million  to  3.1  million  tons.    Definitive 
development commitment for Gibson South is dependent upon final approval by the board of directors of our managing 
general partner (Board of Directors). 

River View.  In April, 2006, we acquired 100% of the membership interest in River View Coal, LLC (River View) 
from ARH.  River View currently controls, through coal leases or direct ownership, approximately 110.0 million tons of 
high-sulfur coal in the Kentucky No. 7, No. 9 and No. 11 coal seams underlying properties located primarily in Union 
County, Kentucky, as well as certain surface properties, facilities and permits.  River View is in the process of updating 
its  existing  permits  and  evaluating  the  timing  and  manner of future development  of  the reserve.    Capital  expenditures 
required  to  develop  the  River  View  reserves  are  estimated  to  be  in  the  range  of  approximately  $130  million  to  $160 
million,  excluding  capitalized  interest  and  capitalized  mine  development  costs  associated  with  net  cost  related  to 
incidental  production.    For  more  information  about  mine  development  costs,  please  read  "Mine  Development  Costs" 
under "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."  
Assuming  sufficient  sales  commitments  are  obtained  and  the  permitting  process  continues  as  anticipated,  initial 
production could commence in 2008 to 2010.  When the River View mine reaches full production capacity, we expect 
annual production of approximately 3.1 million to 4.6 million tons.  Definitive development commitment for River View 
is dependant upon final approval of the Board of Directors. 

Central Appalachian Operations  

Our  Central  Appalachian  mining  operations  are  located  in  eastern  Kentucky.    We  have  approximately  530 

employees in Central Appalachia and operate two mining complexes producing low-sulfur coal.  

Pontiki Complex.  Our subsidiary, Pontiki Coal, LLC (Pontiki), owns an underground mining complex located near 
the city of Inez in Martin County, Kentucky.  We constructed the mine in 1977.  Pontiki owns the mining complex and 
leases the reserves, and Excel Mining, LLC (Excel), an affiliate of Pontiki, conducts all mining operations.  Our Pontiki 
operation utilizes continuous mining units employing room-and-pillar mining techniques to produce low-sulfur coal. The 
preparation  plant  has  a  throughput  capacity  of  900  tons  of  raw  coal  an  hour.    In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2005,  Pontiki 
migrated some of its mining units from the Pond Creek seam into the Van Lear seam, and full production in the Van 
Lear seam was reached in the second quarter of 2006.  As a result, production at Pontiki is now roughly 50% Pond Creek 
seam coal and 50% Van Lear seam coal.  Coal produced in 2006 remained low sulfur, but because of changes in geology 
and production from the Van Lear seam, it no longer met the compliance requirements of Phase II of the Federal Clean 
Air Act (CAA) (see "Regulation and Laws—Air Emissions" below).  Coal produced from the mine is shipped in large 
part  to  electric  utilities  located  in  the  southeastern  United  States  and  also  to  industrial  or  stoker  users  throughout  the 
eastern United States via the Norfolk Southern railroad or by truck via U.S. and state highways to various docks on the 
Big Sandy River in Kentucky.   

MC  Mining  Complex.    Our  subsidiary,  MC  Mining,  LLC  (MC  Mining),  owns  an  underground  mining  complex 
located  near  the  city  of  Pikeville  in  Pike  County,  Kentucky.    We  acquired  the  mine  in  1989.    MC  Mining  owns  the 
mining  complex  and  leases  the  reserves,  and  Excel,  an  affiliate  of  MC  Mining,  conducts  all  mining  operations.    The 
operation  utilizes  continuous  mining  units  employing  room-and-pillar  mining  techniques  to  produce  low-sulfur  coal.  
The preparation plant has a throughput capacity of 1,000 tons of raw coal an hour.  Substantially all of the coal produced 
at MC Mining in 2006 met or exceeded the compliance requirements of Phase II of the CAA.  Production from the mine 
is shipped via the CSX railroad or by truck via U.S. and state highways to various docks on the Big Sandy River.  MC 
Mining sells its low-sulfur production primarily under short-term contracts and into the spot market. 

On  December  26,  2004,  MC  Mining  was  temporarily  idled  as  a  result  of  a  mine  fire.    The  fire  was  successfully 
extinguished and the affected area of the mine was completely isolated behind permanent barriers.  Production resumed 
on February 21, 2005.  For more information on the MC Mining mine fire, please see "Item 7. Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." 

5

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Northern Appalachian Operations  

Our Northern Appalachian mining operations are located in Maryland and West Virginia. We have approximately 
240 employees and operate one mining complex in Northern Appalachia.  We also control undeveloped reserves in West 
Virginia and Pennsylvania.  

Mettiki (MD) Operation.  For the past 29 years, our subsidiary, Mettiki Coal, LLC (Mettiki (MD)), has operated an 
underground  longwall  mine  located  near  the  city  of  Oakland  in  Garrett  County,  Maryland.    Underground  longwall 
mining operations ceased at this mine in October of 2006 upon the exhaustion of the economically mineable reserves, 
and  the  longwall  mining  equipment  was  moved  from  the  Mettiki  (MD)  operation  to  the  operation  of  our  subsidiary, 
Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC (Mettiki (WV)) (discussed below).  Medium-sulfur coal produced from two small-scale third-
party mining operations (a surface strip mine and an underground mine in the Bakerstown seam) on properties controlled 
by Mettiki (MD) and another of our subsidiaries, Backbone Mountain, LLC, will continue to be processed at the Mettiki 
complex and will supplement the Mettiki (WV) production, providing blending optimization and allowing the operation 
to take advantage of market opportunities as they arise. 

Our  Mettiki  (MD)  preparation  plant,  which  has  a  throughput  capacity  of  1,350  tons  of  raw  coal  an  hour,  will 
continue  coal  processing  activities.    A  portion  of  the  Mettiki  (WV)  production  will  be  transported  to  this  preparation 
plant  for  processing,  and  then  trucked  to  a  newly  constructed  blending  facility  at  the  Virginia  Electric  and  Power 
Company (VEPCO) Mt. Storm Power Station.  The preparation plant also is served by the CSX railroad, providing the 
opportunity to capitalize on the metallurgical coal market.    

On June 15, 2006, Mettiki (MD) was issued a Notice of Violation by the Maryland Department of the Environment 
(MDE)  for  alleged  exceedances  of  permitted  sulfur  dioxide  emissions.    These  alleged  exceedances  occurred  between 
May 23, 2006 and June 12, 2006 at the Mettiki (MD) Thermal Coal Dryer associated with our longwall mining operation 
located  in  Garrett  County,  Maryland.    This  self-reported  violation  was  promptly  corrected  and  Mettiki  (MD) 
demonstrated  its  compliance  to  the  satisfaction  of  MDE.    Under  applicable  Maryland  law,  civil  penalties  of  up  to 
$25,000 per day of violation may be assessed.  Mettiki (MD) is currently in negotiations with MDE to resolve this matter 
and,  while  the  final  penalty  amount  may  exceed  $100,000,  we  do  not  expect  the  final  assessment  to  have  a  material 
impact on our operations or financial condition.   

Mettiki (WV) Operation.  In July 2005, Mettiki (WV) began continuous miner development in the Mountain View 
mine located in Tucker County, West Virginia.  Upon completion of mining at the Mettiki (MD) longwall operation, the 
longwall  mining  equipment  was  moved  to  the  Mountain  View  mine  and  put  into  operation  in  November  2006.  
Production from the Mountain View mine will be transported by truck either to the Mettiki (MD) preparation plant or to 
the coal blending facility at the VEPCO Mt. Storm Power Station.   

Historically, our primary customer for the medium-sulfur coal produced at Mettiki (MD) has been VEPCO, which 
purchased  the  coal  pursuant  to  a  long-term  contract  for  use  in  the  scrubbed  generating  units  at  its  Mt.  Storm  Power 
Station  in  West  Virginia.    A  seven-year  agreement  to  supply  coal  to  the  VEPCO  Mt.  Storm  Power  Station  from  the 
Mountain View mine was negotiated and finalized in June 2005.  The agreement also serves as a "back up" coal-supply 
agreement with VEPCO for the sale of our coal in the event that VEPCO does not purchase coal synfuel from Mt. Storm 
Coal Supply, LLC (Mt. Storm Coal Supply).     

Production from the Mountain View mine is primarily supplied to Mt. Storm Coal Supply for its synfuel facility, 
which is located at the Mt. Storm Power Station, pursuant to an agreement between Alliance Coal and Mt. Storm Coal 
Supply.  This agreement will terminate at the end of 2007 in conjunction with the termination of the synfuel tax credit 
program, and, until that time, its continuation cannot be assured because the agreement is subject to early cancellation 
pursuant  to  provisions  customary  for  transactions  of  this  type,  including  the  unavailability  of  synfuel  tax  credits,  the 
termination of associated coal synfuel sales contracts, and the occurrence of certain force majeure events.  Pursuant to 
our agreement with Mt. Storm Coal Supply, we are not obligated to make retroactive adjustments or reimbursements to 
the extent Mt. Storm Coal Supply’s tax credits are disallowed.  For 2006, the incremental annual net income benefit from 
this agreement was approximately $1.3 million. 

On July 18, 2006, Mt. Storm Coal Supply temporarily suspended operation of the synfuel facility due to the increase 
in  the wellhead price of domestic  crude oil.    Mt.  Storm  Coal  Supply  resumed  full operation of  the  synfuel  facility  on 
October  9,  2006.    During  the  suspension  period,  we  sold  coal  directly  to  VEPCO  under  the  "back  up"  coal-supply 
agreement referred to above. 

6

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Penn Ridge Coal.  In December of 2005, our subsidiary, Penn Ridge Coal, LLC (Penn Ridge), entered into a coal 
lease and sales agreement with affiliates of Allegheny Energy, Inc. (Allegheny), to pursue development of Allegheny’s 
Buffalo  coal  reserve  in  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania.    The  Buffalo  coal  reserve  lease  is  estimated  to  include 
approximately 55 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 seam.  We have initiated the permitting process 
for the Buffalo Coal reserves and are actively evaluating its development.  Capital expenditures required to develop the 
Penn  Ridge  reserves  are  estimated  to  be  in  the  range  of  approximately  $165  million  to  $175  million,  excluding 
capitalized interest and capitalized mine development costs associated with net cost related to incidental production.  For 
more  information  about  mine  development  costs,  please  read  "Mine  Development  Cost"  under  "Item  8.  Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."  Assuming sufficient sales 
commitments  are  obtained  and  the  permitting  process  continues  as  anticipated,  initial  production  could  commence  in 
2009 to 2011.  When the Penn Ridge mine reaches full production capacity, we expect annual production of up to 5.0 
million  tons.    Definitive  development  commitment  for  Penn  Ridge  is  dependent  upon  final  approval  of  the  Board  of 
Directors. 

Tunnel Ridge.  Our subsidiary, Tunnel Ridge, LLC (Tunnel Ridge), controls, through a coal lease agreement with 
our special general partner, approximately 70 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 coal seam in West 
Virginia  and  Pennsylvania.    An  underground  mining  permit  was  issued  by  the  West  Virginia  Department  of 
Environmental Protection on February 12, 2007, and we have submitted applications for all other permits necessary to 
conduct  operations,  which  currently  are  under  review.    Capital  expenditures  required  to  develop  the  Tunnel  Ridge 
reserves are estimated to be in the range of approximately $195 million to $210 million, excluding capitalized interest 
and capitalized mine development costs associated with net cost related to incidental production.  For more information 
about  mine  development  costs,  please  read  "Mine  Development  Cost"  under  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and 
Supplementary Data – Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."  Assuming sufficient sales commitments 
are  obtained  and  the  permitting  process  continues  as  anticipated,  initial  production  could  commence  in  2008  to  2010.  
When the Tunnel Ridge mine reaches full production capacity, we expect annual production of up to 6.0 million tons.  
Definitive development commitment for Tunnel Ridge is dependent upon final approval of the Board of Directors.   

Other Operations  

Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC  

Our subsidiary, Mt. Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC (Mt. Vernon), leases land and operates a coal loading terminal 
on the Ohio River (mile marker 827.5) at Mt. Vernon, Indiana.  Coal is delivered to Mt. Vernon by both rail and truck.  
The terminal has a capacity of 8.0 million tons per year with existing ground storage of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 
tons.  During 2006, the terminal loaded approximately 2.3 million tons for Pattiki and Gibson customers and for third-
party shippers. 

Coal Brokerage 

As markets allow, we buy coal from non-affiliated producers principally throughout the eastern United States, which 
we then resell, both directly and indirectly, primarily to utility customers. We purchased and sold approximately 22,000 
tons of coal from non-affiliated producers in 2006.  We have a policy of matching our outside coal purchases and sales to 
minimize market risks associated with buying and reselling coal.  Purchased coal that is delivered to our operations and 
commingled with our production is not classified as brokerage coal. 

Matrix Design Group, LLC 

Our  subsidiaries,  Matrix  Design  Group,  LLC  and  Alliance  Design  Group,  LLC  (collectively,  MDG),  provide  a 
variety of mine products and services for our mining operations and to unrelated parties.  We acquired this business in 
September,  2006.    MDG's  products  and  services  include  design  and  installation  of  underground  mine  hoists  for 
transporting employees and materials in and out of the mine; design of systems for automating and controlling various 
aspects of industrial and mining environments; and design and sale of mine safety equipment, including its miner and 
equipment tracking system.  We did not receive significant revenue in 2006 from MDG's activities.  

7

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.  Revenues from these services have historically represented 
less  than  one  percent  of  our  total  revenues.    In  the  future,  we  may  also  receive  revenue  from  the  sale  of  limestone 
products by our affiliate, Mid-America Carbonates, LLC (MAC), although presently we do not anticipate the additional 
revenue, if any, being material. 

Reportable Segments  

Please read "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and 
Note  21.    Segment  Information  under  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data—Note  21.  Segment 
Information" for information concerning our reportable segments. 

Coal Marketing and Sales  

As  is  customary  in  the  coal  industry,  we  have  entered  into  long-term  coal  supply  agreements  with  many  of  our 
customers. These arrangements are mutually beneficial to us and our customers in that they provide greater predictability 
of sales volumes and sales prices.  In 2006, approximately 91.7% and 88.8% of our sales tonnage and total coal sales, 
respectively, were sold under long-term contracts (contracts having a term of one year or greater) with maturities ranging 
from  2006  to  2023.    Our  total  nominal  commitment  under  significant  long-term  contracts  for  existing  operations  was 
approximately 104.3 million tons at December 31, 2006, and is expected to be delivered as follows: 22.1 million tons in 
2007, 16.0 million tons in 2008, 13.8 million tons in 2009, 13.8 million tons in 2010, and 38.6 million tons thereafter 
during the remaining terms of the relevant coal supply agreements. 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%. The contractual time commitments for customers to nominate 
future  purchase  volumes  under  these  contracts  are  sufficient  to  allow  us  to  balance  our  sales  commitments  with 
prospective  production  capacity.  In  addition,  the  nominal  total  commitment  can  otherwise  change  because  of  price 
reopener provisions contained in certain of these long-term contracts.  

The  provisions  of  long-term  contracts  are  the  results  of  both  bidding  procedures  and  extensive  negotiations  with 
each customer. As a result, the provisions of these contracts vary significantly in many respects, including, 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  for  renegotiation  of  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  stated  ranges  for  specific  coal  characteristics  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 two largest customers in 2006 were TVA and SSO.  Sales to these customers in the aggregate accounted for 
approximately  29.9%  of  our  2006  total  revenues,  and  sales  to  each  of  these  customers  accounted  for  approximately 
10.0% or more of our 2006 total revenues. 

8

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competition  

The  coal  industry  is  intensely  competitive.    The  most  important  factors  on  which  we  compete  are  coal  quality 
(including sulfur and heat content), transportation costs from the mine to the customer and the reliability of supply.  Our 
principal competitors include Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., Arch Coal, Inc., CONSOL Energy, Inc., Foundation Coal 
Holdings, Inc., International Coal Group, Inc., James River Coal Company, Massey Energy Company, Murray Energy, 
Inc. and Peabody Energy Corp..  Some of these coal producers are larger and have greater financial resources and larger 
reserve bases than we do.  We also compete directly with a number of smaller producers in the Illinois Basin, Central 
Appalachian and Northern Appalachian regions.  As the price of domestic coal increases, we may also begin to compete 
with companies that produce coal from one or more foreign countries, such as Columbia and Venezuela. 

Additionally,  coal  competes  with  other  fuels  such  as  petroleum,  natural  gas,  hydropower  and  nuclear  energy  for 
steam  and  electrical  power  generation.    Over  time,  costs  and  other  factors,  such  as  safety  and  environmental 
consideration, relating to these alternative fuels may affect the overall demand for coal as a fuel. 

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 4% to 39% 
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.    Typically,  our  customers  pay  the  transportation  costs  from  the 
contractual F.O.B. point (free-on-board point), which is the standard practice in the industry and is generally from the 
mine  to  the  customer’s  plant.    In  2006,  the  largest  volume  transporter  of  our  coal  shipments,  including  coal  synfuel 
shipped by SSO, was the CSX railroad, which moved approximately 26.8% of our tonnage over its rail system.  

The practices of, and rates set by, the railroad serving 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;  
• 
air quality standards;  
•  water 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;  
storage and handling of explosives; 

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  wetlands protection;  
• 
• 

surface subsidence from underground mining; and 
the effects, if any, that mining has on groundwater quality and availability. 

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. It is possible that new legislation or regulations may be 
adopted, or that existing laws or regulations may be differently interpreted or more stringently enforced, any of which 
could have a significant impact on our mining operations or our customers’ ability to use coal. 

We are committed to conducting mining operations in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and 
regulations.  However,  because  of  the  extensive  and  comprehensive  nature  of  these  regulatory  requirements,  it  is 
extremely  difficult  for  us  or  the  coal  industry  in  general  to  comply  with  all  requirements  at  all  times.    None  of  our 
violations to-date has had a material impact on our operations or financial condition. 

9

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While it is not possible to quantify the costs of compliance with applicable federal and state laws and the associated 
regulations,  those  costs  have  been  and  are  expected  to  continue  to  be  significant.  Compliance  with  these  laws  and 
regulations has substantially increased the cost of coal mining for all domestic coal producers.  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 closings, including the cost of treating mine water discharge, when necessary.  The accruals for 
reclamation and mine closing costs are 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.   

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.  Meeting all requirements imposed by any of these authorities may be costly and 
time  consuming,  and  may  delay  or  prevent  commencement  or  continuation  of  mining  operations  in  certain  locations.  
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.    Future  legislation  and  regulations,  as  well  as  differing 
interpretations  or  more  stringent  enforcement  of  existing  laws  and  regulations,  may  require  substantial  increases  in 
equipment and operating costs, or cause delays, interruptions or terminations of operations, the extent and/or impact of 
any of which cannot be predicted. 

Under some circumstances, substantial fines and penalties, including revocation of mining permits, may be imposed 
under  the  laws  and  regulations  described  above.  Monetary  sanctions  and,  in  severe  circumstances,  criminal  sanctions 
may be imposed for failure to comply with these laws and regulations. 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 that have outstanding environmental violations. Although, like other coal companies, 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.   

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  to  18  months  after  a  completed  application  is  submitted.  Generally,  we  have  not  experienced  material 
difficulties in obtaining mining permits in the areas where our reserves are currently located. However, the permitting 
process  for  certain  mining  operations  has  extended  over  several  years  and  we  cannot  assure  you  that  we  will  not 
experience difficulty or delays in obtaining mining permits in the future.  

Mine Health and Safety Laws  

Stringent  safety  and health standards have been  imposed  by  federal  legislation  since  1969 when  the Federal  Coal 
Mine  Health  and  Safety  Act  of  1969  (CMHSA)  was  adopted.  The  Federal  Mine  Safety  and  Health  Act  of  1977 
(FMSHA),  and  regulations  adopted  pursuant  thereto,  significantly  expanded  the  enforcement  of  health  and  safety 
standards  of  the  CMHSA,  and  imposed  comprehensive  safety  and  health  standards  on  numerous  aspects  of  mining 
operations, including training of mine personnel, mining procedures, blasting, the equipment used in mining operations, 
and  other  matters.  MSHA  monitors  compliance  with  these  federal  laws  and  regulations.  In  addition,  as  part  of  the 
FMSHA,  the  Black  Lung  Benefits  Act  requires  payments  of  benefits  by  all  businesses  that  conduct  current  mining 
operations to coal miners with black lung disease and to some survivors of miners who die 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,  and  this  regulation  has  a 
significant effect on our operating costs.  Our competitors in all of the areas in which we operate are subject to the same 
laws and regulations. 

Recent mining accidents resulting in fatalities in West Virginia and Kentucky have received national attention and 
have  prompted  responses  at  both  the  national  and  state  level,  leading  to  increased  scrutiny  of  current  industry  safety 
practices and procedures at all mining operations.  For example, on March 9, 2006, MSHA published new emergency 

10

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
rules on mine safety, which addressed mine safety equipment, training, and emergency reporting requirements; the rules 
became effective immediately upon their publication in the Federal Register.  Building on MSHA’s regulatory efforts, 
Congress passed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act), which was signed 
into law on June 15, 2006.  The MINER Act significantly amends the FMSHA, requiring improvements in mine safety 
practices, increasing criminal penalties and establishing a maximum civil penalty for non-compliance, and expanding the 
scope  of  federal  oversight,  inspection,  and  enforcement  activities.    Following  the  passage  of  the  MINER  Act,  MSHA 
published a final rule, which, among other things, revised the emergency rules to comport with the requirements of the 
Act.    The  final  rule  became  effective  on  December  8,  2006.    At  the  state  level,  West  Virginia  enacted  legislation  in 
January 2006 imposing stringent new mine safety and accident reporting requirements and increasing civil and criminal 
penalties  for  violations  of  mine  safety  laws.    Other  states,  including  Illinois,  Pennsylvania,  and  Kentucky, have  either 
proposed or passed similar bills and resolutions addressing mine safety practices, and it is possible that additional mine 
safety bills may be passed at some point in the future.  Although we are unable to quantify the impact, implementing and 
complying with these new laws and regulations has and is expected to continue to have an adverse impact on our results 
of operation and financial position.     

Black Lung Benefits Act 

The Federal Black Lung Benefits Act (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 are or will become 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  the  potential  cost  of  compensating  such  miners  using  actuarially  determined 
estimates of the cost of present and future claims. We are also liable under state statutes for black lung claims. 

Revised  BLBA  regulations  took  effect  in  January  2001,  relaxing  the  stringent  award  criteria  established  under 
previous  regulations  and  thus  potentially  allowing  more  new  federal  claims  to  be  awarded  and  allowing  previously 
denied  claimants  to  re-file  under  the  revised  criteria.    These  regulations  may  also  increase  black  lung  related  medical 
costs  by  broadening  the  scope  of  conditions  for  which  medical  costs  are  reimbursable,  and  increase  legal  costs  by 
shifting  more  of  the  burden  of  proof  to  the  employer.    Moreover,  Congress  and  state  legislatures  regularly  consider 
various  items  of  black  lung  legislation  that,  if  enacted,  could  adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition,  and 
results of operation.   

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.    We  generally  self-insure  this  potential  expense  using 
actuarially  determined  estimates  of  the  cost  of  present  and  future  claims.    For  more  information  concerning  our 
requirement  to  maintain  bonds  to  secure  our  workers’  compensation  obligations,  see  the  discussion  of  surety  bonds 
below under "—Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act." 

Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefits Act 

The  Federal  Coal  Industry  Retiree  Health  Benefits  Act  (CIRHBA)  was  enacted  to  fund  health  benefits  for  some 
United  Mine  Workers  of  America  retirees.    CIRHBA  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. 
However, in connection with the sale of the coal assets acquired by ARH in 1996, MAPCO Inc., now a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc., agreed to retain, and be responsible for, all liabilities under CIRHBA. 

11

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act 

The  Federal  Surface  Mining  Control  and  Reclamation  Act  (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.  

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.  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 to certain structures occurring on the surface as a result of mine 
subsidence, a consequence of longwall mining and possibly other mining operations.  We believe we are in compliance 
in all material respects with applicable regulations relating to reclamation.   

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 Abandoned Mine Lands Tax was set 
to expire June 30, 2006; however, on December 20, 2006, President Bush signed into law the "Tax Relief and Health 
Care  Act  of  2006,"  which,  among  other  things,  extended  the  Abandoned  Mine  Reclamation  Fund  provisions  until 
September 30, 2021.  This new law also reduced the tax for surface-mined and underground-mined coal to $0.315 per 
ton and $0.135 per ton, respectively, during fiscal years 2008 through 2012.  In fiscal years 2013 through 2021, the tax 
for  surface-mined  and  underground-mined  coal  will  be  reduced  to  $0.28  per  ton  and  $0.12  per  ton,  respectively.    We 
have accrued the estimated costs of reclamation and mine closing, including the cost of treating mine water discharge 
when necessary.  In addition, states from time to time have increased and may continue to increase their fees and taxes to 
fund reclamation or orphaned mine sites and acid mine drainage (AMD) control on a statewide basis. 

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  that  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 having any permits that have 
been issued since the time of the violations revoked or, in the case of civil penalties and reclamation fees, since the time 
those  amounts  became  due.  We  are  not  aware  of  any  currently  pending  or  asserted  claims  against  us  relating  to  the 
"ownership" or "control" theories discussed above. However, we cannot assure you that such claims will not be asserted 
in the future. 

Federal and state laws require bonds to secure our obligations to reclaim lands used for mining, to pay federal and 
state  workers’  compensation,  to  pay  certain  black  lung  claims,  and  to  satisfy  other  miscellaneous  obligations.    These 
bonds are typically renewable on a yearly basis.  It has become increasingly difficult for us and for our competitors to 
secure new surety bonds without the posting of partial collateral.  In addition, surety bond costs have increased while the 
market terms of surety bonds have generally become less favorable to us.  It is possible that surety bonds issuers may 
refuse to renew bonds or may demand additional collateral upon those renewals.  Our failure to maintain, or inability to 
acquire, surety bonds that are required by state and federal laws would have a material adverse effect on us. 

Air Emissions 

The  CAA  and  similar  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations  that  regulate  emissions  into  the  air,  affect  coal  mining 
operations. The CAA directly impacts our coal mining and processing operations by imposing permitting requirements 
and,  in  some  cases,  requirements  to  install  certain  emissions  control  equipment,  on  sources  that  emit  various  air 
pollutants. The CAA also indirectly affects coal mining operations by extensively regulating the air emissions of coal-
fired electric power generating plants. There have been a series of federal rulemakings focused on emissions from coal-
fired  electric  generating  facilities.  Installation  of  additional  emissions  control  technology  and  any  additional  measures 
required  under  the  U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency  (EPA)  laws  and  regulations  will  make  it  more  costly  to 
operate coal-fired power plants and, depending on the requirements of the implementation plan of the state in which each 
plant  is  located,  could  make  coal  a  less  attractive  fuel  alternative  in  the  planning  and  building  of  power  plants  in  the 
future. Any reduction in coal’s share of power generating capacity could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.  

12

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The EPA’s Acid Rain Program, provided in Title IV of the CAA, regulates emissions of sulfur dioxide from electric 
generating  facilities.  Sulfur  dioxide  is  a  by-product  of  coal  combustion.  Affected  facilities  purchase  or  are  otherwise 
allocated  sulfur  dioxide  emissions  allowances,  which  must  be  surrendered  annually  in  an  amount  equal  to  a  facility’s 
sulfur dioxide emissions in that year. Affected facilities may sell or trade excess allowances to other facilities that require 
additional allowances to offset their sulfur dioxide emissions. In addition to purchasing or trading for additional sulfur 
dioxide allowances, affected power facilities can satisfy the requirements of the EPA’s Acid Rain Program by switching 
to lower sulfur fuels, installing pollution control devices such as flue gas desulfurization systems, or "scrubbers," or by 
reducing electricity generating levels.  

The EPA has promulgated rules, referred to as the "Nitrogen Oxide SIP Call," that require coal-fired power plants in 
21 eastern states and Washington D.C. to make substantial reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions in an effort to reduce 
the impacts of ozone transport between states. Additionally, in March 2005, the EPA issued the final Clean Air Interstate 
Rule,  or  CAIR,  which  will  permanently  cap  nitrogen  oxide  and  sulfur  dioxide  emissions  in  28  eastern  states  and 
Washington, D.C. beginning in 2009 and 2010, respectively. CAIR requires these states to achieve the required nitrogen 
oxide  and  sulfur  dioxide  emission  reductions  by  requiring  power  plants  to  either  participate  in  an  EPA-administered 
"cap-and-trade"  program  that  caps  these  emissions  in  two  phases,  or  by  meeting  an  individual  state  emissions  budget 
through  measures  established  by  the  state.    Similarly,  in  March  2005,  the  EPA  finalized  the  Clean  Air  Mercury  Rule 
(CAMR), which establishes a two-part, nationwide cap on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants beginning in 
2010. If fully implemented, CAMR would permit states to develop and manage their own mercury control regulations or 
participate in an interstate cap-and-trade program for mercury emission allowances.  The CAIR and CAMR rules are the 
subject of ongoing litigation.  If CAIR and CAMR survive the pending legal challenges, the additional costs that may be 
associated with the implementation of these new rules at operating coal-fired power generation facilities may render coal 
a less attractive fuel source.    

The EPA has adopted new, more stringent national air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate matter. As a 
result, some states will be required to amend their existing state implementation plans to attain and maintain compliance 
with  the  new  air  quality  standards.  For  example,  in  December  2004,  the  EPA  designated  specific  areas  in  the  United 
States  as  being  in  "non-attainment"  regions  subject  to  new  national  ambient  air  quality  standard  for  fine  particulate 
matter.  In  November  2005,  the  EPA  published  proposed  rules  addressing  how  states  would  implement  plans  to  bring 
applicable  non-attainment  regions  into  compliance  with  the  new  air  quality  standard.  Under  the  EPA’s  proposed 
rulemaking, states would have until April 2008 to submit their implementation plans to the EPA for approval. Because 
coal mining operations and coal-fired electric generating facilities emit particulate matter, our mining operations and our 
customers could be affected when the new standards are implemented by the applicable states.  

In June 2005, the EPA announced final amendments to its regional haze program originally developed in 1999 to 
improve  visibility  in  national  parks  and  wilderness  areas.  As  part  of  the  new  rules,  affected  states  must  develop 
implementation plans by December 2007 that, among other things, identify facilities that will have to reduce emissions 
and  comply  with  stricter  emission  limitations.  This  program  may  restrict  construction  of  new  coal-fired  power  plants 
where  emissions  are  projected  to  reduce  visibility  in  protected  areas.  In  addition,  this  program  may  require  certain 
existing coal-fired power plants to install emissions control equipment to reduce haze-causing emissions such as sulfur 
dioxide,  nitrogen  oxide,  and  particulate  matter.  Demand  for  our  coal  could  be  affected  when  these  new  standards  are 
implemented by the applicable states.  

The  Department  of  Justice,  on  behalf  of  the  EPA,  has  filed  lawsuits  against  a  number  of  coal-fired  electric 
generating  facilities,  including  some  of  our  customers,  alleging  violations  of  the  new  source  review  provisions  of  the 
CAA. The EPA has alleged that certain modifications have been made to these facilities without first obtaining certain 
permits issued under the new source review program. Several of these lawsuits have settled, but others remain pending. 
Depending on the ultimate resolution of these cases, demand for our coal could be affected.  

Carbon Dioxide Emissions 

The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change calls for developed nations to 
reduce  their  emissions  of greenhouse gases  to 5% below  1990  levels  by  2012.    Carbon  dioxide, which  is  a  major  by-
product of the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels, is subject to the Kyoto Protocol.  The Kyoto Protocol went into 
effect on February 16, 2005, for those nations that ratified the treaty. 

13

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although the United States is not participating in the Kyoto Protocol, the current session of Congress is considering 
climate control legislation, including multiple bills introduced in the Senate that would restrict greenhouse gas emissions.  
Several  states  have  already  adopted  legislation,  regulations  and/or  regulatory  initiatives  to  reduce  emissions  of 
greenhouse  gases.    For  instance,  California  recently  adopted  the  "California  Global  Warming  Solutions  Act  of  2006," 
which requires the California Air Resources Board to achieve a 25% reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from 
sources in California by 2020.  Additionally, on November 29, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case 
appealed from the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District Columbia, Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA, in which the 
appellate  court  held  that  the  EPA  had  discretion  under  the  CAA  to  refuse  to  regulate  carbon  dioxide  emissions  from 
mobile sources.  Passage of climate control legislation by Congress or a Supreme Court reversal of the appellate decision 
could  result  in  federal  regulation  of  carbon  dioxide  emissions  and  other  greenhouse  gases.    Any  federal  or  state 
restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gases that may be imposed in areas of the United States in which we conduct 
business could adversely affect our operations and demand for our services. 

While higher prices for natural gas and oil, and improved efficiencies and new technologies for coal-fired electric 
power generation have helped to increase demand for our coal, it is possible that future federal and state initiatives to 
control  carbon  dioxide  emissions  could  result  in  increased  costs  associated  with  coal  consumption,  such  as  costs  to 
install additional controls to reduce carbon dioxide emissions or costs to purchase emissions reduction credits to comply 
with  future  emissions  trading  programs.    Such  increased  costs  for  coal  consumption  could  result  in  some  customers 
switching to alternative sources of fuel, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
and results of operations. 

Water Discharge 

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and similar state and local laws and regulations affect coal mining operations 
by  imposing  restrictions  on  effluent  discharge  into  waters.  Regular  monitoring,  as  well  as  compliance  with  reporting 
requirements  and  performance  standards,  is  a  precondition  for  the  issuance  and  renewal  of  permits  governing  the 
discharge of pollutants into water. Section 404 of the CWA imposes permitting and mitigation requirements associated 
with the dredging and filling of wetlands and streams. The CWA and equivalent state legislation, where such equivalent 
state  legislation  exists,  affect  coal  mining  operations  that  impact  wetlands  and  streams.  Although  permitting 
requirements have been tightened in recent years, we believe we have obtained all necessary wetlands permits required 
under  CWA  Section 404  as  it  has  traditionally  been  interpreted  by  the  responsible  agencies.  However,  mitigation 
requirements under existing and possible future wetlands permits may vary considerably. For that reason, the setting of 
post-mine reclamation accruals for such mitigation projects is difficult to ascertain with certainty.  At this time, we do 
not  anticipate  any  increase  in  such  requirements  or  in  post-mining  reclamation  accrual  requirements.  Although  more 
stringent permitting requirements may be imposed in the future, we are not able to accurately predict the impact, if any, 
of such permitting requirements.  

Recent  federal  district  court  decisions  in  West  Virginia,  and  related  litigation  filed  in  federal  district  court  in 
Kentucky,  have  created  uncertainty  regarding  the  future  ability  to  obtain  certain  general  permits  authorizing  the 
construction of valley fills for the disposal of overburden from mining operations. A July 2004 decision by the Southern 
District of West Virginia in Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition v. Bulen enjoined the Huntington District of the U.S. 
Army  Corps  of  Engineers  from  issuing  further  permits  pursuant  to  Nationwide  Permit  21,  which  is  a  general  permit 
issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) to streamline the process for obtaining permits under 
Section 404 of the CWA. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision on November 23, 2005, vacating the 
district court decision in Bulen and remanding the case to the lower court for further argument.  In addition, on February 
22, 2006, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition’s request for a rehearing en 
banc.  A similar lawsuit, Kentucky Riverkeeper v. Rowlette, has been filed in federal district court in Kentucky that seeks 
to enjoin the issuance of permits pursuant to Nationwide Permit 21 by the Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers. We do not operate any mines located within the Southern District of West Virginia and currently only utilize 
Nationwide  Permit  21  at  one  location  in  Indiana.    In  the  event  current  or  future  litigation  contesting  the  use  of 
Nationwide  Permit  21  is  successful,  we  may  be  required  to  apply  for  individual  discharge  permits  pursuant  to 
Section 404 of the CWA in areas that would have otherwise utilized Nationwide Permit 21. Such a change could result in 
delays in obtaining required mining permits to conduct operations, which could in turn result in reduced production, cash 
flow, and profitability.  

On  September  22,  2005,  environmental  groups  led  by  the  Ohio  Valley  Environmental  Coalition  filed  suit  in  the 
Federal District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia challenging the Corps of Engineers’ authority to issue 

14

  
 
 
 
 
 
CWA  Section  404  discharge  permits  for  certain  mountaintop  mining  projects.    The  case,  styled  Ohio  Valley 
Environmental Coalition v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, alleges that the Corps of Engineers generally acted 
arbitrarily  and  capriciously  in  issuing  certain  Section  404  permits  to  operators  engaged  in  mountaintop  mining 
operations.    On  February  1,  2006,  the  plaintiffs  moved  to  amend  their  pleadings  to  seek  a  preliminary  injunction  that 
would void the Corps of Engineers’ approval of three particular CWA Section 404 permits issued to operators.  Although 
our  mining  operations  are  not  implicated  in  this  particular  litigation,  it  is  possible  that  similar  litigation  affecting  the 
Corps of Engineers’ ability to issue CWA permits could adversely affect our results of operation and financial position. 

Each state is required to submit to the EPA their biennial CWA Section 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  
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  the  EPA  to  establish 
reasonable TMDLs that will accommodate expansion of our operations. These and other regulatory developments may 
restrict our ability to develop new mines, or could require our customers or us to modify existing operations, the extent 
of which we cannot accurately or reasonably predict.  

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

In  addition  to  establishing  the  underground  injection  control  program,  the  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  affected 
adjacent homeowners. However, it is unlikely that any of our reclamation activities would fall within the definition of a 
"public water system." While we have several drinking water supply sources for our employees and contractors that are 
subject to SDWA regulation, the SDWA is unlikely to have a material impact on our operations.  

Hazardous Substances and Wastes  

The  Federal  Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and  Liability  Act  (CERCLA),  otherwise 
known as the "Superfund" law, and analogous state laws, impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the 
original  conduct  on  certain  classes  of  persons  that  are  considered  to  have  contributed  to  the  release  of  a  "hazardous 
substance" into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the site where the release occurred and 
companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. Persons who are or 
were responsible for the release of hazardous substances may be subject to joint and several liability under CERCLA for 
the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances released into the environment and for damages to natural resources. 
Some  products  used  in  coal  mining  operations  generate  waste  containing  hazardous  substances.  We  are  currently 
unaware of any material liability associated with the release or disposal of hazardous substances from our past or present 
mine sites.  

The Federal Resource Conversation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and corresponding state laws regulating hazardous 
waste  affect  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 by statute exempted from RCRA permitting. RCRA 
also allows the EPA to require corrective action at sites where there is a release of hazardous substances. In addition, 

15

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
each state has its own laws regarding the proper management and disposal of waste material. While these laws impose 
ongoing compliance obligations, such costs are not believed to have a material impact on our operations.  

In 2000, the EPA declined to impose hazardous waste regulatory controls on the disposal of some coal combustion 
by-products  (CCB),  including  the  practice  of  using  CCB  as  mine  fill.  However,  under  pressure  from  environmental 
groups,  the  EPA  has  continued  evaluating  the  possibility  of  placing  additional  solid  waste  burdens  on  the  disposal  of 
such materials.  On March 1, 2006, the National Academy of Sciences released a report commissioned by Congress that 
studied  CCB  mine  filling  practices  and  recommended  federal  regulatory  oversight  of  CCB  mine  filling  under  either 
SMCRA or the non-hazardous waste provisions of RCRA.  It is unclear at this time how federal regulators will view this 
report or whether they will propose federal regulations under either SMCRA or RCRA.  As a result, although we believe 
the beneficial uses of CCB that we employ do not constitute poor environmental practices, it is not currently possible to 
assess how any such regulations would impact our operations.   

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 in which 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 properties are subject 
to federal, state, and local regulation. 

The Federal Safe Explosives Act (SEA) applies to all users of explosives. Knowing or willful violations of SEA may 
result  in  fines,  imprisonment,  or  both.    In  addition,  violations  of  SEA  may  result  in  revocation  of  user  permits  and 
seizure or forfeiture of explosive materials.   

The costs of compliance with these requirements should not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 

condition or results of operations. 

Employees  

To conduct our operations, our managing general partner and its affiliates employ approximately 2,500 employees, 
including  approximately  130  corporate  employees  and  approximately  2,370  employees  involved  in  active  mining 
operations.  Our work-force is entirely union-free.  We believe that relations with our employees are generally good.  

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS  

Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us 

Cash distributions are not guaranteed and may fluctuate with our performance and other external factors. 

The amount of cash we can distribute to holders of our common units or other partnership securities each quarter 
principally depends on the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter 
based on, among other things: 

• 
• 

the amount of coal we are able to produce from our properties; 
the  price  at  which  we  are  able  to  sell  coal,  which  is  affected  by  the  supply  of  and  demand  for  domestic  and 
foreign coal; 
the level of our operating costs; 

• 
•  weather conditions; 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities; 
domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; 
the price and availability of alternative fuels; 
the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures; and 
prevailing economic conditions. 

In addition, the actual amount of cash available for distribution will depend on other factors, including: 

16

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

the level of capital expenditures we make; 
the cost of acquisitions, if any; 
our  debt  service  requirements  and  restrictions  on  distributions  contained  in  our  current  or  future  debt 
agreements; 
fluctuations in our working capital needs; 
our ability to borrow under our credit agreement to make distributions to our unitholders; and 
the amount, if any, of cash reserves established by our managing general partner, in its discretion, for the proper 
conduct of our business. 

Because of these factors, we cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient available cash to pay a specific level of 
cash distributions to our unitholders.  Furthermore, you should be aware that the amount of cash we have available for 
distribution  depends  primarily  upon  our  cash  flow,  including  cash  flow  from  financial  reserves  and  working  capital 
borrowing, and is not solely a function of profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items.  As a result, we may 
make  cash  distributions  during  periods  when  we  record  losses  and  may  be  unable  to  make  cash  distributions  during 
periods  when  we  record  net  income.    Please  read  "—Risks  Related  to  our  Business"  for  a  discussion  of  further  risks 
affecting our ability to generate distributable cash flow. 

We may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests, on terms and conditions established by our managing 
general  partner,  without  the  consent  of  our  unitholders,  which  will  dilute  your  ownership  interest  in  us  and  may 
increase the risk that we will not have sufficient available cash to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level.  

The  issuance  by  us  of  additional  common  units  or  other  equity  securities  of  equal  or  senior  rank  will  have  the 

following effects:  

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

our unitholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; 
the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease; 
the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; 
the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase; and 
the market price of the common units may decline. 

The market price of our common units could be adversely affected by sales of substantial amounts of our common 
units in the public markets, including sales by our existing unitholders.  

As of December 31, 2006, AHGP owned 15,544,169 of our common units.  AHGP also owns our managing general 
partner.  If AHGP were to sell and/or distribute our common units to the holders of its equity interests in the future, those 
holders may dispose of some or all of these units.  The sale or disposition of a substantial number of our common units 
in the public markets could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common units or could impair our ability to 
obtain capital through an offering of equity securities. We do not know whether any such sales would be made in the 
public market or in private placements, nor do we know what impact such potential or actual sales would have on our 
unit price in the future.  

An increase in interest rates may cause the market price of our common units to decline.  

Like all equity investments, an investment in our common units is subject to certain risks. In exchange for accepting 
these risks, investors may expect to receive a higher rate of return than would otherwise be obtainable from lower-risk 
investments. Accordingly, as interest rates rise, the ability of investors to obtain higher risk-adjusted rates of return by 
purchasing  government-backed  debt  securities  may  cause  a  corresponding  decline  in  demand  for  riskier  investments 
generally,  including  yield-based  equity  investments  such  as  publicly  traded  limited  partnership  interests.  Reduced 
demand for our common units resulting from investors seeking other more favorable investment opportunities may cause 
the trading price of our common units to decline. 

The credit and risk profile of our managing general partner and its owners could adversely affect our credit ratings 
and profile. 

The  credit  and  risk  profile  of  our  managing  general  partner  or  owners  of  our  managing  general  partner  may  be 
factors  in  credit  evaluations  of  us  as  a  master  limited  partnership.    This  is  because  our  managing  general  partner  can 
exercise significant influence over our business activities, including our cash distribution policy, acquisition strategy and 

17

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
business risk profile.  Another factor that may be considered is the financial condition of AHGP, including the degree of 
its financial leverage and its dependence on cash flow from us to service its indebtedness.  As of December 31, 2006, 
AHGP had no outstanding debt. 

AHGP is principally dependent on the cash distributions from its general and limited partner equity interests in us to 
service its indebtedness.  Any distribution by us to AHGP will be made only after satisfying our then-current obligations 
to our creditors.  Although we have taken certain steps in our organizational structure, financial reporting and contractual 
relationships to reflect that we are separate from AHGP and entities that control AHGP, our credit ratings and risk profile 
could be adversely affected if the ratings and risk profiles of such entities were viewed as substantially lower or more 
risky than ours. 

Our  unitholders  do  not  elect  our  managing  general  partner  or  vote  on  our  managing  general  partner’s  officers  or 
directors. AHGP owns 42.7% of our units, a sufficient number to block any attempt to remove our general partner.  

Unlike  the  holders  of  common  stock  in  a  corporation,  our  unitholders  have  only  limited  voting  rights  on  matters 
affecting  our  business  and,  therefore,  limited  ability  to  influence  management’s  decisions  regarding  our  business. 
Unitholders did not elect our managing general partner and will have no right to elect our managing general partner on 
an annual or other continuing basis. 

In addition, if our unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our managing general partner, they will have 
little ability to remove our general partner. Our managing general partner may not be removed except upon the vote of 
the  holders  of  at  least  66.7%  of  our  outstanding  units.  As  of  December  31,  2006,  AHGP  and  its  affiliates  held 
approximately 42.7% of our outstanding units.  Consequently, it will be particularly difficult for our managing general 
partner to be removed without the consent of AHGP and its affiliates.  As a result, the price at which our unit's trade may 
be lower because of the absence or reduction of a takeover premium in the trading price. 

Furthermore,  unitholders’  voting  rights  are  further  restricted  by  a  provision  in  our  partnership  agreement  that 
provides that any units held by a person that owns 20.0% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than our 
managing general partner and its affiliates, cannot be voted on any matter. 

The control of our managing general partner may be transferred to a third-party without unitholder consent.  

Our managing general partner may transfer its general partner interest in us to a third-party in a merger or in a sale 
of  its  equity  securities  without  the  consent  of  our  unitholders.  Furthermore,  there  is  no  restriction  in  the  partnership 
agreement on the ability of the members of our managing general partner to sell or transfer all or part of their ownership 
interest  in  our  managing  general  partner  to  a  third-party.  The  new  owner  or  owners  of  our  managing  general  partner 
would then be in a position to replace the directors and officers of our managing general partner and control the decisions 
made and actions taken by the Board of Directors and officers.  

Unitholders may be required to sell their units to our managing general partner at an undesirable time or price.  

If at any time less than 20.0% of our outstanding common units are held by persons other than our general partners 
and their affiliates, our managing general partner will have the right to acquire all, but not less than all, of those units at a 
price no less than their then-current market price. As a consequence, a unitholder may be required to sell his common 
units at an undesirable time or price. Our managing general partner may assign this purchase right to any of its affiliates 
or to us.  

Cost  reimbursements  due  to  our  general  partners  may  be  substantial  and  may  reduce  our  ability  to  pay  the 
distributions to unitholders.  

Prior to making any distributions to our unitholders, we will reimburse our general partners and their affiliates for all 
expenses they have incurred on our behalf. The reimbursement of these expenses and the payment of these fees could 
adversely affect our ability to make distributions to the unitholders. Our managing general partner has sole discretion to 
determine  the  amount  of  these  expenses  and  fees.    For  additional  information,  please  see  "Item  7.  Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Related Party Transactions, Administrative 
Services,  Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data  –  Note  18.  Related  Party  Transactions  and  Item  11. 

18

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Executive  Compensation  –  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis,  Administrative  Services  Agreement  with  Alliance 
Holdings GP, L.P." 

Your liability as a limited partner may not be limited, and our unitholders may have to repay distributions or make 
additional contributions to us under certain circumstances.  

As a limited partner in a partnership organized under Delaware law, you could be held liable for our obligations to 
the same extent as a general partner if you participate in the "control" of our business. Our general partner generally has 
unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that 
are  expressly  made  without  recourse  to  our  general  partner.  Additionally,  the  limitations  on  the  liability  of  holders  of 
limited  partner  interests  for  the  obligations  of  a  limited  partnership  have  not  been  clearly  established  in  many 
jurisdictions.  

Under  certain  circumstances,  our  unitholders  may  have  to  repay  amounts  wrongfully  distributed  to  them.  Under 
Section 17-607  of  the  Delaware  Revised  Uniform  Limited  Partnership  Act,  we  may  not  make  a  distribution  to  our 
unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware law provides 
that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, partners who received the distribution and 
who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the partnership for the distribution 
amount.  Liabilities  to  partners  on  account  of  their  partnership  interest  and  liabilities  that  are  non-recourse  to  the 
partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted. 

Our partnership agreement limits our managing general partner’s fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the 
remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partners that might otherwise constitute breaches 
of fiduciary duty.  

Our  partnership  agreement  contains  provisions  that  waive  or  consent  to conduct  by  our  managing general partner 
and its affiliates and which reduce the obligations to which our managing general partner would otherwise be held by 
state-law fiduciary duty standards. The following is a summary of the material restrictions contained in our partnership 
agreement on the fiduciary duties owed by our general partners to the limited partners. Our partnership agreement:  

• 

• 
• 

• 

permits our managing general partner to make a number of decisions in its "sole discretion." This entitles our 
managing  general  partner  to  consider  only  the  interests  and  factors  that  it  desires,  and  it  has  no  duty  or 
obligation  to  give  any  consideration  to  any  interest  of,  or  factors  affecting,  us,  our  affiliates  or  any  limited 
partner; 
provides that our managing general partner is entitled to make other decisions in its "reasonable discretion"; 
generally  provides  that  affiliated  transactions  and  resolutions  of  conflicts  of  interest  not  involving  a  required 
vote  of  unitholders  must  be  "fair  and  reasonable"  to  us  and  that,  in  determining  whether  a  transaction  or 
resolution  is  "fair  and  reasonable,"  our  managing  general  partner  may  consider  the  interests  of  all  parties 
involved, including its own. Unless our managing general partner has acted in bad faith, the action taken by our 
managing general partner shall not constitute a breach of its fiduciary duty; and 
provides that our general partners and our officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us, 
our limited partners or assignees for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions if our general partners and 
those other persons acted in good faith. 

In order to become a limited partner of our partnership, a common unitholder is required to agree to be bound by the 

provisions in the partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above.  

Some of our executive officers and directors face potential conflicts of interest in managing our business.  

Certain of our executive officers and directors are also officers and/or directors of AHGP. These relationships may 
create conflicts of interest regarding corporate opportunities and other matters. The resolution of any such conflicts may 
not  always  be  in  our  or  our  unitholders’  best  interests.  In  addition,  these  overlapping  executive  officers  and  directors 
allocate their time among us and AHGP. These officers and directors face potential conflicts regarding the allocation of 
their time, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.  

19

  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The managing general partner’s absolute discretion in determining the level of cash reserves may adversely affect our 
ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.  

Our partnership agreement requires the managing general partner to deduct from operating surplus cash reserves that 
in  its  reasonable  discretion  are  necessary  to  fund  our  future  operating  expenditures.  In  addition,  the  partnership 
agreement  permits  the  managing  general  partner  to  reduce  available  cash  by  establishing  cash  reserves  for  the  proper 
conduct of our business, to comply with applicable law or agreements to which we are a party or to provide funds for 
future  distributions  to  partners.  These  cash  reserves  will  affect  the  amount  of  cash  available  for  distribution  to 
unitholders.  

Our general partners have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit our general 
partners to favor its own interests to the detriment of unitholders.  

As  of  December  31,  2006,  AHGP  and  its  affiliates  directly  and  indirectly  owned  an  aggregate  limited  partner 
interest of approximately 42.5% of the limited partner interests in us. Conflicts of interest could arise in the future as a 
result of relationships between our general partners and their affiliates, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand. As a 
result of these conflicts our general partners may favor their own interests and those of its affiliates over the interests of 
the unitholders. The nature of these conflicts includes the following considerations:  

•  Remedies  available  to  unitholders  for  actions  that  might,  without  the  limitations,  constitute  breaches  of 
fiduciary duty. Unitholders are deemed to have consented to some actions and conflicts of interest that might 
otherwise be deemed a breach of fiduciary or other duties under applicable state law. 

•  Our  managing  general  partner  is  allowed  to  take  into  account  the  interests  of  parties  in  addition  to  us  in 

resolving conflicts of interest, thereby limiting its fiduciary duties to the unitholders. 

•  Our  general  partners’  affiliates  are  not  prohibited  from  engaging  in  other  businesses  or  activities,  including 

those in direct competition with us, except as provided in the omnibus agreement. 

•  Our  managing  general  partner  determines  the  amount  and  timing  of  our  asset  purchases  and  sales,  capital 
expenditures,  borrowings  and  reserves,  each  of  which  can  affect  the  amount  of  cash  that  is  distributed  to 
unitholders. 

•  Our managing general partner determines whether to issue additional units or other equity securities in us. 
•  Our managing general partner determines which costs are reimbursable by us. 
•  Our managing general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by it. 
•  Our  managing  general  partner  decides  whether  to  retain  separate  counsel,  accountants  or  others  to  perform 

services for us. 

•  Our managing general partner is not restricted from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered 
on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or from entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of 
these entities on our behalf. 
In  some  instances  our  managing  general  partner  may  borrow  funds  in  order  to  permit  the  payment  of 
distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make incentive distributions. 

• 

Risks Related to our Business 

A substantial or extended decline in coal prices could negatively impact our results of operations.  

The prices we receive for our production depends upon factors beyond our control, including:  

the supply of and demand for domestic and foreign coal; 
the price and availability of alternative fuels;  

• 
• 
•  weather conditions; 
• 
•  worldwide economic conditions; 
•  domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; and 
• 
the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures. 

the proximity to, and capacity of, transportation facilities; 

20

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A substantial or extended decline in coal prices could materially and adversely affect us by decreasing our revenues 

in the event that we are not otherwise protected pursuant to the specific terms of our coal supply agreements.  

A material amount of our net income and cash flow is dependent on our continued ability to realize direct or indirect 
benefits from federal income tax credits such as non-conventional source fuel tax credits. If the benefit to us from 
any of these tax credits is materially reduced, it could negatively impact our results of operations and reduce our cash 
available for distributions. The non-conventional source fuel tax credit is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2007.  

In  2006,  we  derived  a  material  amount  of  our  net  income  under  long-term  synfuel-related  agreements  with  SSO, 
PCIN and Mt. Storm Coal Supply (see discussions under "Warrior Complex," "Gibson Complex" and "Mettiki (WV)" in 
Item 1, Business).  These agreements are dependent on the ability of the synfuel facility’s owner to use certain qualifying 
federal income tax credits available to the facility and are subject to early cancellation in certain circumstances, including 
in the event that these synfuel tax credits become unavailable to the owner. In 2006, the incremental benefit to us from 
these  synfuel-related  agreements  was  approximately  $26.4  million.  If,  because  of  budgetary  shortfalls  or  any  other 
reason, the federal government was to significantly reduce or eliminate synfuel tax credits, it could negatively impact our 
results of operations and reduce our cash available for distributions.  

Non-conventional  source  fuel  tax  credits  are  subject  to  a  pro-rata  phase-out  or  reduction  if  the  annual  average 
wellhead price per barrel for all domestic crude oil (the reference price) as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury 
exceeds certain levels. The reference price is not subject to regulation by the United States Government. The reference 
price for a calendar year is typically published in April of the following year. For example, for qualified fuel sold during 
the  2005  calendar  year,  the  reference  price  was  $50.26.  The  pro-rata  reduction  of  non-conventional  source  fuel  tax 
credits for 2005 would have begun if the reference price was approximately $53.00 per barrel, with a complete phase-out 
or reduction of non-conventional synfuel tax credits if the reference price reached approximately $69.00 per barrel. In 
2006,  SSO,  PCIN  and  Mt.  Storm  Coal  Supply  temporarily  suspended  operation  of  the  synfuel  facilities  located  at  the 
Warrior, Gibson, and Mettiki complexes as a result of the increase in the wellhead price of domestic crude oil.  During 
the suspension periods, we sold coal directly to the customers of SSO, PCIN and Mt. Storm Coal Supply under "back 
up" coal supply agreements.  While these suspensions had no material impact on our results of operations in 2006, we 
could experience a material reduction of revenues associated with non-conventional source fuel facilities in the future if 
non-conventional source fuel tax credits become unavailable to the owners of the non-conventional source fuel facilities 
we  service  as  a  result  of  the  rise  in  the  wellhead  price  per  barrel  of  crude  oil  above  specified  levels.  The  non-
conventional synfuel tax credit is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2007.  

A loss of the benefit from state tax credits may adversely affect our ability to pay our quarterly distribution  

Several  states  in  which  we  operate  or  our  utility  customers  reside  have  established  a  statutory  framework  for  tax 
credits  against  income,  franchise,  or  severance  taxes,  which  have  benefited,  directly  or  indirectly,  coal  operators  or 
customers  purchasing  coal  mine  production  from  within  the  applicable  state.  The  state  statutes  authorizing  these  tax 
credits are scheduled to expire in accordance with their term provisions. Furthermore, these state statutes or our ability to 
benefit,  directly  or  indirectly,  from  them  may  be  subject  to  challenge  by  third  parties.  One  of  the  states  in  which  we 
operate,  Maryland,  has  established  a  statutory  framework  for  tax  credits  against  income  or  franchise  taxes  that  have 
benefited, directly or indirectly, coal operators or customers purchasing coal produced from mines within that state.  In 
2006, the indirect benefit of the Maryland tax credit to us was approximately $7.3 million. Although this credit is not set 
to  expire  by  its  terms  in  the  near  future,  recent  legislative  and  interpretive  changes,  as  well  as  our  reduced  coal 
production in Maryland, likely will delay and reduce the amount of the benefit, if any, of the tax credit to us in 2007.  In 
addition, legislation may be proposed in the future that would eliminate this credit. If the Maryland statutes expire or any 
challenges  are  successful,  we  would  lose  the  benefits  of  these  credits.  Therefore,  if  our  operations  do  not  produce 
increased cash flow sufficient to replace any lost benefits, our cash available for distribution could be adversely affected.  

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.  

We compete with other large coal producers and hundreds of small coal producers in various regions of the United 
States for domestic sales. The industry has undergone significant consolidation over the last decade. This consolidation 
has led to several competitors having significantly larger financial and operating resources than we have. In addition, we 
compete to some extent with western surface coal mining operations that have a much lower per ton cost of production 
and  produce  low-sulfur  coal.  Over  the  last  20  years,  growth  in  production  from  western  coal  mines  has  substantially 

21

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
exceeded growth in production from the east. Declining prices from an oversupply of coal in the market could reduce our 
revenues and our cash available for distribution.  

Any change in consumption patterns by utilities away from the use of coal could affect our ability to sell the coal we 
produce.  

Some power plants are fueled by natural gas because of the cheaper construction costs compared to coal-fired plants 
and because natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel. The domestic electric utility industry accounts for approximately 90% 
of  domestic  coal  consumption.  The  amount  of  coal  consumed  by  the  domestic  electric  utility  industry  is  affected 
primarily  by  the  overall  demand  for  electricity,  the  price  and  availability  of  competing  fuels  for  power  plants  such  as 
nuclear, natural gas and fuel oil as well as hydroelectric power, and environmental and other governmental regulations. 
A decrease in coal consumption by the domestic electric utility industry could adversely affect the price of coal, which 
could negatively impact our results of operations and reduce our cash available for distribution. 

From time to time conditions in the coal industry may make it more difficult for us to extend existing or enter into 
new long-term coal supply agreements. This could affect the stability and profitability of our operations.  

A substantial decrease in the amount of coal sold by us pursuant to long-term contracts would reduce the certainty of 
the price and amounts of coal sold and subject our revenue stream to increased volatility. If that were to happen, changes 
in spot market coal prices would have a greater impact on our results, and any decreases in the spot market price for coal 
could adversely affect our profitability and cash flow. In 2006, we sold approximately 91.7% of our sales tonnage under 
contracts  having  a  term  greater  than  one  year.  We  refer  to  these  contracts  as  long-term  contracts.  Long-term  sales 
contracts have historically provided a relatively secure market for the amount of production committed under the terms 
of the contracts. From time to time industry conditions may make it more difficult for us to enter into long-term contracts 
with our electric utility customers, and if supply exceeds demand in the coal industry, electric utilities may become less 
willing to lock in price or quantity commitments for an extended period of time. Accordingly, we may not be able to 
continue to obtain long-term sales contracts with reliable customers as existing contracts expire.  

Some  of  our  long-term  coal  supply  agreements  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 contain provisions that allow for the purchase price to be renegotiated at periodic 
intervals. These price reopener provisions may automatically set a new price based on the prevailing market price or, in 
some instances, require the parties to the contract to agree on a new price. Any adjustment or renegotiation leading to a 
significantly lower contract price could adversely affect our operating profit margins. Accordingly, long-term contracts 
may provide only limited protection during adverse market conditions. In some circumstances, failure of the parties to 
agree on a price under a reopener provision can also lead to early termination of a contract.  

Several  of  our  long-term  contracts  also  contain  provisions  that  allow  the  customer  to  suspend  or  terminate 
performance under the contract upon the occurrence or continuation of certain specified events. These events are called 
"force majeure" events. Some of these events that are specific to the coal industry include:  

•  our inability to deliver the quantities or qualities of coal specified; 
• 
• 

changes in the CAA rendering use of our coal inconsistent with the customer’s pollution control strategies; and 
the  occurrence  of  events  beyond  the  reasonable  control  of  the  affected  party,  including  labor  disputes, 
mechanical malfunctions and changes in government regulations. 

In addition, certain contracts are terminable as a result of events that are beyond our control. For example, we have 
entered into agreements with several coal synfuel facilities to provide coal feedstock and other services. Each of these 
agreements  provides  for  early  cancellation  in  the  event  federal  synfuel  tax  credits  become  unavailable  or  upon  the 
termination  of  associated  coal  synfuel  sales  contracts  between  the  facility  and  our  customers.  In  the  event  of  early 
termination of any of our long-term contracts, if we are unable to enter into new contracts on similar terms our business, 
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.  

22

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extensive  environmental  laws  and  regulations  affect  coal  consumers,  which  have  corresponding  effects  on  the 
demand for our coal as a fuel source.  

Federal, state and local laws and regulations extensively regulate the amount of sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, 
nitrogen oxides, mercury and other compounds emitted into the air from coal-fired electric power plants, which are the 
ultimate  consumers  of  our  coal.  These  laws  and  regulations  can  require  significant  emission  control  expenditures  for 
many  coal-fired  power  plants,  and  various  new  and  proposed  laws  and  regulations  may  require  further  emission 
reductions  and  associated  emission  control  expenditures.  A  substantial  portion  of  our  coal  has  a  high  sulfur  content, 
which may result in increased sulfur dioxide emissions when combusted. Accordingly, these laws and regulations may 
affect  demand  and  prices  for  our  low-  and  high-sulfur  coal.  There  is  also  continuing  pressure  on  state  and  federal 
regulators to impose limits on carbon dioxide emissions from electric power plants, particularly coal-fired power plants. 
As a result of these current and proposed laws, regulations and regulatory initiatives, electricity generators may elect to 
switch  to other  fuels  that  generate  less  of  these  emissions,  possibly  further  reducing  demand for our  coal. Please read 
"Regulation and Laws—Air Emissions" and "Regulations and Laws—Carbon Dioxide Emissions."  

We  depend  on  a  few  customers  for  a  significant  portion  of  our  revenues,  and  the  loss  of  one  or  more  significant 
customers could affect our ability to maintain the sales volume and price of the coal we produce.  

During  2006,  we  derived  approximately  29.9%  of  our  total  revenues  from  two  customers,  which  individually 
accounted  for  10%  or  more  of  our  2006  total  revenues.  If  we  were  to  lose  any  of  these  customers  without  finding 
replacement customers willing to purchase an equivalent amount of coal on similar terms, or if these customers were to 
change the amounts of coal purchased or the terms, including pricing terms, on which they buy coal from us, it could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  

Litigation resulting from disputes with our customers may result in substantial costs, liabilities and loss of revenues.  

From  time  to  time  we  have  disputes  with  our  customers  over  the  provisions  of  long-term  coal  supply  contracts 
relating  to,  among  other  things,  coal  pricing,  quality,  quantity  and  the  existence  of  specified  conditions  beyond  our 
control that suspend performance obligations under the particular contract. Disputes may occur in the future and we may 
not be able to resolve those disputes in a satisfactory manner.  

Our profitability may decline due to unanticipated mine operating conditions and other events that are not within our 
control and that may not be fully covered under our insurance policies. 

Our mining operations are influenced by changing conditions or events that can affect production levels and costs at 

particular mines for varying lengths of time and, as a result, can diminish our profitability.  

These conditions and events include, among others:  

fines and penalties incurred as a result of alleged violations of environmental and safety laws and regulations; 

fires; 

amounts of overburden, partings, rock and other natural materials; 

• 
•  mining and processing equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems; 
•  prices for fuel, steel, explosives and other supplies; 
• 
•  variations in thickness of the layer, or seam, of coal; 
• 
•  weather conditions, such as heavy rains and flooding; 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

accidental mine water discharges and other geological conditions; 
employee injuries or fatalities;  
labor-related interruptions;  
inability to acquire mining rights or permits; and 
fluctuations in transportation costs and the availability or reliability of transportation. 

23

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These conditions have had, and can be expected in the future to have, a significant impact on our operating results. 
For example, during the past three years, three loss incidents have occurred at our mine complexes. For details on these 
incidents  and  their  negative  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  please  read  "Item  7.  Management’s  Discussion  and 
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations—Pattiki  Vertical  Belt  Incident,"  "—MC  Mining  Fire 
Incident"  and  "—Dotiki  Fire  Incident."      Prolonged  disruption  of  production  at  any  of  our  mines  would  result  in  a 
decrease  in  our  revenues  and  profitability,  which  could  be  material.  Decreases  in  our  profitability  as  a  result  of  the 
factors described above could materially adversely impact our quarterly or annual results.  

We  carry  commercial  (including  business  interruption  and  extra  expense)  property  insurance  policies;  however, 
these risks may not be fully covered by these insurance policies.  Available capacity for underwriting property insurance 
continues  to  be  limited  as  a  result  of  insurance  carrier  losses  in  the  mining  industry  and  our  recent  insurance  claims 
history (e.g., MC Mining Fire Incident and Dotiki Fire Incident). As a result, in conjunction with the September 2006 
renewal  of  our  property  and  casualty  insurance  policies,  we  elected  to  retain  a  participating  interest  along  with  our 
insurance carriers at an average rate of approximately 14.7% in the overall $75.0 million commercial property program. 
The 14.7% participation rate for this year’s renewal exceeds the approximate 10% participation level from last year. We 
can make no assurances that we will not experience significant insurance claims in the future, which as a result of our 
level of participation in the commercial property program, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
conditions, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future. For additional information on 
our property and casualty insurance program, please "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 19. 
Commitments and Contingencies, Other." 

A shortage of skilled labor may make it difficult for us to maintain labor productivity and competitive costs and could 
adversely affect our profitability.  

Efficient coal mining using modern techniques and equipment requires skilled laborers, preferably with at least one 
year of experience and proficiency in multiple mining tasks. In recent years, a shortage of trained coal miners has caused 
us  to  operate  certain  mining  units  without  full  staff,  which  decreases  our  productivity  and  increases  our  costs.  This 
shortage of trained coal miners is the result of a significant percentage of experienced coal miners reaching the age for 
retirement,  combined  with  the  difficulty  of  attracting  new  workers  to  the  coal  industry.  Thus,  this  shortage  of  skilled 
labor could continue over an extended period. If the shortage of experienced labor continues or worsens, it could have an 
adverse impact on our labor productivity and costs and our ability to expand production in the event there is an increase 
in the demand for our coal, which could adversely affect our profitability.  

Although none of our employees are members of unions, our work force may not remain union-free in the future.  

None of our employees is represented under collective bargaining agreements. However, all of our work force may 
not remain union-free in the future. If some or all of our currently union-free operations were to become unionized, it 
could  adversely  affect  our  productivity  and  increase  the  risk  of work  stoppages  at our  mining  complexes. In  addition, 
even if we remain union-free, our operations may still be adversely affected by work stoppages at unionized companies, 
particularly if union workers were to orchestrate boycotts against our operations.  

We  may  be  unable  to  obtain  and  renew  permits  necessary  for  our  operations,  which  could  reduce  our  production, 
cash flow and profitability.  

Mining  companies  must  obtain  numerous  governmental  permits  or  approvals  that  impose  strict  conditions  and 
obligations relating to various environmental and safety matters in connection with coal mining. The permitting rules are 
complex and can change over time. The public has the right to comment on permit applications and otherwise participate 
in  the  permitting  process,  including  through  court  intervention.  Accordingly,  permits  required  by  us  to  conduct  our 
operations  may  not  be  issued,  maintained  or  renewed,  or  may  not  be  issued  or  renewed  in  a  timely  fashion,  or  may 
involve requirements that restrict our ability to economically conduct our mining operations. Limitations on our ability to 
conduct our mining operations due to the inability to obtain or renew necessary permits or similar approvals could reduce 
our production, cash flow and profitability. Please read "Regulations and Laws—Mining Permits and Approvals."  

Lawsuits filed in the federal Southern District of Western Virginia and in the federal Eastern District of Kentucky 
have sought to enjoin the issuance of permits pursuant to Nationwide Permit 21, which is a general permit issued by the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to streamline the process for obtaining permits under Section 404 of the CWA.  In the 
event current or future litigation contesting the use of Nationwide Permit 21 is successful, we may be required to apply 

24

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for  individual  discharge  permits  pursuant  to  Section 404  of  the  CWA  in  areas  that  would  have  otherwise  utilized 
Nationwide Permit 21. Such a change could result in delays in obtaining required mining permits to conduct operations, 
which could in turn result in reduced production, cash flow and profitability. Please read "Regulations and Laws – Water 
Discharge."  

Fluctuations  in  transportation  costs  and  the  availability  or  reliability  of  transportation  could  reduce  revenues  by 
causing us to reduce our production or by impairing our ability to supply coal to our customers.  

Transportation costs represent a significant portion of the total cost of coal for our customers and, as a result, the 
cost of transportation is a critical factor in a customer’s purchasing decision. Increases in transportation costs could make 
coal a less competitive source of energy or could make our coal production less competitive than coal produced from 
other sources.  Conversely, significant decreases in transportation costs could result in increased competition from coal 
producers in other parts of the country. For instance, difficulty in coordinating the many eastern coal loading facilities, 
the large number of small shipments, the steeper average grades of the terrain and a more unionized workforce are all 
issues that combine to make coal shipments originating in the eastern United States inherently more expensive on a per-
mile basis than coal shipments originating in the western United States. Historically, high coal transportation rates from 
the western coal producing areas into certain eastern markets limited the use of western coal in those markets. Lower or 
higher rail rates from the western coal producing areas to markets served by eastern U.S. coal producers have created 
major  competitive  challenges,  as  well  as  opportunities  for  eastern  coal  producers.  In  the  event of  lower  transportation 
costs, the increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.  

Some of our mines depend on a single transportation carrier or a single mode of transportation. Disruption of any of 
these  transportation  services  due  to  weather-related  problems,  flooding,  drought,  accidents,  mechanical  difficulties, 
strikes, lockouts, bottlenecks, and other events could temporarily impair our ability to supply coal to our customers. Our 
transportation providers may face difficulties in the future that may impair our ability to supply coal to our customers, 
resulting in decreased revenues.  

If there are disruptions of the transportation services provided by our primary rail or barge carriers that transport our 
coal  and  we  are  unable  to  find  alternative  transportation  providers  to  ship  our  coal,  our  business  could  be  adversely 
affected.  

In recent years, the states of Kentucky and West Virginia have increased enforcement of weight limits on coal trucks 
on their public roads. It is possible that all states in which our coal is transported by truck may modify their laws to limit 
truck  weight  limits.  Such  legislation  and  enforcement  efforts  could  result  in  shipment  delays  and  increased  costs.  An 
increase  in  transportation  costs  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  ability  to  increase  or  to  maintain  production  and 
could adversely affect revenues.  

Mine  expansions  and  acquisitions  involve  a  number  of  risks,  any  of  which  could  cause  us  not  to  realize  the 
anticipated benefits.  

Since  our  formation  and  the  acquisition of  our  predecessor  in  August  1999,  we have  expanded  our  operations by 
adding and developing mines and coal reserves in existing, adjacent and neighboring properties. We continually seek to 
expand  our  operations  and  coal  reserves.  If  we  are  unable  to  successfully  integrate  the  companies,  businesses  or 
properties we acquire through such expansion, our profitability may decline and we could experience a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.  

Expansion and acquisition transactions involve various inherent risks, including:  

•  uncertainties  in  assessing  the  value,  strengths,  and  potential  profitability  of,  and  identifying  the  extent  of  all 
weaknesses,  risks,  contingent  and  other  liabilities  (including  environmental  or  mine  safety  liabilities)  of, 
expansion and acquisition opportunities; 
the ability to achieve identified operating and financial synergies anticipated to result from an expansion or an 
acquisition; 

• 

•  problems that could arise from the integration of the new operations; and 

25

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  unanticipated  changes  in  business,  industry  or  general  economic  conditions  that  affect  the  assumptions 

underlying our rationale for pursuing the expansion or acquisition opportunity. 

Any one or more of these factors could cause us not to realize the benefits anticipated to result from an expansion or 
acquisition.  Any  expansion  or  acquisition  opportunities  we  pursue  could  materially  affect  our  liquidity  and  capital 
resources  and  may  require  us  to  incur  indebtedness,  seek  equity  capital  or  both.  In  addition,  future  expansions  or 
acquisitions  could result  in us  assuming  more  long-term  liabilities  relative  to  the  value  of  the  acquired  assets  than we 
have assumed in our previous expansions and/or acquisitions.  

We may not be able to successfully grow through future acquisitions.  

Historically, a portion of our growth and operating results have been from acquisitions. Our future growth could be 
limited if we are unable to continue to make acquisitions, or if we are unable to successfully integrate the companies, 
businesses or properties we acquire. We may not be successful in consummating any acquisitions and the consequences 
of undertaking these acquisitions are unknown. Moreover, any acquisition could be dilutive to earnings and distributions 
to unitholders and any additional debt incurred to finance an acquisition could affect our ability to make distributions to 
unitholders. Our ability to make acquisitions in the future could be limited by restrictions under our existing or future 
debt  agreements,  competition  from  other  coal  companies  for  attractive  properties  or  the  lack  of  suitable  acquisition 
candidates.  

The  unavailability  of  an  adequate  supply  of  coal  reserves  that  can  be  mined  at  competitive  costs  could  cause  our 
profitability to decline.  

Our profitability depends substantially on our ability to mine coal reserves that have the geological characteristics 
that enable them to be mined at competitive costs and to meet the quality needed by our customers. Because our reserves 
decline  as  we  mine  coal,  our  future  success  and  growth  depend,  in  part,  upon  our  ability  to  acquire  additional  coal 
reserves that are economically recoverable. Replacement reserves may not be available when required or, if available, 
may  not  be  capable  of  being  mined  at  costs  comparable  to  those  of  the  depleting  mines.  We  may  not  be  able  to 
accurately  assess  the  geological  characteristics  of  any  reserves  that  we  acquire,  which  may  adversely  affect  our 
profitability and financial condition. Exhaustion of reserves at particular mines also may have an adverse effect on our 
operating results that is disproportionate to the percentage of overall production represented by such mines. Our ability to 
obtain  other  reserves  in  the  future  could  be  limited  by  restrictions  under  our  existing  or  future  debt  agreements, 
competition  from  other  coal  companies  for  attractive  properties,  the  lack  of  suitable  acquisition  candidates  or  the 
inability to acquire coal properties on commercially reasonable terms.  

Our  business  depends,  in  part,  upon  our  ability  to  find,  develop  or  acquire  additional  coal  reserves  that  we  can 
recover  economically.  Our  existing  reserves  will  decline  as  they  are  depleted.  Our  planned  development  projects  and 
acquisition  activities  may  not  increase  our  reserves  significantly  and  we  may  not  have  continued  success  expanding 
existing  and  developing  additional  mines.  We  believe  that  there  are  substantial  reserves  on  certain  adjacent  or 
neighboring properties that are unleased and otherwise available. However, we may not be able to negotiate leases with 
the landowners on acceptable terms. An inability to expand our operations into adjacent or neighboring reserves under 
this strategy could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  

The estimates of our coal reserves may prove inaccurate, and you should not place undue reliance on these estimates.  

The estimates of our coal reserves may vary substantially from actual amounts of coal we are able to economically 
recover.  The  reserve  data  set  forth  in  "Item  2.  Properties"  represent  our  engineering  estimates.  All  of  the  reserves 
presented  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  constitute  proven  and  probable  reserves.  There  are  numerous 
uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond our control. Estimates of coal 
reserves necessarily depend upon a number of variables and assumptions, any one of which may vary considerably from 
actual results. These factors and assumptions relate to:  

•  geological and mining conditions, which may not be fully identified by available exploration data and/or differ 

from our experiences in areas where we currently mine; 
the percentage of coal in the ground ultimately recoverable; 

• 
•  historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas; 

26

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 
• 

the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies; and 
assumptions concerning future coal prices, operating costs, capital expenditures, severance and excise taxes and 
development and reclamation costs. 

For these reasons, estimates of the recoverable quantities of coal attributable to any particular group of properties, 
classifications of reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net cash flows expected from these properties 
as  prepared  by  different  engineers,  or  by  the  same  engineers  at  different  times,  may  vary  substantially.  Actual 
production, revenue and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and these variations 
may be material. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on the coal reserve data included herein.  

Mining in certain areas in which we operate is more difficult and involves more regulatory constraints than mining in 
other areas of the United States, which could affect the mining operations and cost structures of these areas.  

The geological characteristics of some of our coal reserves, such as depth of overburden and coal seam thickness, 
make  them  difficult  and  costly  to  mine.  As  mines  become  depleted,  replacement  reserves  may  not  be  available  when 
required or, if available, may not be capable of being mined at costs comparable to those characteristic of the depleting 
mines. In addition, permitting, licensing and other environmental and regulatory requirements associated with certain of 
our mining operations are more costly and time-consuming to satisfy. These factors could materially adversely affect the 
mining operations and cost structures of, and our customers’ ability to use coal produced by, our mines.  

Unexpected increases in raw material costs could significantly impair our operating profitability.  

Our  coal  mining  operations  continue  to  be  affected  by  commodity  prices.    We  use  significant  amounts  of  steel, 
petroleum products and other raw materials in various pieces of mining equipment, supplies and materials, including the 
roof bolts required by the room and pillar method of mining. Steel prices have risen significantly in recent years, and 
historically,  the  prices  of  scrap  steel,  natural  gas  and  coking  coal  consumed  in  the  production  of  iron  and  steel  have 
fluctuated. In 2006, we continued to experience increases in the cost of materials and supplies, particularly consumables 
such as steel, copper and power.  There may be acts of nature or terrorist attacks or threats that could also increase the 
costs of raw materials. If the price of steel, petroleum products or other raw materials increase, our operational expenses 
will increase and could have a significant negative impact on our profitability.  

Cash distributions are not guaranteed and may fluctuate with our performance. In addition, our managing general 
partner’s discretion in establishing financial reserves may negatively impact our receipt of cash distributions.  

Because distributions on our common units are dependent on the amount of cash generated through our coal sales, 
distributions may fluctuate based on the amount of coal we are able to produce and the price at which we are able to sell 
it. Therefore, the current quarterly distribution or any distribution may not be paid each quarter. The actual amount of 
cash that is available to be distributed each quarter will depend upon numerous factors, some of which are beyond our 
control  and  the  control  of  our  managing  general  partner.  Cash  distributions  are  dependent  primarily  on  cash  flow, 
including  cash  flow  from  financial  reserves  and  working  capital  borrowings,  and  not  solely  on  profitability,  which  is 
affected  by  non-cash  items.  As  a  result,  cash  distributions  might  be  made  during  periods  when  we  record  losses  and 
might not be made during periods when we record profits.  

The partnership agreement gives our managing general partner broad discretion in establishing financial reserves for 
the  proper  conduct  of  our  business.  These  reserves  also  will  affect  the  amount  of  cash  available  for  distribution.  In 
addition,  the  partnership  agreement  requires  the  managing  general  partner  to  deduct  from  operating  surplus  each  year 
estimated  maintenance  capital  expenditures  as  opposed  to  actual  expenditures  in  order  to  reduce  wide  disparities  in 
operating  surplus  caused  by  fluctuating  maintenance  capital  expenditure  levels.  If  estimated  maintenance  capital 
expenditures  in  a  year  are  higher  than  actual  maintenance  capital  expenditures,  then  the  amount  of  cash  available  for 
distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance capital expenditures were deducted from operating 
surplus.  

27

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds, make distributions to unitholders or capitalize on 
business opportunities.  

We  have  long-term  indebtedness,  consisting  of  our  outstanding  8.31%  senior  unsecured  notes.  At  December 31, 

2006, our total indebtedness outstanding was $144.0 million. Our leverage may:  

adversely affect our ability to finance future operations and capital needs; 
limit our ability to pursue acquisitions and other business opportunities; 

• 
• 
•  make our results of operations more susceptible to adverse economic or operating conditions; and 
•  make it more difficult to self-insure for our workers’ compensation obligations. 

In addition, we have unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Future borrowings, under our 

credit facilities or otherwise, could result in a significant increase in our leverage.  

Our  payments  of  principal  and  interest  on  any  indebtedness  will  reduce  the  cash  available  for  distribution  on  our 

units. We will be prohibited from making cash distributions:  

•  during an event of default under any of our indebtedness; or 
• 

if either before or after such distribution, it fails to meet a coverage test based on the ratio of our consolidated 
debt to our consolidated cash flow. 

Various  limitations  in  our  debt  agreements  may  reduce  our  ability  to  incur  additional  indebtedness,  to  engage  in 
some transactions and to capitalize on business opportunities. Any subsequent refinancing of our current indebtedness or 
any new indebtedness could have similar or greater restrictions.  

Federal  and  state  laws  require  bonds  to  secure  our  obligations  related  to  statutory  reclamation  requirements  and 
workers’ compensation and black lung benefits. Our inability to acquire or failure to maintain surety bonds that are 
required by state and federal law would have a material adverse effect on us.  

Federal and state laws require us to place and maintain bonds to secure our obligations to repair and return property 
to its approximate original state after it has been mined (often referred to as "reclaim" or "reclamation"), to pay federal 
and  state  workers’  compensation  and  pneumoconiosis,  or  black  lung,  benefits  and  to  satisfy  other  miscellaneous 
obligations. These bonds provide assurance that we will perform our statutorily required obligations and are referred to 
as  "surety"  bonds.  These  bonds  are  typically  renewable  on  a  yearly  basis.  The  failure  to  maintain  or  the  inability  to 
acquire sufficient surety bonds, as required by state and federal laws, could subject us to fines and penalties and result in 
the loss of our mining permits. Such failure could result from a variety of factors, including:  

• 
• 

• 

lack of availability, higher expense or unreasonable terms of new surety bonds; 
the ability of current and future surety bond issuers to increase required collateral, or limitations on availability 
of collateral for surety bond issuers due to the terms of our credit agreements; and 
the exercise by third-party surety bond holders of their rights to refuse to renew the surety. 

We  have  outstanding  surety  bonds  with  third  parties  for  reclamation  expenses,  federal  and  state  workers’ 
compensation obligations and other miscellaneous obligations. We may have difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for 
mine  reclamation  as  well  as  workers’  compensation  and  black  lung  benefits.  Our  inability  to  acquire  or  failure  to 
maintain these bonds would have a material adverse effect on us.  

Our mining operations are subject to extensive and costly laws and regulations, and such current and future laws and 
regulations could increase current operating costs or limit our ability to produce coal.  

We  are  subject  to  numerous  and  comprehensive  federal,  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations  affecting  the  coal 
mining  industry,  including  laws  and  regulations  pertaining  to  employee  health  and  safety,  permitting  and  licensing 
requirements, air quality standards, water pollution, plant and wildlife protection, reclamation and restoration of mining 
properties after mining is completed, the discharge or release of materials into the environment, surface subsidence from 

28

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
underground mining and the effects that mining has on groundwater quality and availability. Certain of these laws and 
regulations may impose joint and several strict liability without regard to fault, or the legality of the original conduct.  
Failure  to  comply  with  these  laws  and  regulations  may  result  in  the  assessment  of  administrative,  civil  and  criminal 
penalties, the imposition of remedial liabilities, and the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting the performance of 
operations.    Complying  with  these  laws  and  regulations  may  be  costly  and  time  consuming  and  may  delay 
commencement  or  continuation  of  exploration  or  production  operations.  The  possibility  exists  that  new  laws  or 
regulations (or judicial interpretations or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations) may be adopted or 
that judicial interpretations or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations may occur, in the future that 
could  materially  affect  our  mining  operations,  cash  flow,  and  profitability,  either  through  direct  impacts  such  as  new 
requirements  impacting  our  existing  mining  operations,  or  indirect  impacts  such  as  new  laws  and  regulations  that 
discourage or limit our customers’ use of coal.  

As a result of recent mining accidents that caused fatalities in West Virginia and Kentucky, Congress and several 
state legislatures (including those in West Virginia, Illinois and Kentucky) have passed new laws addressing mine safety 
practices and imposing stringent new mine safety and accident reporting requirements and increased civil and criminal 
penalties  for  violations  of  mine  safety  laws.  Implementing  and  complying  with  these  new  laws  and  regulations  has 
increased and will continue to increase our operational expense and to have an adverse effect on our results of operation 
and financial position.  For more information, please read "Regulation and Laws." 

Some of our operating  subsidiaries  lease a  portion  of  the  surface  properties  upon  which  their  mining  facilities  are 
located.  

Our  operating  subsidiaries  do  not,  in  all  instances,  own  all  of  the  surface  properties  upon  which  their  mining 
facilities  have  been  constructed.  Certain  of  the  operating  companies  have  constructed  and  now  operate  all  or  some 
portion of their facilities on properties owned by unrelated third parties with whom the applicable company has entered 
into a long-term lease. We have no reason to believe that there exists any risk of loss of these leasehold rights given the 
terms and provisions of the subject leases and the nature and identity of the third-party lessors; however, in the unlikely 
event of any loss of these leasehold rights, operations could be disrupted or otherwise adversely impacted as a result of 
increased costs associated with retaining the necessary land use.  

Tax Risks to Our Common Unitholders  

If  we  were  to  become  subject  to  entity-level  taxation  for  federal  or  state  tax  purposes,  our  cash  available  for 
distribution to you would be substantially reduced.  

The anticipated after-tax benefit of an investment in our units depends largely on our being treated as a partnership 
for federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, a ruling from the IRS on this matter.  

If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable 
income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%. Distributions to you would generally be taxed 
again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to you. Because 
a  tax  would  be  imposed  upon  us  as  a  corporation,  our  cash  available  for  distribution  to  you  would  be  substantially 
reduced.  Thus,  treatment  of  us  as  a  corporation  would  result  in  a  material  reduction  in  our  anticipated  cash  flow  and 
after-tax return to you, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our units.  

Current  law  may  change,  causing  us  to  be  treated  as  a  corporation  for  federal  income  tax  purposes  or  otherwise 
subjecting us to entity level taxation. For example, because of widespread state budget deficits and other reasons, several 
states  are  evaluating  ways  to  subject  partnerships  to  entity  level  taxation  through  the  imposition  of  state  income, 
franchise  or  other  forms  of  taxation.  If  any  state  were  to  impose  a  tax  upon  us  or  as  an  entity,  the  cash  available  for 
distribution to you would be reduced.  

If  the  IRS  were  to  contest  the  federal  income  tax  positions  we  take,  it  may  adversely  impact  the  market  for  our 
common units, and the costs of any such contest would reduce cash available for distribution to our unitholders.  

The  IRS  may  adopt  positions  that  differ  from  the  positions  that  we  take,  even  positions  taken  with  the  advice  of 
counsel. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we 

29

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
take.  A  court  may  not  agree  with  some  or  all  of  the  positions  we  take.  Any  contest  with  the  IRS  may  materially  and 
adversely impact the market for our common units and the prices at which they trade. Moreover, the costs of any contest 
between us and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders and thus will be 
borne indirectly by our unitholders.  

Even  if  you  do  not  receive  any  cash  distributions  from  us,  you  will  be  required  to  pay  taxes  on  your  share  of  our 
taxable income.  

You will be required to pay federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes, on your share of 
our taxable income, whether or not you receive cash distributions from us. You may not receive cash distributions from 
us equal to your share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability that result from your share of our 
taxable income.  

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our units could be different than expected.  

If you sell your units, you will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and your 
tax basis in those units. Because distributions in excess of your allocable share of our net taxable income decrease your 
tax basis in your units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to the units you sell will, in 
effect, become taxable income to you if you sell such units at a price greater than your tax basis therein, even if the price 
you  receive  is  less  than  your  original  cost.  Furthermore,  a  substantial  portion  of  the  amount  realized,  whether  or  not 
representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income to you due to potential recapture items, including depreciation and 
depletion recapture.  In addition, because the amount realized includes a unitholder's share of our non-recourse liabilities, 
if you sell your units, you may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash you receive from the sale.  

Tax-exempt  entities  and  foreign  persons  owning  our  units  face  unique  tax  issues  that  may  result  in  adverse  tax 
consequences to them.  

Investment  in  units by  tax-exempt  entities,  such  as  individual retirement  accounts (known  as  IRAs) and  non-U.S. 
persons, raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from 
federal  income  tax,  including  individual  retirement  accounts  and  other  retirement  plans,  will  be  unrelated  business 
taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes at 
the highest applicable effective tax rate, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file United States federal income tax 
returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income.  

We treat each purchaser of our units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the units purchased. The IRS 
may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of our units.  

Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we adopt depreciation and amortization positions that 
may  not  conform  to  all  aspects  of  existing  Treasury  regulations.  A  successful  IRS  challenge  to  those  positions  could 
adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to you. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the 
amount  of  gain  from  your  sale  of  units  and  could  have  a  negative  impact  on  the  value  of  our  units  or  result  in  audit 
adjustments to your tax returns.  

You will likely be subject to state and local taxes and income tax return filing requirements in jurisdictions where you 
do not live as a result of investing in our units.  

In addition to federal income taxes, you will likely be subject to other taxes, such as state and local income taxes, 
unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in 
which we do business or own property. You will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state 
and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, you may be subject to penalties for failure to 
comply  with  those  requirements.  We  may  own  property  or  conduct  business  in  other  states  in  the  future.  It  is  your 
responsibility to file all federal, state and local tax returns. Our counsel has not rendered an opinion on the state and local 
tax consequences of an investment in our units.  

30

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and profits interests within a twelve-month period will result in 
the termination of our partnership for federal income tax purposes.  

We  will  be  considered  to  have  terminated  our  partnership  for  federal  income  tax  purposes  if  there  is  a  sale  or 
exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a twelve-month period. The transactions 
surrounding  AHGP’s  initial  public  offering,  which  closed  on  May 15,  2006,  represented  a  sale  or  exchange  of 
approximately 42.3% of the total interests in our capital and profits interests. We believe, and have taken the position, 
that the transactions surrounding AHGP’s initial public offering, together with all other common units sold within the 
prior twelve-month period, represented a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interest in our capital and profits 
interests.  Our termination for federal income tax purposes will result, among other things, in the closing of our taxable 
year  for  all  unitholders  and  could  result  in  a  deferral  of  depreciation  deductions  allowable  in  computing  our  taxable 
income for the year in which the termination occurs. The impact of this termination to our unitholders is reflected in the 
amount of taxable income we expect to be allocated to our unitholders as a result of an investment in our common units. 
Although the amount of increase cannot be estimated because it depends upon numerous factors including the timing of 
the  termination,  the  amount  could  be  material.  Our  termination  will  not  affect  our  classification  as  a  partnership  for 
federal income tax purposes, but instead, we will be treated as a new partnership for tax purposes. As a new partnership, 
we  must  make  new  tax  elections  and  could  be  subject  to  penalties  if  we  are  unable  to  substantiate  that  a  termination 
occurred. 

ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES  

Coal Reserves  

We  must  obtain  permits  from  applicable  state  regulatory  authorities  before  beginning  to  mine  particular  reserves. 
Applications for permits require extensive engineering and data analysis and presentation, and must address a variety of 
environmental, health, and safety matters associated with a proposed mining operation. These matters include the manner 
and sequencing of coal extraction, the storage, use and disposal of waste and other substances and other impacts on the 
environment,  the  construction  of  water  containment  areas,  and  reclamation  of  the  area  after  coal  extraction.  We  are 
required to post bonds to secure performance under our permits. As is typical in the coal industry, we strive to obtain 
mining  permits  within  a  time  frame  that  allows  us  to  mine  reserves  as  planned  on  an  uninterrupted  basis.  We  begin 
preparing  applications  for  permits  for  areas  that  we  intend  to  mine  sufficiently  in  advance  of  our  planned  mining 
activities to allow adequate time to complete the permitting process. Regulatory authorities have considerable discretion 
in the timing of permit issuance, and the public has rights to comment on and otherwise engage in the permitting process, 
including intervention in the courts. For more information on this permitting process, please read "Business—Regulation 
and Laws—Mining Permits and Approvals."  For the reserves set forth in the table below, we are not currently aware of 
matters which would significantly hinder our ability to obtain future mining permits on a timely basis.  

Our reported coal reserves are those we believe can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of 
the  filing  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  In  determining  whether  our  reserves  meet  this  economical  and  legal 
standard,  we  take  into  account,  among  other  things,  our  potential  ability  or  inability  to  obtain  a  mining  permit,  the 
possible necessity of revising a mining plan, changes in estimated future costs, changes in future cash flows caused by 
changes in mining permits, variations in quantity and quality of coal, and varying levels of demand and their effects on 
selling prices. 

At December 31, 2006, we had approximately 633.9 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 (as defined below).  For 
information on the locations of our mines, please read "Mining Operations" under "Item 1. Business." 

31

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth reserve information, at December 31, 2006, about each of our mining operations: 

Operations 

Mine Type 

Heat Content 
(Btus per pound) 

<1.2 

Proven and Probable Reserves 

Pounds S02 per MMbtu 
1.2-2.5 

>2 5 
(tons in millions) 

Reserve Assignment 

Total 

Assigned 

Unassigned 

Underground 
Underground 
Underground 
/ Surface 
Underground 
Underground 
Underground 
Underground 

12,300 
12,500 
12,000 

11,800 
11,700 
11,500 
11,600 

Underground 
Underground 

12,800 
12,800 

Underground 
Underground 
Underground 
Underground 

13,000 
13,000 
12,600 
12,500 

Illinois Basin Operations 

Dotiki (KY) 
Warrior (KY) 
Hopkins (KY) 

River View (KY) 
Pattiki (IL) 
Gibson (North) (IN) 
Gibson (South) (IN) 
Region Total 

Central Appalachian Operations 

Pontiki (KY) 
MC Mining (KY) 
Region Total 

Northern Appalachian Operations 

Mettiki (MD) 
Mountain View (WV) 
Tunnel Ridge (PA/WV) 
Penn Ridge (PA) 
Region Total 

Total 

% of Total 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

5.7 
18.9 
24 6 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
26.7 
18.6 
45.3 

11.0 
- 
11.0 

4.2 
6.9 
- 
- 
11.1 

86.7 
13.9 
55.7 
7 8 
110 0 
44.4 
5.1 
64.1 
387.7 

- 
1.8 
1.8 

10.2 
15.0 
70.5 
56.7 
152.4 

86.7 
13.9 
55.7 
7.8 
110.0 
44.4 
31.8 
82.7 
433.0 

16.7 
20.7 
37.4 

14.4 
21.9 
70.5 
56.7 
163.5 

86.7 
13.9 
35.5 
7.8 
110.0 
44.4 
31.8 
- 
330.1 

16.7 
20.7 
37.4 

14.4 
21.9 
70.5 
56.7 
163.5 

- 
- 
20.2 
- 
- 
- 
- 
82.7 
102.9 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

24 6 

67.4 

541.9 

633.9 

531.0 

102.9 

3.9% 

10.6% 

85.5% 

100.0% 

83.8% 

16.2% 

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.    Our  drill  spacing  criteria  adhere  to  standards  as  defined  by  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey.    The  maximum 
acceptable distance from seam data points varies with the geologic nature of the coal seam being studied, but generally 
the standard for (a) proven reserves is that points of observation are no greater than ½ mile apart and are projected to 
extend as a ¼ mile wide belt around each point of measurement and (b) probable reserves is that points of observation 
are between ½ and 1 ½ miles apart and are projected to extend as a ½ mile wide belt that lies ¼ mile from the points of 
measurement.  

Reserve  estimates  will  change  from  time  to  time  to  reflect  mining  activities,  additional  analysis,  new  engineering 
and geological data, acquisition or divestment of reserve holdings, modification of mining plans or mining methods, and 
other  factors.    Weir  International  Mining  Consultants  performed  an  overview  audit  of  our  reserves  and  calculation 
methods in October 2005. 

Reserves represent that part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced, and 
reflect estimated losses involved in producing a saleable product.  All of our reserves are steam coal, except for the coal 
being produced at the small contour strip operation at our Mettiki (MD) complex, which has metallurgical qualities.  The 
24.6 million tons of reserves listed as <1.2 pounds of SO2 per MMbtu are compliance coal. 

Assigned reserves are those reserves that have been designated for mining by a specific operation. 

Unassigned reserves are those reserves that have not yet been designated for mining by a specific operation. 

Btu values are reported on an as-shipped, fully washed basis. Shipments that are either fully or partially raw will 

have a lower Btu value. 

We control certain leases for coal deposits that are near, but not contiguous to, our primary reserve bases. The tons 
controlled by these leases are classified as non-reserve coal deposits and are not included in our reported reserves. These 
non-reserve coal deposits are as follows: Dotiki – 22.6 million tons, Pattiki – 4.8 million tons, Hopkins County Coal – 

32

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.8 million tons, River View – 20.9 million tons, Gibson (North) –0.9 million tons, Gibson (South) – 11.1 million tons, 
Warrior – 9.1 million tons, Tunnel Ridge – 7.0 million tons, Penn Ridge – 3.4 million tons and Pontiki – 0.2 million tons. 

We lease most of our reserves and generally have the right to maintain leases in force until the exhaustion of the 
mineable and merchantable leased coal or for so long as we are conducting mining operations in a larger defined 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. 

The following table sets forth production data about each of our mining operations: 

Operations 

Location 

Illinois Basin Operations 

Dotiki 
Warrior 
Hopkins 
Pattiki 
Gibson (North) 

Region Total 

Central Appalachian Operations 

Pontiki 
MC Mining 

Region Total 

Northern Appalachian Operations 

Mettiki 
Mountain View 

Region Total 

TOTAL 

Kentucky 
Kentucky 
Kentucky 
Illinois 
Indiana 

Kentucky 
Kentucky 

Maryland 
West Virginia 

2006 

Tons Produced 
2005 
(tons in millions) 

2004 

Transportation 

Equipment 

4.7 
4.5 
1.6 
2.5 
3.6 
16.9 

1.6 
1.9 
3.5 

2.8 
0.5 
3.3 
23.7 

4.7 
4.1 
0.9 
2.6 
3.4 
15.7 

1.7 
1.6 
3.3 

3.3 
- 
3.3 
22.3 

4.8  CSX, PAL, truck, barge 
3.1  CSX, PAL, truck 
0.2  CSX, PAL, truck 
2.5  CSX, barge 
3.0  Truck, barge 
13.6 

CM 
CM 
AU, DL, CM 
CM 
CM 

1.7  NS, truck 
1.9  CSX, truck 
3.6 

3.2  Truck, CSX 
Truck, CSX 
- 
3.2 
20.4 

CM 
CM 

LW, CM, CS 
LW, CM 

- Norfolk Southern Railroad  

CSX  - CSX Railroad 
NS 
PAL  - Paducah & Louisville Railroad 
AU 
CM 
CS 
DL 
LW 

- Auger 
- Continuous Miner 
- Contour Strip  
- Dragline with Stripping Shovel, Front End Loaders and Dozers 
- Longwall 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

We  are  subject  to  various  types  of  litigation  in  the  ordinary  course  of  our  business.  We  are  not  engaged  in  any 
litigation that we believe is material to our operations, including without limitation, any litigation relating to our long-
term coal supply contracts (e.g., relating to, among other things, coal quality, quantity, pricing and the existence of force 
majeure conditions) or under the various environmental protection statutes to which we are subject.  However, we cannot 
assure you that disputes or litigation will not arise or that we will be able to resolve any such future disputes or litigation 
in a satisfactory manner. The information under "General Litigation" and "Other" in "Item 8. Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data. – Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies" is incorporated herein by this reference. 

On April 24, 2006, we were served with a complaint from Mr. Ned Comer, et al., who we refer to as the plaintiffs, 
alleging that approximately 40 oil and coal companies, including us, which we refer to as the defendants, are liable to the 
plaintiffs for tortiously causing damage to plaintiffs' property in Mississippi.  The plaintiffs allege that the defendants' 
greenhouse gas emissions caused global warming and resulted in the increase in the destructive capacity of Hurricane 
Katrina.    We  believe  this  complaint  is  without  merit  and  we  do  not  believe  that  an  adverse  decision  in  this  litigation 
matter, if any, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations. 

33

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On June 15, 2006, Mettiki (MD) was issued a Notice of Violation by MDE for alleged exceedances of permitted 
sulfur dioxide emissions.  These alleged exceedances occurred between May 23, 2006 and June 12, 2006, at the Mettiki 
(MD)  Thermal  Coal  Dryer  associated with  the  longwall  mining  operation,  located  in Garrett  County,  Maryland.   This 
self-reported violation was promptly corrected and Mettiki (MD) demonstrated to the satisfaction of MDE that it is in 
compliance with MDE regulations.  Under applicable Maryland law, civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day of violation 
may be assessed.  Mettiki (MD) is currently in negotiations with MDE to resolve this matter and, while the final penalty 
amount  may  exceed  $100,000,  we  do  not  expect  the  final  assessment  to  have  a  material  impact  on  our  operations  or 
financial condition. 

ITEM 4. 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS  

None.  

34

  
 
 
 
 
PART II 

ITEM 5. 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER 
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

The common units representing limited partners' interests are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under 
the symbol "ARLP". The common units began trading on August 20, 1999. On February 28, 2007, the closing market 
price  for  the  common  units  was  $34.70  per  unit.    As  of  February  28,  2007,  there  were  36,550,659  common  units 
outstanding.  There were approximately 22,506 record holders and beneficial owners (held in street name) of common 
units at December 31, 2006. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  range  of  high  and  low  sales  prices  per  common  unit  and  the  amount  of  cash 

distributions declared and paid with respect to the units, for the two most recent fiscal years: 

1st Quarter 2005 

2nd Quarter 2005 

3rd Quarter 2005 

4th Quarter 2005 

1st Quarter 2006 

2nd Quarter 2006 

3rd Quarter 2006 

4th Quarter 2006 

High 

$40.495 

$38.300 

$48.410 

$46.600 

$40.700 

$43.790 

$39.000 

$37.450 

Low 

Distributions Per Unit 

$30.100 

$27.750 

$35.550 

$35.450 

$33.680 

$34.000 

$33.840 

$33.590 

$0.3750 (paid May 13, 2005) 

$0.4125 (paid August 12, 2005) 

$0.4125 (paid November 14, 2005) 

$0.4600 (paid February 14, 2006) 

$0.4600 (paid May 15, 2006) 

$0.5000 (paid August 14, 2006) 

$0.5000 (paid November 14, 2006) 

$0.5400 (paid February 14, 2007) 

We will distribute to our partners, on a quarterly basis, all of our available cash.  "Available cash", as defined in our 
partnership  agreement,  generally  means,  with  respect  to  any  quarter,  all  cash  on hand at  the  end of  each  quarter, plus 
working capital borrowings after the end of the quarter, less cash reserves in the amount necessary or appropriate in the 
reasonable discretion of our managing general partner to (a) provide for the proper conduct of our business, (b) comply 
with applicable law of any debt instrument or other agreement of ours or any of its affiliates, and (c) provide funds for 
distributions  to  unitholders  and  the  general  partners  for  any  one  or  more  of  the  next  four  quarters.    If  quarterly 
distributions of available cash exceed the minimum quarterly distribution (MQD) and certain target distribution levels as 
established  in  our  partnership  agreement,  our  managing  general  partner  will  receive  distributions  based  on  specified 
increasing  percentages  of  the  available  cash  that  exceed  the  MQD  and  the  target  distribution  levels.    Our  partnership 
agreement defines the MQD as $0.25 for each full fiscal quarter.  

Under the quarterly incentive distribution provisions of the partnership agreement, our managing general partner is 
entitled  to  receive  15%  of  the  amount  we  distribute  in  excess of $0.275  per  unit,  25%  of  the  amount we  distribute  in 
excess of $0.3125 per unit, and 50% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.375 per unit. 

Equity Compensation Plans 

The information relating to our equity compensation plans required by Item 5 is incorporated by reference to such 
information  as  set  forth  in  "Item  12.  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management"  contained 
herein. 

35

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  

Our historical financial data below were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the 
years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.  We acquired Warrior from ARH Warrior Holdings, Inc. 
(ARH Warrior Holdings), a subsidiary of ARH, in February 2003.  Because the Warrior acquisition was between entities 
under  common  control,  it  is  accounted for at historical  cost  in  a  manner  similar  to  that  used  in  a  pooling  of  interests.  
Accordingly, the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002, have been restated to reflect the 
combined historical results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of the ARLP Partnership and Warrior.  ARH 
Warrior Holdings acquired the assets that comprise Warrior on January 26, 2001. 

(in millions, except per unit and per ton data) 

Statements of Income: 
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 
Net gain from insurance settlement (1) 

Total expenses 

Income from operations 
        Interest expense (net of interest capitalized) 
        Interest income 
       Other income  
Income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting 

change and minority interest 

Income tax expense (benefit) 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change and 

minority interest 

Cumulative effect of accounting change (2) 
Minority interest 

Net income 

General Partners' interest in net income 

Limited Partners' interest in net income 

Basic net income per limited partner unit 
Basic net income per limited partner unit 

before accounting change 

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 (deficit) 
Total assets 
Long-term obligations (3) 
Total liabilities 
Partners' capital (deficit) 
Other Operating Data: 
Tons sold 
Tons produced 
Revenues per ton sold (4) 
Cost per ton sold (5) 
Other Financial Data: 
Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net cash used in investing activities 
Net cash used in financing activities 
EBITDA (6) 
Maintenance capital expenditures (7) 

2006 

2005 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003 

2002 

$         895 8 
39 9 
31 9 
967 6 

$         768 9 
39 1 
30 7 
838 7 

$         599 4 
29 8 
24 1 
653 3 

$         501 6 
19 5 
21 6 
542 7 

$         479 5 
19 0 
20 4 
518 9 

627 8 
39 9 
19 2 
30 9 
66 5 
- 
784 3 
183 3 
(12 2) 
3 0 
0 9 

175 0 
2 4 

172 6 
0 1 
0 2 
$           172 9 

$             24 6 

$           148 3 

$             3 06 

$             3 06 

$             3 03 

36,425,350 

36,810,383 

$            37 4 
635 0 
127 5 
386 5 
248 5 

24 4 
23 7 
$           38 02 
$           27 78 

$           250 9 
(137 7) 
(108 5) 
250 7 
67 8 

521 5 
39 1 
15 1 
33 5 
55 6 
- 
664 8 
173 9 
(14 6) 
2 8 
0 6 

162 7 
2 7 

160 0 
- 
- 

$           160 0 

$             12 4 

$           147 6 

$             2 89 

$             2 89 

$             2 84 

36,288,527 

36,977,061 

$             76 1 
532 7 
144 0 
376 9 
155 8 

22 8 
22 3 
$           35 07 
$           25 00 

$           193 6 
(110 2) 
(82 6) 
230 1 
56 7 

436 4 
29 8 
9 9 
45 4 
53 7 
(15 2) 
560 0 
93 3 
(15 8) 
0 8 
1 0 

79 3 
2 7 

76 6 
- 
- 

$             76 6 

$               3 3 

$             73 3 

$             1 76 

$             1 76 

$             1 71 

35,881,896 

36,874,336 

$            54 2 
412 8 
162 0 
357 6 
55 2 

20 8 
20 4 
$           29 98 
$           23 64 

$           145 1 
(77 6) 
(46 4) 
147 9 
31 6 

368 8 
19 5 
8 5 
28 3 
52 5 
- 
477 6 
65 1 
(16 3) 
0 3 
1 4 

50 5 
2 6 

47 9 
- 
- 

$             47 9 

$               0 3 

$             47 6 

$             1 30 

$             1 30 

$             1 26 

35,161,468 

36,325,678 

$            16 4 
336 5 
180 0 
323 9 
12 6 

19 5 
19 2 
$           26 83 
$           20 80 

$           110 3 
(77 8) 
(31 3) 
119 0 
30 0 

367 5 
19 0 
10 1 
20 3 
52 4 
- 
469 3 
49 6 
(16 6) 
0 2 
0 5 

33 7 
(1 1) 

34 8 
- 
- 

$             34 8 

$              (0 8) 

$             35 6 

$             1 14 

$             1 14 

$             1 11 

30,810,622 

31,685,416 

$           (15 8) 
316 9 
195 0 
355 7 
(38 8) 

18 4 
18 0 
$           27 17 
$           21 63 

$           101 3 
(56 9) 
(46 4) 
102 5 
29 0 

(1)  Represents the net gain from the final settlement with our insurance underwriters for claims relating to the Dotiki 
Mine Fire Incident.  Please see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations – Dotiki Mine Fire" for a description of the accounting treatment of expenses and insurance proceeds 
associated with the Dotiki Fire Incident. 

(2)  Represents  the  cumulative  effect  of  the  accounting  change  attributable  to  the  adoption  of  Statement  of  Financial 

Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, Share-Based Payments, on January 1, 2006. 

36

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)  Long-term obligations include long-term portions of debt and capital lease obligations. 

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

sold. 

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

expenses divided by tons sold. 

(6)  EBITDA  is  defined  as  income  before  income  taxes,  cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change,  minority  interest, 
interest income, interest expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization.  EBITDA is used as a supplemental 
financial  measure  by  our  management  and  by  external  users  of  our  financial  statements  such  as  investors, 
commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost 
basis; 

the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and support our indebtedness; 

our operating performance and return on investment as compared to those of other companies in the coal energy 
sector, without regard to financing or capital structures; and 

the  viability  of  acquisitions  and  capital  expenditure  projects  and  the  overall  rates  of  return  on  alternative 
investment opportunities. 

EBITDA  should  not  be  considered  as  an  alternative  to  net  income,  income  from  operations,  cash  flows  from 
operating  activities  or  any  other  measure  of  financial  performance  presented  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted 
accounting  principles.    EBITDA  is  not  intended  to  represent  cash  flow  and  does  not  represent  the  measure  of  cash 
available  for  distribution.    Our  method  of  computing  EBITDA  may  not  be  the  same  method  used  to  compute  similar 
measures reported by other companies, or EBITDA may be computed differently by us in different contexts (i.e. public 
reporting versus computation under financing agreements). 

The following table presents a reconciliation of (a) GAAP "Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities" to a non-

GAAP EBITDA and (b) non-GAAP EBITDA to GAAP net income (in thousands): 

Cash flows provided by operating activities 
Long-term incentive plan 
Reclamation and mine closing 
Coal inventory adjustment to market 
Net gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Loss on retirement of damaged vertical belt equipment 
Other 
Net effect of working capital changes 
Interest expense, net 
Income taxes 
EBITDA 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 
Interest expense, net 
Income taxes 
Cumulative effect of accounting change 
Minority interest 
Net income 

2006 

$     250,923 
(4,112) 
(2,101) 
(319) 
1,188 
- 
(1,119) 
(5,317) 
9,175 
2,443 
250,761 
(66,489) 
(9,175) 
(2,443) 
112 
161 
$     172,927 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2005 

2003 

$     193,618 
(8,193) 
(1,918) 
(573) 
(179) 
(1,298) 
(580) 
34,770 
11,816 
2,682 
230,145 
(55,637) 
(11,816) 
(2,682) 
- 
- 
$     160,010 

$     145,055 
(20,320) 
(1,622) 
(488) 
332 
- 
(587) 
7,915 
14,963 
2,641 
147,889 
(53,664) 
(14,963) 
(2,641) 
- 
- 
$       76,621 

$     110,312 
(7,687) 
(1,341) 
(687) 
885 
- 
(532) 
(553) 
15,981 
2,577 
118,955 
(52,495) 
(15,981) 
(2,577) 
- 
- 
$       47,902 

2002 

$     101,306 
(2,338) 
(1,365) 
(48) 
41 
- 
973 
(11,376) 
16,360 
(1,094) 
102,459 
(52,408) 
(16,360) 
1,094 
- 
- 
$       34,785 

(7)  Our  maintenance  capital  expenditures,  as  defined  under  the  terms  of  our  partnership  agreement,  are  those  capital 
expenditures  required  to  maintain,  over  the  long-term,  the  operating  capacity  of  our  capital  assets.    Maintenance 
capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2002 have not been restated to include Warrior. 

37

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7.  

General  

MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations 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,  please  see  "Item  8. 
Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data.  -  Note  1.  Organization  and  Presentation  and  Note  2.  Summary  of 
Significant Accounting Policies." 

Executive Overview 

We are a diversified producer and marketer of steam coal to major U.S. utilities and industrial users. In 2006, our 
total  production  was  23.7  million  tons  and  our  total  sales  were  24.4  million  tons.  The  coal  we  produced  in  2006  was 
approximately  30.0%  low-sulfur  coal, 13.9%  medium-sulfur  coal  and 56.1%  high-sulfur  coal.   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%. 

At December 31, 2006, we had approximately 633.9 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in Illinois, 
Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We believe we control adequate reserves to implement 
our currently contemplated mining plans.  Three of our mining complexes supplied coal feedstock and provided services 
to third-party coal synfuel facilities located at or near these complexes.  We also operated a coal loading terminal on the 
Ohio River at Mt. Vernon, Indiana. 

One of our business strategies is continuing 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  are  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.   

In  2006,  approximately  88.6%  of  our  sales  tonnage  was  consumed  by  electric  utilities  (or  coal  synfuel  facilities 
whose ultimate customers are electric utilities) with the balance consumed by cogeneration plants and industrial users. In 
2006, approximately 91.7% of our sales tonnage, including approximately 88.8% of our medium- and high-sulfur coal 
sales tonnage, was sold under long-term contracts.  The balance of our sales was made in the spot market. Our long-term 
contracts contribute to our stability and profitability by providing greater predictability of sales volumes and sales prices. 
In  2006,  approximately  96.1%  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.  

In  2006,  we  reported  record  net  income  of  $172.9  million,  an  increase  of  8.1%  over  2005  net  income  of  $160.0 
million.  These results were primarily attributable to expanded production capacity and higher average coal sales prices, 
which benefits were partially offset by increased operating expenses described below.   

We are currently anticipating coal production for 2007 to increase approximately 6.0% over 2006 production levels 
to  a  range  of  24.7  to  25.2  million  tons.  Despite  the  current  weakness  in  spot  market  prices  for  coal,  we  expect  our 
average coal sales price per ton to increase modestly in 2007, by approximately 4.0% - 5.0% over our 2006 average coal 
sales price per ton, due to recent re-pricing of several lower priced long-term coal sales contracts at higher market prices. 
Based on these anticipated increases in coal production and coal sales prices, we are currently estimating 2007 revenues 
to increase approximately 8.0% over 2006 revenues to a range of $985.0 to $1,015.0 million, excluding transportation 
revenues.  Total coal sales volume open to market pricing includes approximately 3.2 million tons in 2007, 13.1 million 
tons in 2008 and 20.8 million tons in 2009.   

38

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Analysis of Historical Results of Operations  

2006 Compared with 2005 

December 31, 

December 31, 

2006 

2005 

2006 

2005 

(in thousands) 

(per ton sold) 

Tons sold 
Tons produced 
Coal Sales 
Operating Expenses and Outside Purchases 

24,351 
23,738 
$    895,823 
$    646,969 

22,849 
22,290 
$    768,958 
$    536,601 

N/A 
N/A 
$       36.79 
$       26.57 

N/A 
N/A 
$       33.65 
$       23.48 

Coal sales.  Coal sales increased 16.5% to $895.8 million for 2006 from $769.0 million for 2005.  The increase of 
$126.8  million  reflected  increased  sales  volumes  (contributing  $50.5  million  of  the  increase)  and  higher  average  coal 
sales prices (contributing $76.3 million of the increase).  Tons sold increased 6.6%, or 1.5 million tons, to 24.4 million 
tons for 2006 from 22.8 million tons in 2005, as a result of increased tons produced.  Tons produced increased 6.5% to 
23.7 million tons for 2006 from 22.3 million tons in 2005, which primarily reflects the impact of production capacity 
expansion  capital  investments  and  increased  third-party  purchased  coal  volume.    Average  coal  sales  prices  increased 
9.3%,  or  $3.14  per  ton  sold  in  2006  as  compared  to  2005,  primarily  attributable  to  higher  pricing  on  long-term  sales 
contracts, higher coal quality shipments and the 2006 coal spot market demand. 

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased 20.4% to $627.8 million in 2006 from $521.5 million in 2005.  
The increase of $106.3 million primarily resulted from increased operating expenses associated with additional coal sales 
of 1.5 million tons, including the following specific factors:  

•  Labor  and  benefit  costs  increased  $38.5  million  reflecting  increased  headcount,  primarily  in  response  to 
expanding  production  capacity,  pay  rate  increases,  adverse  workers  compensation  claims  developments  and 
escalating health care costs; 

•  Materials,  supplies  and  maintenance  costs  increased  $39.1  million  and  $8.6  million,  respectively,  reflecting 
increased production and industry-wide increased costs for the products and services used in the mining process 
(particularly consumables such as copper, steel and power); 

•  Contract  mining  costs  increased  $3.9  million,  primarily  reflecting  increased  production  volume  at  two  small 

third-party mining operations at Mettiki (MD); 

•  Production  taxes  and  royalties  (which  were  incurred  as  a  percentage  of  coal  sales  or  directly  correlated  to 

volume) increased $6.8 million; 

•  Property insurance costs increased $3.8 million; 

• 

Increased  expenses  of  $13.4  million  in  2006  were  associated  with  the  purchase  of  tons  under  the  settlement 
agreement  we  entered  into  with  ICG,  LLC  (ICG)  in  November  2005.    Consistent  with  the  guidance  in  the 
Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board’s  (FASB)  Emerging  Issues  Task  Force  (EITF)  Issue  No.  04-13, 
Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty, Pontiki’s sale of coal to ICG and 
our  purchase  of  coal  from  ICG  are  combined.    Therefore,  the  excess  of  our  purchase  price  from  ICG  over 
Pontiki’s  sales  price  to  ICG  is  reported  as  an  operating  expense  in  Other  and  Corporate  Segment  Adjusted 
EBITDA.    For  more  information  about  the  ICG  settlement  agreement,  please  read  "Other"  under  "Item  8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies"; and 

•  The 2006 operating expenses were decreased by $9.0 million more than the decrease in 2005, reflecting greater 
costs incurred and capitalized in the mine development process offset by revenues received for coal produced 
incidental with the mine development process.  See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Mine 
Development  Costs  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  included  in  "Item  8,  Financial  Statements  and 
Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

39

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other  sales  and  operating  revenues.    Other  sales  and  operating  revenues  are  principally  comprised  of  rental  and 
service fees from coal synfuel production facilities, Mt. Vernon transloading revenues and administrative service revenue 
from affiliates.  Other sales and operating revenues increased 3.8% to $31.9 million in 2006 from $30.7 million in 2005. 
The increase of $1.2 million was primarily attributable to $0.9 million of administrative service revenues associated with 
the  administrative  service  agreement  with  affiliates  executed  in  2006  and  $0.7  million  of  additional  transloading 
revenues attributable to increased transloading volumes at Mt. Vernon. These increases were partially offset by decreases 
in service fees from coal synfuel production facilities. 

Outside purchases.  Outside purchases increased $4.1 million to $19.2 million in 2006 from $15.1 million in 2005.  
The increase was principally attributable to coal supply agreements with third-party suppliers in the Central and Northern 
Appalachian operations ($3.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively), primarily to supplement production capacity during 
periods  of  mine  transition  and  development,  offset  by  reduced  coal  purchases  in  the  Illinois  Basin  operations  ($3.7 
million). 

General and administrative.  General and administrative expenses for 2006 decreased to $30.9 million compared to 
$33.5 million for 2005.  The decrease of $2.6 million was primarily related to lower unit-based incentive compensation 
expense  associated  with  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  (LTIP)  in  addition  to  the  Short-Term  Incentive  Plan  (STIP).  
Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123R, effective January 1, 2006, using the "modified prospective" transition method, 
our LTIP expense was impacted by period-to-period changes in our common unit price. 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.   Depreciation, depletion  and amortization  increased  to $66.5  million  in 
2006  compared  to  $55.6  million  in  2005.    The  increase  of  $10.9  million  was  primarily  attributable  to  additional 
depreciation  expense  associated  with  increased  capital  expenditures  incurred  in  certain  production  capacity  expansion 
projects and infrastructure investments, including development of the Elk Creek mine at Hopkins County Coal, Pontiki’s 
development of the Van Lear seam and the transition to the Albridge Branch area of the Pond Creek seam. 

Interest expense.  Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased to $12.2 million in 2006 from $14.6 million 
in 2005.  The decrease of $2.4 million was principally attributable to the increased capitalization of interest expense in 
2006  compared  to  2005  related  to  capital  projects  and  mine  development  costs,  along  with  reduced  interest  expense 
associated  with  the  August 2006  and  2005  scheduled  principal  payments  of $18.0  million,  respectively,  on our  senior 
notes.  We had no borrowings under the credit facility during 2006 or 2005. 

Interest Income.  Interest income of $3.0 million for 2006 was comparable with $2.8 million for 2005. 

Transportation revenues and expenses.  Transportation revenues and expenses increased 2.1% to $39.9 million in 
2006  from  $39.1  million  for  2005.    The  increase  of  $0.8  million  was  primarily  attributable  to  increased  shipments  to 
customers  that  reimburse  us  for  transportation  costs  rather  than  arranging  and  paying  for  transportation  directly  with 
transportation providers.  Transportation services are a pass-through to our customers.  Consequently, we do not realize 
any margin on transportation revenues. 

Income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change and minority interest.  Income before income 
taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change and minority interest increased 7.6% to $175.1 million for 2006 compared 
to $162.7 million for 2005.  The increase was primarily attributable to increased sales volumes as a result of expanded 
production capacity, higher average coal sales prices and reduced general and administrative expenses, partially offset by 
higher operating expenses.  

Income tax expense.  Income tax expense decreased to $2.4 million for 2006 from $2.7 million for 2005, resulting 

from decreased volumes at the third-party coal synfuel facilities.   

Cumulative effect of accounting change.  The cumulative effect of accounting change $0.1 million was attributable 

to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006. 

Minority  interest.    In  March  2006,  White  County  Coal  and  Alexander  J.  House  (House)  entered  into  a  limited 
liability company agreement to form MAC.  MAC was formed to engage in the development and operation of a rock 
dust mill and to manufacture and sell rock dust.  

40

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
White County Coal initially invested $1.0 million in exchange for a 50% equity interest in MAC.  We consolidate 
MAC’s  financial  results  in  accordance  with  FASB  Interpretation  (FIN)  No.  46R,  Consolidation  of  Variable  Interest 
Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.  Based on the guidance in FIN No. 46R, we concluded that MAC is a variable 
interest entity and that we are the primary beneficiary.  House’s portion of MAC’s net loss was $161,000 for 2006 and is 
recorded as minority interest on our consolidated income statement. 

Segment  Information.    Please  read  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data—Note  21.  Segment 
Information" for more information concerning our reportable segments.  Our 2006 Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 
$18.0 million, or 6.8%, to $281.6 million from 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $263.6 million.  Segment Adjusted 
EBITDA, tons sold, coal sales, other sales and operating revenues and Adjusted Segment EBITDA Expense by segment 
are as follows (in thousands): 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (1) 

Year Ended December 31, 

2006 

2005 

Increase (Decrease) 

$      206,209 
40,050 
29,911 
5,475 
$      281,645 

$      183,075 
41,583 
36,047 
2,924 
$      263,629 

$        23,134 
(1,533) 
(6,136) 
2,551 
$        18,016 

12.6% 
(3.7)% 
(17.0)% 
87.2% 
6.8% 

Tons sold 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 
Total tons sold 

Coal sales 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 
Total coal sales 

Other sales and operating revenues 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total other sales and operating revenues 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (2) 

17,354 
3,552 
3,423 
22 
24,351 

16,264 
3,249 
3,330 
6 
22,849 

1,090 
303 
93 
16 
1,502 

$      587,087 
182,922 
106,628 
19,186 
$      895,823 

$      504,916 
153,615 
106,997 
3,430 
$      768,958 

$        82,171 
29,307 
(369) 
15,756 
$      126,865 

$        24,168 
304 
2,010 
5,373 
$        31,855 

$        24,493 
282 
2,163 
3,753 
$        30,691 

$           (325) 
22 
(153) 
1,620 
$         1,164 

$      405,045 
143,176 
78,727 
19,085 
$      646,033 

$      346,335 
112,313 
73,112 
4,260 
$      536,020  

$        58,710 
30,863 
5,615 
14,825 
 $      110,013 

6.7% 
9.3% 
2.8% 
(3) 
6.6% 

16.3% 
19.1% 
(0.3)% 
(3) 
16.5% 

(1.3)% 
7.8% 
(7.1)% 
43.2% 
3.8% 

17.0% 
27.5% 
7.7% 
(3) 
20.5% 

(1)  Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change, 
minority  interest,  interest  income,  interest  expense,  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization,  and  general  and 
administrative expense.  Adjusted Segment EBITDA is reconciled to net income below. 

(2)  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA Expense  includes operating expenses, outside purchases and other  income.    Pass 

through transportation expenses are excluded. 

41

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)  Percentage increase was significantly greater than 100%. 

Illinois  Basin  –  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  for  2006  (as  defined  in  reference  (1)  to  the  table  above)  increased 
12.6%, to $206.2 million from 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $183.1 million.  The increase of $23.1 million was 
primarily attributable to increased coal sales which rose by $82.2 million, or 16.3%, to $587.1 million during 2006 as 
compared to $504.9 million in 2005.  Increased coal sales in 2006 reflected higher average coal sales price per ton which 
increased $2.78 per ton to $33.83 per ton (contributing $48.2 million of the increase in coal sales) and increased tons 
sold of 1.1 million tons (contributing $34.0 million of the increase in coal sales).  The price increase was the combined 
result of improved market demand and higher quality coal shipments.  Other sales and operating revenues decreased $0.3 
million, primarily due to a decrease in rent and service fees associated with decreased synfuel volumes at our third-party 
coal  synfuel  facilities.    Total  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  Expense  in  2006  increased  17.0%  to  $405.0  million  from 
$346.3 million in 2005.  On a per ton sold basis, 2006 Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense rose to $23.34 per ton or 
9.6% over the 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense of $21.30 per ton.  The increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA 
Expense in 2006 compared to 2005 reflected the impact of cost increases described above under consolidated operating 
expenses.    The  Illinois  Basin  costs  have  been  negatively  impacted  primarily  by  increased  labor  costs  as  certain 
operations  expanded  capacity  potential,  higher  costs  of  roof  control  resulting  from  pricing,  mining  conditions,  more 
aggressive regulatory requirements, and increased equipment maintenance costs, among others.  Additionally, the Illinois 
Basin costs increased due to the continued ramp-up to full production capacity at the Elk Creek mine, which emerged 
from development in the second quarter of 2006, as well as certain periods of adverse mining conditions encountered at 
the Pattiki mine.   

Central Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2006 (as defined in reference (1) to the table above) decreased 
$1.5 million, or 3.7%, to $40.1 million as compared to 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $41.6 million.  The decrease 
was  primarily  attributable  to  higher  operating  expenses,  partially  offset  by  increased  coal  sales  of  $29.3  million, 
reflecting higher average coal sales price per ton of $51.49 in 2006, which increased $4.22 per ton (contributing $15.0 
million of the increase in coal sales), and increased tons sold in 2006 of 303,000 tons (which contributed $14.3 million of 
the increase in coal sales).  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense in 2006 increased 27.5% to $143.2 million from $112.3 
million in 2005.  On a per ton basis, 2006 Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense rose by $5.74, or 16.6%, to $40.30 per 
ton  reflecting  the  impact  of  the  cost  increases  described  above  under  consolidated  operating  expenses  and  outside 
purchases, as well as the net impact of insurance recovery benefits of $10.7 million reported in 2005 related to the MC 
Mining  Fire  Incident.    The  Central  Appalachian  operations  have  been  negatively  impacted  by  increased  labor  and 
workers  compensation  costs,  higher  volumes  of  purchased  coal,  higher  costs  of  roof  control  resulting  from  pricing, 
mining  conditions,  more  aggressive  regulatory  requirements,  increased  equipment  maintenance  costs  and  increased 
property insurance costs.  Additionally, the increased costs of the Central Appalachian operations reflect the continuing 
ramp-up  of  production  in  Pontiki’s  Van  Lear  seam  and  the  transition  to  the  Albridge  Branch  area  of  the  Pond  Creek 
seam.  

Northern  Appalachia  –  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  for  2006  (as  defined  in  reference  (1)  to  the  table  above) 
decreased $6.1 million, or 17.0%, to $29.9 million as compared to 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $36.0 million. 
This decrease is the combined result of a 3.0%, or $0.98 per sold ton decrease in coal sales price per ton from $32.13 per 
sold ton in 2005 to $31.15 per sold ton in 2006, and a 4.8% or $1.05 per sold ton increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA 
Expense from $21.95 per sold ton in 2005 to $23.00 per sold ton in 2006.  The lower average sales price was primarily 
attributable to a decrease in spot market demand and price and fewer tons sold in higher priced export markets during 
2006.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2006 increased 7.7% to $78.7 million as compared to $73.1 million in 
2005, primarily as a result of increased purchased coal volume, higher environmental costs, increased roof control costs 
resulting from pricing, an increased ratio of panel development mining as compared to longwall mining, increased coal 
transportation  expense  associated  with  the  transition  from  the  Maryland  longwall  operation  to  the  Mountain  View 
longwall operation, higher West Virginia severance taxes and the loss of certain Maryland state tax benefits.   

Other and Corporate- The increase in coal sales and Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense primarily reflects the coal 
sales  and  operating  expenses  attributable  to  the  brokerage  coal  purchases  and  coal  sales  associated  with  the  ICG 
settlement agreement referred to above under consolidated operating expenses. 

42

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2006 
2005 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA 

$       281,645 

$       263,629 

General & administrative 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 
Interest expense, net 
Income taxes 
Cumulative effect of accounting change 
Minority interest 
Net income 

(30,884) 
(66,489) 
(9,175) 
(2,443) 
112 
161 
$       172,927 

(33,484) 
(55,637) 
(11,816) 
(2,682) 
- 
- 
$       160,010 

2005 Compared with 2004 

December 31, 

December 31, 

2005 

2004 

2005 

2004 

(in thousands) 

(per ton sold) 

Tons sold 
Tons produced 
Coal Sales 
Operating Expenses and Outside Purchases 

22,849 
22,290 
$    768,958 
$    536,601 

20,823 
20,377 
$    599,399 
$    446,384 

N/A 
N/A 
$       33.65 
$       23.48 

N/A 
N/A 
$       28.79 
$       21.44 

Coal sales.  Coal sales increased 28.3% to $769.0 million for 2005 from $599.4 million for 2004.  The increase of 
$169.6 million reflects increased sales volumes (contributing $58.3 million of the increase) and higher coal sales prices 
(contributing $111.3 million of the increase).  Tons sold increased 9.7% to 22.8 million tons for 2005 from 20.8 million 
tons in 2004, primarily reflecting an increase in tons produced.  Tons produced increased 9.4% to 22.3 million tons for 
2005 from 20.4 million tons in 2004.   

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased 19.5% to $521.5 million in 2005 from $436.5 million in 2004.  
The increase of $85.0 million primarily resulted from an increase in operating expenses associated with additional coal 
sales of 2.0 million tons, including the following specific factors:  

•  Labor  and  benefit  costs  increased  $27.3  million  reflecting  increased  headcount,  pay  rate  increases  and 

escalating health care costs; 

•  Material and supplies, and maintenance costs increased $32.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively, reflecting 

increased production and increased costs for the products and services used in the mining process; 

•  Contract mining costs increased $7.5 million reflecting the addition of two small third-party mining operations 

at Mettiki (MD); 

•  Production taxes and royalties (which was incurred as a percentage of coal sales or volumes) increased $14.1 

million; 

•  Coal supply agreement buy-out expense decreased $2.1 million;  

•  The  impact  of  $2.9  million  of  expenses  related  to  the  Pattiki  Vertical  Belt  Incident  along  with  expenses 

associated with the MC Mining Fire Incident, both of which incidents are described below; and 

•  Operating expenses were reduced by $4.9 million, reflecting the net of additional operating expenses incurred 
and capitalized in the mine development process offset by revenues received for coal produced incidental with 
the mine development process. 

43

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses in 2004 include a $3.5 million buy-out expense of several coal contracts that allowed us to take 
advantage of higher spot coal prices in 2005 and out-of-pocket expenses related to the Dotiki Fire that were not offset by 
proceeds from the final settlement with our insurance underwriters.  Please read "—Dotiki Fire Incident" below. 

Other  sales  and  operating  revenues.    Other  sales  and  operating  revenues  are  principally  comprised  of  rental  and 
service  fees  from  coal  synfuel  production  facilities  and  Mt.  Vernon  transloading  revenues.    Other  sales  and  operating 
revenues  increased  27.5%  to  $30.7  million  in  2005  from  $24.1  million  in  2004.  The  increase  of  $6.6  million  was 
primarily attributable to $4.5 million of additional rent and service fees associated with a new third-party coal synfuel 
facility  at  Gibson,  which  began producing  synfuel  in  May  2005, $0.4 million  of  rent  and  service  fees  associated  with 
increased volumes at the third-party coal synfuel facility at Warrior and $1.1 million of additional transloading revenues 
attributable to increased transloading volumes at the Mt. Vernon. 

Outside purchases.  Outside purchases increased $5.2 million to $15.1 million in 2005 from $9.9 million in 2004.  
The  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to  a  coal  supply  arrangement  with  a  third-party  supplier,  in  the  Illinois  Basin 
($8.3  million) which  also  contributed  to  additional  coal  sales  volumes  at  our Illinois Basin  operations  offset  by  lower 
outside purchases in Central Appalachia ($3.4 million). 

General and administrative.  General and administrative expenses for 2005 decreased to $33.5 million compared to 
$45.4  million  for  2004.    The  decrease  of  $11.9  million  resulted  from  lower  incentive  compensation  expense  of  $12.1 
million  related  to  the  LTIP.    The  lower  incentive  compensation  expense  for  the  LTIP  is  primarily  attributable  to  a 
reduction in the number of restricted units outstanding due to the vesting in November 2005 and 2004 of the LTIP, units 
for grant years 2003 and 2000 to 2002, respectively, combined with a lower incremental change in the market value of 
our common units from 2004 to 2005 than from 2003 to 2004.  The reduction in incentive compensation expense was 
partially offset by increased salaries and related costs and a number of other general and administrative costs, none of 
which was individually significant. 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.   Depreciation, depletion  and amortization  increased  to $55.6  million  in 
2005 compared to $53.7 million in 2004.  The increase of $1.9 million was primarily the result of additional depreciation 
expense associated with operating Hopkins County Coal for the full year 2005 compared to operating three months in 
2004 after resumption of operations following the temporary idling of Hopkins County Coal's surface mine.  Increased 
depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  also  reflect  increased  capital  expenditures  and  infrastructure  investments  in 
recent years, which have increased our production capacity.   

Interest expense.  Interest expense decreased to $14.6 million in 2005 from $15.8 million in 2004.  The decrease of 
$1.2  million  was  principally  attributable  to  the  capitalization  of  interest  expense  related  to  capital  projects  and  mine 
development costs, along with reduced interest expense associated with the August 2005 scheduled principal payments 
of $18.0 million, respectively, on our senior notes.  We had no borrowings under the credit facility during 2005 or 2004. 

Interest income.  Interest income increased to $2.8 million for 2005 from $0.8 million in 2004.  The increase of $2.0 

million resulted from increased interest income earned on marketable securities. 

Transportation revenues and expenses.  Transportation revenues and expenses increased 31.0% to $39.1 million in 
2005  from  $29.8  million  for  2004.    The  increase  of  $9.3  million  was  primarily  attributable  to  increased  shipments  to 
customers  that  reimburse  us  for  transportation  costs  rather  than  arranging  and  paying  for  transportation  directly  with 
transportation providers.  Transportation services are a pass-through to our customers.  Consequently, we do not realize 
any margin on transportation revenues. 

Income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change and minority interest.  Income before income 
taxes,  cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change  and  minority  interest  increased  105.3%  to  $162.7  million  for  2005 
compared  to  $79.3  million  for  2004.    The  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to  increased  sales  volumes,  higher  coal 
prices  and  reduced  general  and  administrative  expenses,  primarily  reflecting  lower  incentive  compensation  expense, 
partially offset by higher operating expenses and expenses related to the Pattiki Vertical Belt Incident and MC Mining 
Fire Incident described below.  The 2004 results included a $3.5 million buy-out expense of several coal contracts which 
allowed  us  to  take  advantage  of  higher  spot  coal  prices  in  2005  in  addition  to  the  2004  impact  of  lost  production, 
continuing fixed expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the Dotiki Fire Incident offset by the final settlement 
of an insurance claim with our insurance underwriters relating to the Dotiki Fire Incident described below.   

44

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income  tax  expense.    Income  tax  expense  was  comparable  for  both  2005  and  2004  at  $2.7  and  $2.6  million, 

respectively. 

Segment  Information.    Please  read  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data—Note  21.  Segment 
Information" for more information concerning our reportable segments.  Our 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 
$70.3 million, or 36.4%, to $263.6 million from 2004 Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $193.3 million.  Segment Adjusted 
EBITDA, tons sold, coal sales, operating revenues and Adjusted Segment EBITDA Expense by segment are as follows 
(in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 

2005 

2004 

Increase (Decrease) 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA (1) 

$      183,075 
41,583 
36,047 
2,924 
$      263,629 

$      121,763 
28,953 
41,141 
1,432 
$      193,289 

$        61,312 
12,630 
(5,094) 
1,492 
$        70,340 

Tons sold 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 
Total tons sold 

Coal sales 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 
Total coal sales 

Other sales and operating revenues 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total other sales and operating revenues 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense 

Illinois Basin 
Central Appalachia 
Northern Appalachia 
Other and Corporate 

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (2) 

16,264 
3,249 
3,330 
6 
22,849 

13,760 
3,781 
3,282 
- 
20,823 

2,504 
(532) 
48 
6 
2,026 

$      504,916 
153,615 
106,997 
3,430 
$      768,958 

$      356,307 
143,160 
99,932 
- 
$      599,399 

$      148,609 
10,455 
7,065 
3,430 
$      169,559 

$        24,493 
282 
2,163 
3,753 
$        30,691 

$        19,087 
187 
2,127 
2,672 
$        24,073 

$          5,406 
95 
36 
1,081 
$          6,618 

$      346,335 
112,313 
73,112 
4,260 
$      536,020 

$      268,848 
114,394 
60,917 
1,241 
$      445,400 

$        77,487 
(2,081) 
12,195 
3,019 
$        90,620 

50.4% 
43.6% 
(12.4)% 
(3) 
36.4% 

18.2% 
(14.1)% 
1.5% 
- 
9.7% 

41.7% 
7.3% 
7.1% 
- 
28.3% 

28.3% 
50.8% 
1.7% 
40.5% 
27.5% 

28.8% 
(1.8)% 
20.0% 
(3) 
20.3% 

(1)  Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income before income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change, 
minority  interest,  interest  income,  interest  expense  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization,  and  general  and 
administrative expense.  Adjusted Segment EBITDA is reconciled to net income below. 

(2)  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA Expense  includes operating expenses, outside purchases and other  income.    Pass 

through transportation expenses are excluded. 

(3)  Percentage increase was greater than 100%. 

45

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Illinois  Basin  –  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  for  2005  increased  50.4%,  to  $183.1  million  from  2004  Segment 
Adjusted EBITDA of $121.8 million.  The increase of $61.3 million was primarily attributable to increased coal sales 
which  rose  by  $148.6  million,  or  41.7%,  to  $504.9  million  during  2005  as  compared  to  $356.3  million  in  2004.  
Increased coal sales in 2005 reflect higher average coal sales prices per ton which increased $5.15 per ton to $31.05 per 
ton  (contributing  $83.8  million  of  the  increase  in  coal  sales)  and  increased  tons  sold  of  2.5  million  tons  (contributing 
$64.8 million of the increase in coal sales).  Other sales and operating revenues increased $5.4 million, primarily due to 
$4.5 million of revenues associated with the coal synfuel facility that began operating at Gibson in 2005.  Total Segment 
Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2005 increased 28.8% to $346.3 million from $268.8 million in 2004.  On a per ton sold 
basis,  2005  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  Expense  rose  to  $21.30  per  ton,  an  increase  of  9.0%  over  the  2004  Segment 
Adjusted  EBITDA  Expense  per  ton  of  $19.54  per  ton.    The  increase  in  2005  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  Expense  in 
2005  compared  to  2004  primarily  reflects  the  impact  of  cost  increases  described  above  under  consolidated  operating 
expenses and outside purchases, partially offset by the benefit of increased tons produced, which increased 2.2 million 
tons in 2005 to 15.7 million tons.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the year 2004 includes $15.2 million reported as the 
net gain from insurance settlement associated with the Dotiki Fire Incident described below.     

Central Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2005 increased $12.6 million, or 43.6%, to $41.6 million as 
compared  to 2004  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA of  $29.0  million.    The increase was primarily  attributable  to  increased 
coal sales of $10.5 million, reflecting a higher average coal sales price per ton of $47.27 in 2005, an increase of $9.41 
per ton over the 2004 average coal sales price per ton, (which contributed $30.6 million of the increase in coal sales) 
partially  offset  by  a  reduction  in  tons  sold  in  2005  to  3.2  million  tons,  a  decrease  of  0.5  million  tons  sold  from  2004 
(resulting in a reduction of coal sales of $20.1 million).  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2005 decreased 1.8% 
to $112.3 million from $114.4 million in 2004.  On a per ton basis, 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense rose by 
$4.31,  or  14.3%,  to  $34.56  per  ton  reflecting  the  impact  of  cost  increases  described  under  consolidated  operating 
expenses above.  This increase in per ton expense included the continuing impact of the MC Mining Fire Incident and 
less  favorable  mining  conditions,  which  contributed  to  lower  production  (0.4  million  tons)  resulting  in  fewer  tons 
available for sale, partially offset by lower outside purchases ($3.5 million). 

Northern Appalachia – Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2005 decreased $5.1 million, or 12.4%, to $36.0 million as 
compared  to  2004  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  of  $41.1  million.  The  decrease  was  primarily  due  to  higher  costs, 
reflecting less favorable mining conditions at Mettiki (MD) as the D-Mine approached the depletion of its coal reserves.  
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense for 2005 increased 20.0% to $73.1 million as compared to $60.9 million in 2004.  
On a per ton basis, 2005 Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased 18.3% to $21.95.  The impact of higher costs 
was partially offset by higher coal sales in 2005, which increased $7.1 million to $107.0 million, primarily reflecting a 
5.5%  increase  in  the  average  coal  sales  price  per  ton,  which  rose  $1.68  per  ton  to  $32.13  per  ton  (contributing  $5.6 
million of the increase in coal sales).  The increase in the average sales price per ton primarily reflects coal sales that 
began in 2005 to a third-party coal synfuel producer.   

The following is a reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2004 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA 

$       263,629 

$       193,289 

General & administrative 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 
Interest expense, net 
Income taxes 
Net income 

(33,484) 
(55,637) 
(11,816) 
(2,682) 
$       160,010 

(45,400) 
(53,664) 
(14,963) 
(2,641) 
$         76,621 

Pattiki Vertical Belt Incident  

On  June  14,  2005,  White  County  Coal’s  Pattiki  mine  was  temporarily  idled  following  the  failure  of  the  vertical 
conveyor belt system (the Vertical Belt Incident) used in conveying raw coal out of the mine. White County Coal surface 
personnel detected a failure of the vertical conveyor belt on June 14, 2005, and immediately shut down operation of all 
underground  conveyor  belt  systems.    White  County  Coal’s  efforts  to  repair  the  vertical  belt  system  progressed 
sufficiently to allow the Pattiki mine to resume initial production operations on July 21, 2005.  Repairs to the vertical 

46

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
belt conveyor system and ancillary equipment have been completed, and production of raw coal has returned to levels 
that existed prior to the occurrence of the Vertical Belt Incident.  Our operating expenses were increased by $2.9 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2005, to reflect the estimated direct expenses attributable to the Vertical Belt Incident, 
which  estimate  included  a  $1.3  million  retirement  of  the  damaged  vertical  belt  equipment.  We  have  not  identified 
currently any significant additional costs compared to the original cost estimates. We conducted an analysis of a number 
of  possible  alternatives  to  mitigate  the  losses  arising  from  the  Vertical  Belt  Incident,  including  review  of  the  Vertical 
Belt System Design, Supply, and Oversight of Installation Contract ("Installation Contract"), dated December 7, 2000, 
between White County Coal and Lake Shore Mining, Inc. (and subsequently assigned to Frontier-Kemper Contractors, 
Inc.  (Frontier-Kemper)  by  Lake  Shore  Mining,  Inc.).    On  January  19,  2006,  White  County  Coal  filed  suit  against 
Frontier-Kemper in the White County, Illinois, Circuit Court, alleging breach of the Installation Contract and seeking to 
recover damages incurred as a result of the Vertical Belt Incident.  That litigation is in the discovery phase, and presently 
we can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery, if any.  Concurrent with the renewal of our commercial 
property (including business interruption) insurance policies effective on October 1, 2006, White County Coal confirmed 
with  the  current  underwriters  of  the  commercial  property  insurance  coverage  that  it  would  not  file  a  formal  insurance 
claim for losses arising from or in connection with the Vertical Belt Incident.  

MC Mining Fire 

On December 26, 2004, our MC Mining Excel No. 3 mine was temporarily idled following the occurrence of a mine 
fire (the MC Mining Fire Incident). The fire was discovered by mine personnel near the bottom of the Excel No. 3 mine 
slope late in the evening of December 25, 2004. Under a firefighting plan developed by MC Mining, in cooperation with 
mine emergency response teams from the U.S. Department of Labor’s MSHA and Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and 
Licensing, the four portals at the Excel No. 3 mine were temporarily capped to deprive the fire of oxygen. A series of 
boreholes was then drilled into the mine from the surface, and nitrogen gas and foam were injected through the boreholes 
into the fire area to further suppress the fire. As a result of these efforts, the mine atmosphere was rendered substantially 
inert, or without oxygen, and the Excel No. 3 mine fire was effectively suppressed. MC Mining then began construction 
of  temporary  and  permanent  barriers  designed  to  completely  isolate  the  mine  fire  area.  Once  the  construction  of  the 
permanent  barriers  was  completed,  MC  Mining  began  efforts  to  repair  and  rehabilitate  the  Excel  No.  3  mine 
infrastructure.  On  February  21,  2005,  the  repair  and  rehabilitation  efforts  had  progressed  sufficiently  to  allow  initial 
resumption of production. Coal production has returned to near normal levels, but continues to be adversely impacted by 
inefficiencies attributable to or associated with the MC Mining Fire Incident. 

We  maintain  commercial  property  (including  business  interruption  and  extra  expense)  insurance  policies  with 
various  underwriters,  which  policies  are  renewed  annually  in  October  and  provide  for  self-retention  and  various 
applicable  deductibles,  including  certain  monetary  and/or  time  element  forms  of  deductibles  (collectively,  the  "2005 
Deductibles") and 10% co-insurance (2005 Co-Insurance). We believe such insurance coverage will cover a substantial 
portion  of  the  total  cost  of  the  disruption  to  MC  Mining’s  operations.  However,  concurrent  with  the  renewal  of  our 
commercial property (including business interruption) insurance policies concluded on September 30, 2006, MC Mining 
confirmed with the current underwriters of the commercial property insurance coverage that any negotiated settlement of 
the losses arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident would not exceed $40.0 million (inclusive of 
co-insurance  and  deductible  amounts).  Until  the  claim  is  resolved  ultimately,  through  the  claim  adjustment  process, 
settlement, or litigation, with the applicable underwriters, we can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery 
of insurance proceeds. 

We made an initial estimate of certain costs primarily associated with activities relating to the suppression of the fire 
and  the  initial  resumption  of  operations.  Operating  expenses  for  2004  increased  by  $4.1  million  to  reflect  an  initial 
estimate  of  certain  minimum  costs  attributable  to  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident  that  are  not  reimbursable  under  our 
insurance policies due to the application of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. 

Following the initial two submittals by us to a representative of the underwriters of our estimate of the expenses and 
losses (including business interruption losses) incurred by MC Mining and other affiliates arising from or in connection 
with the MC Mining Fire Incident (MC Mining Insurance Claim), on September 15, 2005, we filed a third estimate of 
our expenses and losses, with an update through July 31, 2005. Partial payments of $4.0 million and $12.2 million were 
received in 2006 and 2005, respectively. These amounts are net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance.  The 
accounting for these partial payments and future payments, if any, made to us by the underwriters will be subject to the 
accounting  methodology  described  below.  On  March  23,  2006,  we  filed  a  third  partial  proof  of  loss  for  the  period 
through July 31, 2005 of $4.0 million.  We continue to evaluate our potential insurance recoveries under the applicable 
insurance policies in the following areas: 

47

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Fire  Brigade/Extinguishing/Mine  Recovery  Expense;  Expenses  to  Reduce  Loss;  Debris  Removal  Expenses; 
Demolition and Increased Cost of Construction; Expediting Expenses; and Extra Expenses incurred as a result 
of  the  fire  -  These  expenses  and  other  costs  (e.g.  professional  fees)  associated  with  extinguishing  the  fire, 
reducing the overall loss, demolition of certain property and removal of debris, expediting the recovery from the 
loss,  and  extra  expenses  that  would  not  have  been  incurred  by  us,  but  for  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident,  are 
being  expensed  as  incurred  with  related  actual  and/or  estimated  insurance  recoveries  recorded  as  they  are 
considered to be probable, up to the amount of the actual cost incurred. 

2.  Damage to MC Mining mine property - The net book value of property destroyed of $154,000, was written off 
in  the  first  quarter  of  2005  with  a  corresponding  amount  recorded  as  an  estimated  insurance  recovery,  since 
such recovery is considered probable. Any insurance proceeds from the claims relating to the MC Mining mine 
property  (other  than  amounts  relating  to  the  matters  discussed  in 1.  above)  that  exceed  the net book  value of 
such  damaged  property  are  expected  to  result  in  a  gain.  The  anticipated  gain  will  be  recorded  when  the  MC 
Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received. 

3.  MC  Mining  mine  business  interruption  losses  –  We  have  submitted  to  a  representative  of  the  underwriters  a 
business  interruption  loss  analysis  for  the  period  of  December  24,  2004  through  July  31,  2005.  Expenses 
associated  with  business  interruption  losses  are  expensed  as  incurred,  and  estimated  insurance  recoveries  of 
such losses are recognized to the extent such recoveries are considered to be probable, up to the actual amount 
incurred. Recoveries in excess of actual costs incurred will be recorded as gains when the MC Mining Insurance 
Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received. 

Pursuant to the accounting methodology described above, we have recorded as an offset to operating expenses, $0.4 
million and $10.7 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, from the $16.2 million of partial payments described above. 
These amounts represent the current estimated insurance recovery of actual costs incurred, net of the 2005 Deductibles 
and 2005 Co-Insurance.  The remaining $5.1 million of partial payments are included in other current liabilities in the 
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2006, and cannot be recognized as a gain until the claim is settled.  
We  continue  to  discuss  the  MC  Mining  Insurance  Claim  and  the  determination  of  the  total  claim  amount  with 
representatives  of  the  underwriters.  The  MC  Mining  Insurance  Claim  will  continue  to  be  developed  as  additional 
information  becomes  available  and  we  have  completed  our  assessment  of  the  losses  (including  the  methodologies 
associated  therewith)  arising  from  or  in  connection  with  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident.  At  this  time,  based  on  the 
magnitude and complexity of the MC Mining Insurance Claim, we are unable to reasonably estimate the total amount of 
the MC Mining Insurance Claim as well as our exposure, if any, for amounts not covered by our insurance program. 

Dotiki Mine Fire 

On  February 11,  2004,  Webster  County  Coal's  Dotiki  mine  was  temporarily  idled  for  a  period  of  twenty-seven 
calendar days following the occurrence of a mine fire that originated with a diesel supply tractor (Dotiki Fire Incident). 
As a result of the firefighting efforts of MSHA, Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals, and Webster County Coal 
personnel, Dotiki successfully extinguished the fire and totally isolated the affected area of the mine behind permanent 
barriers.  Initial  production  resumed  on  March 8,  2004.  For  the  Dotiki  Fire  Incident,  we  had  commercial  property 
insurance that provided coverage for damage to property destroyed, interruption of business operations, including profit 
recovery, and expenditures incurred to minimize the period and total cost of disruption to operations. 

On September 10, 2004, we filed a third and final proof of loss with the applicable insurance underwriters reflecting 
a settlement of all expenses, losses and claims incurred by Webster County Coal and other affiliates arising from or in 
connection  with  the  Dotiki  Fire  Incident  in  the  aggregate  amount  of  $27.0 million,  inclusive  of  a  $1.0 million 
self-retention of initial loss, a $2.5 million deductible and 10% co-insurance. 

During 2004, we recorded as an offset to operating expenses $5.9 million and a combined net gain of approximately 
$15.2 million for damage to the property destroyed, interruption of business operations (including profit recovery), and 
extra expenses incurred to minimize the period and total cost of disruption to operations associated with the Dotiki Fire 
Incident. 

48

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ongoing Acquisition Activities 

Consistent with our business strategy, from time-to-time we engage in discussions with potential sellers regarding 

possible acquisitions of certain assets and/or companies by us.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources  

Liquidity 

We  generally  satisfy  our  working  capital  requirements  and  fund  our  capital  expenditures  and  debt  service 
obligations from cash generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.  We believe that the 
cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, 
anticipated capital expenditures (other than major capital improvements or acquisitions), scheduled debt payments and 
distribution  payments.    Our  ability  to  satisfy  our  obligations  and  planned  expenditures  will  depend  upon  our  future 
operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the coal industry, some of which are 
beyond our control. 

We earn a material amount of income by supplying three coal synfuel facilities with coal feedstock.  For 2006, the 
incremental net income benefit from the combination of the various coal synfuel-related agreements was approximately 
$26.4  million,  assuming  that  coal  pricing  would  not  have  increased  without  the  availability  of  synfuel.    We  have 
previously entered into agreements with the owners of these coal synfuel production facilities: (1) SSO, related to its coal 
synfuel  facility  located  at  our  Warrior  mining  complex  in  Hopkins  County,  Kentucky;  (2)  PCIN,  related  to  its  coal 
synfuel  facility  located  at  our  Gibson  mining  complex  in  Gibson  County,  Indiana;  and  (3)  Mt.  Storm  Coal  Supply, 
related to its coal synfuel facility located at VEPCO's Mt. Storm Power Station, which is adjacent to our Mettiki complex 
in Garrett County, Maryland.  SSO, PCIN, and Mt. Storm Coal Supply are collectively referred to below as Coal Synfuel 
Owners.  

We  receive  revenues  from  coal  sales,  rental,  marketing  and  other  services  provided  to  the  Coal  Synfuel  Owners 
pursuant  to  various  long-term  agreements  associated  with  their  respective  coal  synfuel  facilities.    Each  of  these 
agreements, which expire on December 31, 2007, is dependent on the ability of the Coal Synfuel Owners to use certain 
qualifying  federal  income  tax  credits  available  to  their  respective  coal  synfuel  facilities  and  are  subject  to  early 
cancellation if the synfuel tax credits become unavailable due to a rise in the price of domestic crude oil or otherwise.  
Pursuant  to  our  agreements  with  the  Coal  Synfuel  Owners,  we  are  not  obligated  to  make  retroactive  adjustments  or 
reimbursements if synfuel credits are disallowed. 

Due to the increase in wellhead price of domestic crude oil, the operational status of our synfuel operations during 
2006 has been sporadic.  As of the date of this report, each of our Coal Synfuel Owners are operating and are currently 
producing coal synfuel.  Each of the Coal Synfuel Owners has advised us that future operation of their respective synfuel 
facilities is dependent on the future price of crude oil.  During the suspension of operations at the coal synfuel production 
facilities  located  at  Warrior,  Gibson  and  Mettiki,  respectively,  we  sold  coal  directly  to  the  Coal  Synfuel  Owners’ 
customers  under  "back-up"  coal  supply  agreements,  which  automatically  provide  for  the  sale  of  our  coal  in  the  event 
these customers do not purchase coal synfuel.   

One  of  the  states  in  which  we  operate,  Maryland,  has  established  a  statutory  framework  for  tax  credits  against 
income or franchise taxes, which tax credit has benefited, directly or indirectly, coal operators or customers purchasing 
coal produced from mines within that state. Our indirect benefit of the Maryland tax credit was $7.3 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2006. Although this tax credit is not set to expire by its terms in the near future, recent legislative 
and interpretive changes, as well as our reduced coal production in Maryland, likely will delay and reduce the amount of 
the  benefit,  if  any,  of  the  tax  credit  to  us  in  2007.    In  addition,  legislation  may  be  proposed  in  the  future  that  would 
eliminate the credit.  

Crude  oil  and natural  gas prices  have  increased  significantly  since  2003.  These  increases  have  not  had  a  material 
direct impact on our financial results since our direct purchases of crude oil based fuel and natural gas does not represent 
a significant percentage of our operating expenses. Higher crude oil and natural gas prices have also resulted in increases 
to the cost of goods, services and equipment provided to us and therefore indirectly impacted our financial results. We 
can provide no assurance that we will be able to pass the impact of these direct or indirect cost increases through to our 
customers.  

49

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows  

Cash provided by operating activities was $250.9 million in 2006, compared to $193.6 million in 2005. The increase 
in  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  was  attributable  principally  to  an  increase  in  net  income  combined  with  a 
favorable change in operating assets and liabilities in 2006 compared to an unfavorable change in 2005.  The principle 
difference in the change in operating assets and liabilities in 2006 as compared to 2005 relates to a reduced use of cash in 
2006  compared  to  2005  associated  with  trade  receivables.    The  change  in  trade  receivables  was  partially  offset  by  a 
reduced change in accounts payable. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $137.7 million in 2006, compared to $110.2 million in 2005.  The increase 
in cash used in investing activities is primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures associated with our Elk 
Creek  and  Mountain  View  mines,  the  River  View  acquisition,  the  Gibson  rail  loop  project  and  additional  reserves 
acquired  in  Eastern  Kentucky.  This  increase  in  capital  expenditures  was  partially  offset  by  increased  proceeds  from 
marketable securities, net of marketable securities purchases, during 2006. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $108.5 million for 2006 compared to $82.6 million for 2005.  The increase 

is primarily attributable to increased distributions to partners in 2006.  

We  have  various  commitments  primarily  related  to  long-term  debt,  including  capital  leases,  operating  lease 
commitments related to buildings and equipment, obligations for estimated reclamation and mine closing costs, capital 
project commitments, and pension funding. We expect to fund these commitments with cash generated from operations, 
proceeds from the sale of marketable securities, and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The following table 
provides details regarding our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2006 (in thousands):   

Contractual 
Obligations 

Long-term debt 
Future interest obligations on long-term 

debt 

Operating leases 
Capital leases(1) 
Reclamation obligations (excluding 

discount effect of $47.5 million for 
reclamation liability) 

Purchase obligations for capital projects 
Coal purchase commitments 

Total 
$   144,000 

53,849 
13,872 
2,947 

Less 
than 1 
year 
$     18,000 

11,966 
3,920 
485 

2-3 
years 
$     36,000 

4-5 
years 

$      36,000 

19,446 
6,527 
969 

13,462 
3,425 
962 

After 5 
years 
$  54,000 

8,975 
- 
531 

98,434 
15,227 
25,249 
$    353,578 

3,070 
15,227 
25,249 
$      77,917 

4,449 
- 
- 
$      67,391 

3,887 
- 
- 
$      57,736 

87,028 
- 
- 
$    150,534 

(1)  Includes amounts classified as interest and maintenance cost. 

We expect to contribute $1.2 million to the defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) during 2007.  We estimate 

our income tax cash requirements to be approximately $2.8 million in 2007. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  we  are  a  party  to  certain  off-balance  sheet  arrangements.    These  arrangements 
include guarantees and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as bank letters of credit and surety bonds.  
Liabilities related to these arrangements are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets, and we do not expect any 
material adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows to result from these off-balance 
sheet arrangements. 

50

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We  use  a  combination  of  surety  bonds  and  letters  of  credit  to  secure  our  financial  obligations  for  reclamation, 

workers’ compensation and other obligations as follows as of December 31, 2006 (dollars in thousands): 

Reclamation 
Obligation 
$             56,088 
- 

Workers’ 
Compensation 
Obligation 
$                       - 
15,322 

Surety bonds  
Letters of credit  

Capital Expenditures  

Other 

$               1,936 
22,048 

Total 

$             58,024 
37,370 

Capital  expenditures  increased  to $188.6  million  in  2006 compared  to  $119.9  million  in 2005.   See  discussion of 

"Cash Flows" above concerning the increase in capital expenditures.   

We currently project that our average annual maintenance capital expenditures will be approximately $2.75 per ton.  
Our  anticipated  total  capital  expenditures for 2007  are $100.0  to  $115.0  million. We will  continue  to  have  significant 
capital  requirements  over  the  long-term,  which  may  require  us  to  incur  debt  or  seek  additional  equity  capital.  The 
availability of additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common units 
and several other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations. 
Based on our recent operating results, current cash position, anticipated future cash flows, and sources of financing that 
we expect will be available to us, we do not expect that we will experience any significant liquidity constraints in the 
foreseeable future.  

Notes Offering and Credit Facility  

Our  Intermediate  Partnership  has  $144.0  million  principal  amount  of  8.31%  senior  notes  due  August  20,  2014, 
payable in eight remaining equal annual installments of $18.0 million with interest payable semiannually (Senior Notes). 
On  April  13,  2006,  our  Intermediate  Partnership  entered  into  a  $100.0  million  revolving  credit  facility  (ARLP  Credit 
Facility),  which  expires  in  2011.    The  ARLP  Credit  Facility  replaced  an  $85.0  million  credit  facility  that  would  have 
expired September 2006.  Borrowings under the ARLP Credit Facility bear interest based on a floating base rate plus an 
applicable margin.  The applicable margin is based on a leverage ratio of our Intermediate Partnership, as computed from 
time  to  time.    The  initial  applicable  margin  for  borrowings under  the ARLP  Credit  Facility  is  0.875%  with  respect  to 
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) borrowings.  Letters of credit can be issued under the ARLP Credit Facility not 
to  exceed  $50.0  million.  Outstanding  letters  of  credit  reduce  amounts  available  under  the  ARLP  Credit  Facility.  At 
December 31, 2006, we had letters of credit of $10.8 million outstanding under the ARLP Credit Facility. We had no 
borrowings outstanding under the ARLP Credit Facility at December 31, 2006. 

The Senior Notes and ARLP Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership. 
The  Senior  Notes  and  ARLP  Credit  Facility  contain  various  restrictive  and  affirmative  covenants,  affecting  our 
Intermediate  Partnership  and  its  subsidiaries  restricting,  among  other  things,  the  amount  of  distributions  by  our 
Intermediate  Partnership,  the  incurrence  of  additional  indebtedness  and  liens,  the  sale  of  assets,  the  making  of 
investments, the entry into mergers and consolidations and the entry into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject 
to  various  exceptions.    The  Senior  Notes  and  the  ARLP  Credit  Facility  also  require  the  Intermediate  Partnership  to 
remain in control of a certain amount of mineable coal based on a ratio of the amount of total mineable tons controlled 
by the Intermediate Partnership relative to its annual production.  The ARLP Credit Facility limits the amount of total 
operating  lease  obligations  to  $15.0  million  payable  in  any  period  of  12  consecutive  months.    In  addition,  the  Senior 
Notes  and  the  ARLP  Credit  Facility  require  the  Intermediate  Partnership  to  comply  with  certain  financial  ratios, 
including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio.  We were in compliance with the covenants 
of both the ARLP Credit Facility and Senior Notes at December 31, 2006. 

We  have  previously  entered  into  and  have  maintained  specific  agreements  with  two  banks  to  provide  additional 
letters  of  credit  in  an  aggregate  amount  of  $31.0  million  to  maintain  surety  bonds  to  secure  our  obligations  for 
reclamation  liabilities  and  workers’  compensation  benefits.  At  December  31,  2006,  we  had  $26.6  million  in  letters  of 
credit  outstanding  under  these  agreements.  Our  special  general  partner  guarantees  $5.0  million  of  these  outstanding 
letters of credit. 

51

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance 

During September 2006, we completed our annual property and casualty insurance renewal with various insurance 
coverages  effective  as  of  October  1,  2006.    Available  capacity  for  underwriting  property  insurance  continues  to  be 
limited as a result of insurance carrier losses in the mining industry and our recent insurance claims history (e.g., MC 
Mining Fire Incident and Dotiki Fire Incident).  As a result, we have elected to retain a participating interest along with 
our  insurance  carriers  at  an  average  rate  of  approximately  14.7%  in  the  overall  $75.0  million  commercial  property 
program representing 35% of the primary $30.0 million layer and 2.5% of the second layer representing $20.0 million in 
excess  of  the  $30.0  million  primary  layer.    We  do  not  participate  in  the  third  layer  of  $25.0  million  excess  of  $50.0 
million. 

The 14.7% participation rate for this year’s renewal exceeds the approximate 10% participation level from last year. 
The aggregate maximum limit in the commercial property program is $75.0 million per occurrence of which, as a result 
of our participation, we would be responsible for a maximum amount of $11.0 million for each occurrence, excluding a 
$1.5 million deductible for property damage, a $5.0 million aggregate deductible for extra expense and a 60-day waiting 
period for business interruption.  As a result of our increased participation in the property program and higher deductible 
levels,  property  premiums  paid  to  the  insurance  carriers  were  reduced  by  approximately  14.5%.    We  can  make  no 
assurances  that  we  will  not  experience  significant  insurance  claims  in  the  future,  which  as  a  result  of  our  level  of 
participation  in  the  commercial  property  program,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 
condition, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future.  

Critical Accounting Policies 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources is based 
upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States.  From our summary of significant accounting policies included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and 
Supplementary  Data",  we  have  identified  the  following  accounting  policies  that  require  us  to  make  estimates  and 
judgments  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses,  and  related  disclosures  of 
contingencies.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on 
various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for 
making  judgments  about  the  carrying  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not  readily  apparent  from  other  sources.  
Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenues from coal sales are recognized when title passes to the customer as the coal is shipped. Some coal supply 
agreements  provide  for  price  adjustments  based  on  variations  in  quality  characteristics  of  the  coal  shipped.  In  certain 
cases, a customer’s analysis of the coal quality is binding and the results of the analysis are received on a delayed basis. 
In these cases, we estimate the amount of the quality adjustment and adjust the estimate to actual when the information is 
provided  by  the  customer.  Historically  such  adjustments  have  not  been  material.  Non-coal  sales  revenues  primarily 
consist of rental and service fees associated with agreements to host and operate third-party coal synfuel facilities and to 
assist  with  the  coal  synfuel  marketing  and  other related services.  These  non-coal  sales  revenues  are  recognized  as  the 
services are performed. Transportation revenues are recognized in connection with incurring the corresponding costs of 
transporting  coal  to  customers  through  third-party  carriers  for  which  we  are  directly  reimbursed  through  customer 
billings. 

Long-Lived Assets  

We  review  the  carrying  value  of  long-lived  assets  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 
impairment  is  measured  by  the  difference  between  the  carrying  value  and  the  fair  value  of  the  asset.    We  have  not 
recorded an impairment loss for any of the periods presented. 

Mine Development Costs 

Mine development costs are capitalized until production, other than production incidental to the mine development 
process,  commences  and  are  amortized  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  mine.    Mine  development  costs  represent  costs 

52

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
incurred  in  establishing  access  to  mineral  reserves  and  include  costs  associated  with  sinking  or  driving  shafts  and 
underground drifts, permanent excavations, roads and tunnels. 

Reclamation and Mine Closing Costs 

SMCRA  and  similar  state  statutes  require  that  mined  property  be  restored  in  accordance  with  specified  standards 
and an approved reclamation plan. We record the liability for the estimated cost of future mine reclamation and closing 
procedures  on  a  present  value  basis  when  incurred,  and  the  associated  cost  is  capitalized  by  increasing  the  carrying 
amount  of  the  related  long-lived  asset.  Those  costs  relate  to  permanently  sealing  portals  at  underground  mines  and  to 
reclaiming the final pits and support acreage at surface mines.  Examples of these types of costs, common to both types 
of  mining,  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  removing  or  covering  refuse  piles  and  settling  ponds,  water  treatment 
obligations, and dismantling preparation plants, other facilities and roadway infrastructure. We had accrued liabilities of 
$50.9  million  and  $41.3  million  for  these  costs  at  December  31,  2006  and  2005, respectively.    The  liability  for  mine 
reclamation  and  closing  procedures  is  sensitive  to  changes  in  cost  estimates  and  estimated  mine  lives.  For  additional 
information  on  our  reclamation  and  mine  closing  costs,  please  read  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary 
Data. – Note 15. Reclamation and Mine Closing Costs." 

Workers’ Compensation and Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) Benefits 

We  provide  income  replacement  and  medical  treatment  for  work-related  traumatic  injury  claims  as  required  by 
applicable  state  laws.    We  generally  provide  for  these  claims  through  self-insurance  programs.    The  liability  for 
traumatic  injury  claims  is  the  estimated  present  value  of  current  workers’  compensation  benefits,  based  on  an  annual 
independent  actuarial  study.    The  actuarial  calculations  are  based  on  a  blend  of  actuarial  projection  methods  and 
numerous  assumptions  including  development  patterns,  mortality,  medical  costs  and  interest  rates.    We  had  accrued 
liabilities  of  $45.7  million  and  $37.0  million  for  these  costs  at  December  31,  2006  and  2005,  respectively.    A  one-
percentage-point reduction in the discount rate would have increased the liability at December 31, 2006 approximately 
$3.0 million, which would have a corresponding increase in operating expenses.  

Coal mining companies are subject to CMHSA, as amended, and various state statutes for the payment of medical 
and disability benefits to eligible recipients related to coal worker’s pneumoconiosis or "black lung".  We provide for 
these claims through self-insurance programs.  Our estimated black lung liability is based on an annual actuarial study 
performed by an independent actuary.  The actuarial calculations are based on numerous assumptions including disability 
incidence,  medical  costs,  mortality,  death  benefits,  dependents  and  interest  rates.    We  had  accrued  liabilities  of  $26.8 
million  and  $23.8  million  for  these  benefits  at  December  31,  2006  and  2005,  respectively.    A  one-percentage-point 
reduction in the discount rate would have increased the expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2006 by 
approximately $0.9 million.  Under the service cost method used to estimate our black lung benefits liability, actuarial 
gains  or  losses  attributable  to  changes  in  actuarial  assumptions,  such  as  the  discount  rate,  are  amortized  over  the 
remaining service period of active miners.   

Universal Shelf 

In  April  2002,  we  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  a  universal  shelf  registration  statement 
allowing us to issue from time-to-time up to an aggregate of $200 million of debt or equity securities.  At February 15, 
2007, we had approximately $143.0 million available under this registration statement. 

Related Party Transactions 

The Board of Directors of our managing general partner and its conflicts committee (Conflicts Committee) review 
each  of  our  related-party  transactions  to  determine  that  each  such  transaction  reflects  market-clearing  terms  and 
conditions  customary  in  the  coal  industry.    As  a  result  of  these  reviews,  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Conflicts 
Committee approved each of the transactions described below as fair and reasonable to us and our limited partners.   

River View Coal, LLC Acquisition 

In April 2006, we acquired 100% of the membership interest in River View for approximately $1.65 million from 
ARH.    At  the  time,  River  View  had  the  right  to  purchase  certain  assets,  including  additional  coal  reserves,  surface 
properties, facilities and permits from an unrelated party, for $4.15 million plus an overriding royalty on all coal mined 
and  sold  by  River  View  from  certain  of  the  leased  properties  included  in  the  assets.    In  April  2006,  River  View 

53

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
purchased such assets and assumed reclamation liabilities of $2.9 million.  River View controls, through coal leases or 
direct  ownership,  approximately  110.0  million  tons  of  high-sulfur  coal  reserves  in  the  No.  7,  No.  9  and  No.  11  coal 
seams located in Union County, Kentucky.   

Tunnel Ridge, LLC Acquisition 

In  January  2005,  we  acquired  100%  of  the  limited  liability  company  member  interests  of  Tunnel  Ridge  for 
approximately $500,000 and the assumption of reclamation liabilities from ARH.  Tunnel Ridge controls, through a coal 
lease agreement with our special general partner, an estimated 70 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 
coal seam underlying approximately 9,400 acres of land located in Ohio County, West Virginia and Washington County, 
Pennsylvania.  Under the terms of the coal lease, beginning on January 1, 2005, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue 
to pay our special general partner an advance minimum royalty of $3.0 million per year.  The advance royalty payments 
are fully recoupable against earned royalties.   

Because  the  River  View  and  Tunnel  Ridge  acquisitions  were  between  entities  under  common  control,  they  have 

been accounted for at historical cost. 

Administrative Services 

In  connection  with  the  closing  of  the  AHGP  IPO,  we  entered  into  an  administrative  services  agreement 
(Administrative Services Agreement) between our managing general partner, our Intermediate Partnership, AHGP and 
its general partner Alliance GP, LLC, (AGP) and Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. (ARH II), the indirect parent of 
SGP.  Under  the  Administrative  Services  Agreement,  certain  employees  including  executive  officers  are  providing 
administrative services to our managing general partner, AHGP, AGP, ARH II and their respective affiliates.  We will be 
reimbursed  for  services  rendered  by  our  employees  on  behalf  of  these  affiliates  as  provided  under  the  Administrative 
Services Agreement.  We billed and recognized administrative service revenue under this agreement of $315,000, for the 
period from May 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006 from AHGP and $620,000 from ARH for the year ended December 31, 
2006.    This  administrative  service  revenue  is  included  in  other  sales  and  operating  revenues  in  the  consolidated 
statements  of  income.    Concurrently,  AHGP  and  AGP  joined  as  parties  to  our  Omnibus  Agreement,  which  addresses 
areas of non-competition between us and ARH, ARH II, SGP and our managing general partner.   

Our partnership agreement provides that our managing general partner and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct 
and indirect expenses incurred or payments made on behalf of us, including, but not limited to, management’s salaries 
and related benefits (including incentive compensation), and accounting, budgeting, planning, treasury, public relations, 
land  administration,  environmental,  permitting, payroll,  benefits, disability,  workers’  compensation management,  legal 
and  information  technology  services.  Our  managing  general  partner  may  determine  in  its  sole  discretion  the  expenses 
that are allocable to us. Total costs billed by our managing general partner and its affiliates to us were approximately 
$4,181,000, $14,069,000 and $28,536,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The 
decrease  from  2005  to  2006  was  attributable  to  certain  employees  and  the  sponsorship  of  the  LTIP,  STIP  and 
Supplemental  Executive  Retirement  Plan  (SERP),  being  transferred  to  Alliance  Coal  effective  May  15,  2006.    The 
decrease from 2004 to 2005 was primarily attributable to lower compensation accruals for the LTIP, STIP and SERP.  
The  amounts  billed  by  our  managing  general  partner  include  $2,934,000,  $10,559,000  and  $24,242,000  for  the  years 
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, for the LTIP, STIP and SERP. 

SGP Land, LLC 

Webster County Coal has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land, LLC (SGP Land), a subsidiary of the SGP, 
requiring annual minimum royalty payments of $2.7 million, payable in advance through 2013 or until $37.8 million of 
cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    Webster  County  Coal  paid  royalties  of 
$3,005,000, $3,449,000, and $4,611,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  As of 
December 31, 2006, Webster County Coal has recouped, against earned royalties otherwise due, all but $2,629,000 of 
the advance minimum royalty payments made under the lease.   

Warrior has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land.  Under the terms of the lease, Warrior paid in arrears an 
annual  minimum  royalty  of  $2,270,000  until  $15,890,000  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty 
payments were paid.  The annual minimum royalty periods extend from  October 1st through the end of the following 
September 30, expiring September 30, 2007.  In 2006, Warrior's cumulative total of annual minimum royalties and/or 

54

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
earned  royalty  payments  exceeded  $15,890,000,  therefore  the  annual  minimum  royalty  payment  of  $2,270,000  is  no 
longer required.  Warrior paid royalties of $5,061,000, $3,627,000, and $2,561,000 for the years ended December 31, 
2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  As of December 31, 2006, Warrior has recouped, against earned royalties otherwise 
due, all advance minimum royalty payments made in accordance with these lease terms.  

Hopkins County Coal has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land encompassing the Elk Creek reserves, and 
the  parties  also  entered  into  a  Royalty  Agreement  (collectively,  the  Coal  Lease  Agreements)  in  connection  therewith.  
The Coal Lease Agreements extend through December 2015, with the right to renew for successive one-year periods for 
as long as Hopkins County Coal is mining within the coal field, as such term is defined in the Coal Lease Agreements.  
The  Coal  Lease  Agreements  provide  for  five  annual  minimum  royalty  payments  of  $684,000  beginning  in  December 
2005. The annual minimum royalty payments, together with cumulative option fees of $3.4 million previously paid prior 
to  December  2005  by  Hopkins  County  Coal,  are  fully  recoupable  against  future  earned  royalty  payments.    Hopkins 
County Coal paid advance minimum royalties and/or option fees of $684,000 during each of the years ended December 
31, 2006  and 2005, respectively.   As  of December 31, 2006,  $4,369,000 of  advance minimum  royalties  and/or option 
fees paid under the Coal Lease Agreements is available for recoupment, and management expects that it will be recouped 
against future production. 

Under the terms of the mineral lease and sublease agreements described above, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins  County  Coal  also  reimburse  SGP  Land  for  its  base  lease  obligations.  We  reimbursed  SGP  Land  $5,038,000, 
$6,379,000  and  $5,428,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2006,  2005,  and  2004,  respectively,  for  the  base  lease 
obligations. As of December 31, 2006, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and Hopkins County Coal have recouped, against 
earned royalties otherwise due base lessors by SGP Land, all advance minimum royalty payments paid by SGP Land to 
the base lessors in accordance with the terms of the base leases (and reimbursed by Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins County Coal), except for $323,000. 

In  2001,  SGP  Land,  as  successor  in  interest  to  an  unaffiliated  third-party,  entered  into  an  amended  mineral  lease 
with MC Mining. Under the terms of the lease, MC Mining has paid and will continue to pay an annual minimum royalty 
of  $300,000  until  $6.0  million  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    MC 
Mining paid royalties of $300,000 and $600,000 during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively (the 
2004 annual minimum royalty obligation of $300,000 was paid in January 2005 rather than in December 2004).  As of 
December 31,  2006,  $900,000  of  advance  minimum  royalties  paid  under  the  lease  is  available  for  recoupment,  and 
management expects that it will be recouped against future production. 

SGP 

As noted above, in January 2005, we acquired Tunnel Ridge from ARH.  In connection with this acquisition, we 
assumed a coal lease with the SGP.  Under the terms of the lease, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay an 
annual minimum royalty obligation of $3.0 million until the earlier of January 1, 2033 or the exhaustion of the mineable 
and merchantable leased coal.  We paid advance minimum royalties of $3.0 million during each of 2006 and 2005, which 
management expects will be recouped against future production.   

Tunnel Ridge also controls surface land and other tangible assets under a separate lease agreement with the SGP.  
Under  the  terms  of  the  lease  agreement,  Tunnel  Ridge  has  paid  and  will  continue  to  pay  the  SGP  an  annual  lease 
payment of $240,000.  The lease agreement has an initial term of four years, which may be extended to be coextensive 
with the term of the coal lease.  Lease expense was $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

We  have  a  noncancelable  operating  lease  arrangement  with  the  SGP  for  the  coal  preparation  plant  and  ancillary 
facilities at the Gibson mining complex. Under the terms of the lease, we will make monthly payments of approximately 
$216,000 through January 2011. Lease expense incurred for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2006 was $2,595,000. 

We  previously  entered  into  and  have  maintained  agreements  with  two  banks  to  provide  letters  of  credit  in  an 
aggregate amount of $31.0 million. At December 31, 2006, we had $26.6 million in outstanding letters of credit under 
these  agreements.    The  SGP  guarantees  $5.0  million  of  these  outstanding  letters  of  credit.    Historically,  we  have 
compensated  the  SGP  for  a  guarantee  fee  equal  to  0.30%  per  annum  of  the  face  amount  of  the  letters  of  credit 
outstanding.  During  2003,  the  SGP  agreed  to  waive  the  guarantee  fee  in  exchange  for  a  parent  guarantee  from  the 
Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Coal on the mineral leases and subleases with Webster County Coal and Warrior 
described above. Since the guarantee is made on behalf of entities within the consolidated partnership, the guarantee has 

55

  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
no  fair  value  under  FIN  No. 45,  Guarantor's  Accounting  and  Disclosure  Requirements  for  Guarantees,  including 
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and does not impact our consolidated financial statements.   

Accruals of Other Liabilities  

We  had  accruals  for  other  liabilities,  including  current  obligations,  totaling  $146.2  million  and  $115.5  million  at 
December  31,  2006  and  2005.  These  accruals  were  chiefly  comprised  of  workers'  compensation  benefits,  black  lung 
benefits,  and  costs  associated  with  reclamation  and  mine  closings.  These  obligations  are  self-insured.  The  accruals  of 
these  items  were  based  on  estimates  of  future  expenditures  based  on  current  legislation,  related  regulations  and  other 
developments.  Thus,  from  time  to  time,  our  results  of  operations  may  be  significantly  affected  by  changes  to  these 
liabilities.  Please see "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. - Note 15. Reclamation and Mine Closing 
Costs and Note 16. Pneumoconiosis ("Black Lung") Benefits." 

Pension Plan 

We maintain a Pension Plan, which covers employees at certain of our mining operations.   

Our  pension  expense  was  approximately  $3,243,000  and  $3,006,000  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006  and 
2005, respectively.  The pension expense is based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including an expected long-
term rate of return on our Pension Plan assets of 8.0% and 8.0% and discount rates of 5.60% and 5.75% for the years 
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Our actual return on plan assets was 12.2% and 7.2% for the years 
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Additionally, we base our determination of pension expense on an 
unsmoothed  market-related  valuation  of  assets  equal  to  the  fair  value  of  assets,  which  immediately  recognizes  all 
investment gains or losses. 

In developing our expected long-term rate of return assumption, we evaluated input from our investment manager, 
including their review of asset class return, expectations by economists, and an independent actuary.  Our advisors base 
the projected returns on broad equity and both indices.  At December 31, 2006, our expected long-term rate of return 
assumption  was  7.75%  determined  by  the  above  factors  and  based  on  an  asset  allocation  assumption  of  80.0%  with 
equity securities, with an expected long-term rate of return of 10.4%, and 20.0% with fixed income securities, with an 
expected  long-term  rate  of  return  of  5.3%.    The  Pension  Plan  trustee  regularly  reviews  our  actual  asset  allocation  in 
accordance with our investment guidelines and periodically rebalances our investments to our targeted allocation when 
considered  appropriate.    The  investment  committee  annually  reviews  our  asset  allocation  with  the  compensation 
committee of our managing general partner (Compensation Committee). 

The  discount  rate  that  we  utilize  for  determining  our  future  pension  obligation  is  based  on  a  review  of  currently 
available high-quality fixed-income investments that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating 
agency.    We  have  historically  used  the  average  monthly  yield  for  December  of  an  A-rated  utility  bond  index  as  the 
primary benchmark for establishing the discount rate.  The duration of the bonds that comprise this index is comparable 
to the duration of the benefit obligation in the Pension Plan.  The discount rate determined on this basis decreased from 
5.60% at December 31, 2005 to 5.55% at December 31, 2006.   

We  estimate  that  our  Pension  Plan  expense  and  cash  contributions  will  be  approximately  $3,274,000  and 
$1,200,000,  respectively,  in  2007.    Future  actual  pension  expense  and  contributions  will  depend  on  future  investment 
performance,  changes  in  future  discount  rates  and  various  other  factors  related  to  the  employees  participating  in  the 
Pension Plan.   

Lowering  the  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  assumption  by  1.0%  (from  8.0%  to  7.0%)  at  December  31,  2005 
would have increased our pension expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 by approximately $286,000.  Lowering 
the discount rate assumption by 0.5% (from 5.60% to 5.10%) at December 31, 2005 would have increased our pension 
expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 by approximately $517,000. 

Inflation  

Generally, inflation in the U.S. has been relatively low in recent years. However, over the course of the last three 
years,  our  results  have  been  significantly  impacted  by  price  inflation  as  it  relates  to  many  of  the  components  of  our 
operating expenses such as fuel, steel, maintenance expense and labor. If the prices for which we sell our coal do not 
increase in step with rising costs, our margins will be reduced. 

56

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Accounting Standards 

In  November  2004,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  151,  Inventory  Costs.  SFAS  No.  151  is  an  amendment  of 
Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, Paragraph 5 that deals with inventory pricing. SFAS No. 151 
clarifies  the  accounting  for  abnormal  amounts  of  idle  facility  expenses,  freight,  handling  costs,  and  spoilage.  Under 
previous  guidance,  Chapter  4  Paragraph  5  of  ARB  No. 43,    items  such  as  idle  facility  expense,  excessive  spoilage, 
double freight, and rehandling costs might be considered to be so abnormal, under certain circumstances, as to require 
treatment  as  current  period  charges.  This  statement  eliminates  the  criterion  of  "so  abnormal"  and  requires  that  those 
items  be  recognized  as  current  period  charges.  Also,  SFAS  No. 151  requires  that  allocation  of  fixed  production 
overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Our adoption of SFAS 
No. 151 on January 1, 2006 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

Effective  January  1,  2006,  we  adopted  the  fair  value  recognition  provisions  of  SFAS  No. 123R,  Share-Based 
Payment,  using  the  "modified  prospective"  transition  method.    SFAS  No. 123R  permits  companies  to  adopt  its 
requirements using either a "modified prospective" method, or a "modified retrospective" method. Under the "modified 
prospective"  method  permitted  by  SFAS  No.  123R,  compensation  cost  is  recognized  in  the  financial  statements 
beginning with the effective date, of all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of 
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,  for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of 
SFAS  No. 123R.    The  requirements  of  SFAS  No.  123R,  under  the  "modified  retrospective"  method,  are  the  same  as 
under  the  "modified  prospective"  method,  but  also  permits  entities  to  restate  financial  statements  of  previous  periods 
based on pro forma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS No. 123. We used the modified prospective method of 
adoption provided under SFAS No. 123R and, therefore, did not restate prior period results.  

Prior  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  123R,  we  accounted  for  compensation  expense  attributable  to  the  non-vested 
restricted  common  units  granted  under  the  LTIP  using  the  intrinsic  value  method  prescribed  in  Accounting  Principles 
Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and the related FIN No. 28, Accounting for 
Stock  Appreciation  Rights  and  Other  Variable  Stock  Option  or  Award  Plans.  Compensation  cost  for  the  restricted 
common units was recorded on a pro-rata basis, as appropriate given the "cliff vesting" nature of the grants, based upon 
the  current  market  value  of  the  ARLP  common  units  at  the  end  of  each  period.  Because  we  had  previously  expensed 
share-based payments using the current market value of the ARLP common units at the end of each period, the adoption 
of SFAS No. 123R did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations. 

In March 2005, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 04-6, Accounting for Stripping Costs in the Mining Industry, and 
concluded that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be 
included  in  the  costs  of  the inventory  produced during  the  period  that  the  stripping  costs  are  incurred.  EITF  No. 04-6 
does not address the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the pre-production phase of a mine. EITF No. 04-6 is 
effective for the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 with early adoption permitted. 
The  effect  of  initially  applying  this  consensus  would  be  accounted  for  in  a  manner  similar  to  a  cumulative-effect 
adjustment. Since we have historically adhered to the accounting principles similar to EITF No. 04-6 in accounting for 
stripping  costs  incurred  at  our  surface  operation,  the  adoption  of  EITF  No.  04-6,  on  January 1,  2006,  did  not  have  a 
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB 
Statement  No.  109.  This  interpretation  clarifies  the  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes  recognized  in  an 
enterprise’s  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  FASB  Statement  No.  109,  Accounting  for  Income  Taxes.  The 
interpretation  prescribes  a  recognition  threshold  and  measurement  attribute  for  a  tax  position  taken  or  expected  to  be 
taken  in  a  tax  return  and  also  provides  guidance  on  derecognition,  classification,  interest  and  penalties,  accounting  in 
interim  periods,  disclosure,  and  transition.  The  provisions  of  FIN  No.  48  are  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after 
December  15,  2006.  We  do  not  expect  the  adoption  of  FIN  No.  48  to  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated 
financial statements. 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  This standard defines fair value, 
establishes  a  framework  for  measuring  fair  value  in  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  expands  disclosure  about  fair  value  measurements.  SFAS  No.  157  applies  under  other  accounting 
standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value 
measurement.  SFAS  No.  157  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  November 15,  2007.    We  are  currently 

57

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
evaluating  the  requirements  of  SFAS  No.  157  and  have  not  yet  determined  the  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements.  

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other 
Postretirement  Plans—an  amendment  of  FASB  Statements  No. 87,  88,  106,  and  132(R).  SFAS  No.  158  requires  an 
employer  to  recognize  the  over-funded  or  under-funded  status  of  a  defined  benefit  postretirement  plan  (other  than  a 
multi-employer  plan)  as  an  asset  or  liability  on  its  statement  of  financial  position.  SFAS  No. 158  also  requires  an 
employer  to  recognize  changes  in  that  funded  status  in  the  year  in  which  the  changes  occur  through  comprehensive 
income. In addition, SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-
end statement of financial position. SFAS No. 158 requirements to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and new 
disclosure  requirements  are  effective  as  of  December  31,  2006.    The  requirement  to  measure  plan  assets  and  benefit 
obligations  as of  the date  of  the  employer’s  fiscal  year-end  statement  of  financial  position is  effective  for fiscal  years 
ending after December 15, 2008.  Other than the reclass of accrued pension benefits from current to long-term liabilities, 
the adoption of SFAS No. 158 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In  September  2006,  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  issued  Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  (SAB)  No.  108, 
Considering  the  Effects  of  Prior  Year  Misstatements  When  Quantifying  Misstatements  in  Current  Year  Financial 
Statements,  which  provides  interpretive  guidance  on  how  the  effects  of  the  carryover  or  reversal  of  prior  year 
misstatements  should  be  considered  in  quantifying  a  current  year  misstatement.  SAB  No.  108  is  effective  as  of 
December  31,  2006.    The  adoption  of  SAB  No.  108  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements.  

ITEM 7A. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  

We  have  significant  long-term  coal  supply  agreements.  Virtually  all  of  the  long-term  coal  supply  agreements  are 
subject  to  price  adjustment  provisions,  which  permit  an  increase  or  decrease  periodically  in  the  contract  price  to 
principally  reflect  changes  in  specified  price  indices  or  items  such  as  taxes,  royalties  or  actual  production  costs.  For 
additional discussion of coal supply agreements, please see "Item 1. Business. – Coal Marketing and Sales" and "Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. – Note 20. Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customers." 

Almost all of our transactions are, denominated in U.S. dollars, and as a result, we do not have material exposure to 
currency exchange-rate risks.  At the current time, we do not have any interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate or 
commodity price-hedging transactions outstanding. 

Borrowings under the ARLP Credit Facility are at variable rates and, as a result, we have interest rate exposure.  Our 
earnings are not materially affected by changes in interest rates.  We had no borrowings outstanding under the ARLP 
Credit Facility during 2006 or at December 31, 2006. 

The table below provides information about our 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 our 
current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of December 31, 2006, and 2005. 
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands): 

Expected Maturity Dates 
as of December 31, 2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Thereafter 

Total 

Fair Value 
December 31, 
2006 

Senior Notes fixed rate 
Weighted Average interest rate 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8 31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$       54,000 
8.31% 

$      144,000 

$    156,179 

Expected Maturity Dates 
as of December 31, 2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

Thereafter 

Total 

Fair Value 
December 31, 
2005 

Senior Notes fixed rate 
Weighted Average interest rate 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8 31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$  18,000 
8.31% 

$      72,000 
8.31% 

$      162,000 

$    176,254 

58

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

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, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows 
and Partners’ capital (deficit) and comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2006.   Our  audits  also  included  the  financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15.    These  financial 
statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management.  Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States).    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 financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
the Partnership as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the 
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth 
therein. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on 
the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion 
on  management’s  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  Partnership’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  an 
unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 

Tulsa, Oklahoma 
February 28, 2007 

59

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES  

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005 
(In thousands, except unit data) 

ASSETS 

CURRENT ASSETS: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade receivables, net 
Other receivables 
Due from affiliates 
Marketable securities 
Inventories 
Advance royalties 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 

Total current assets 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 

Total property, plant and equipment - net 

OTHER ASSETS: 

Advance royalties 
Other long-term assets 
Total other assets 

TOTAL ASSETS 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL 

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

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 
Pneumoconiosis benefits 
Accrued pension benefit 
Workers' compensation 
Reclamation and mine closing 
Due to affiliates 
Long-term capital lease obligation 
Minority interest 
Other liabilities 

Total long-term liabilities 
Total liabilities 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

PARTNERS' CAPITAL: 

Limited Partners - Common Unitholders 36,419,847 and 36,426,306 units outstanding, 

respectively 

General Partners' deficit 
Unrealized loss on marketable securities 
Accumulated other comprehensive income/minimum pension liability 

Total Partners' capital 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

60

December 31, 

2006 

2005 

$          36,789 
96,558 
3,378 
25 
260 
20,224 
4,629 
8,225 
170,088 

$          32,054 
94,495 
2,330 
- 
49,242 
17,270 
2,952 
8,934 
207,277 

819,991 
(383,284) 
436,707 

635,086 
(330,672) 
304,414 

22,135 
6,032 
28,167 
$        634,962 

16,328 
4,668 
20,996 
$        532,687 

$          57,879 
1,414 
14,618 
14,698 
- 
4,264 
7,704 
339 
13,786 
18,000 
132,702 

$          53,473 
8,795 
13,177 
12,466 
7,588 
4,855 
7,740 
- 
5,120 
18,000 
131,214 

126,000 
26,315 
6,191 
38,488 
47,825 
994 
1,512 
839 
5,616 
253,780 
386,482 

144,000 
23,293 
- 
30,050 
38,716 
6,940 
- 
- 
2,697 
245,696 
376,910 

549,005 
(293,569) 
- 
(6,956) 
248,480 
$        634,962 

461,068 
(298,270) 
(68) 
(6,953) 
155,777 
$        532,687 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004 
(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 
Net gain from insurance settlement 
Total operating expenses 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2004 

2006 

$      895,823 
39,879 
31,855 
967,557 

$      768,958 
39,069 
30,691 
838,718 

$      599,399 
29,817 
24,073 
653,289 

627,756 
39,879 
19,213 
30,884 
66,489 
- 
784,221 

521,488 
39,069 
15,113 
33,484 
55,637 
- 
664,791 

436,471 
29,817 
9,913 
45,400 
53,664 
(15,217) 
560,048 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 

183,336 

173,927 

93,241 

Interest expense (net of  interest capitalized of $1,558, $566 and $-, 

respectively) 
Interest income 
Other income 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF 
  ACCOUNTING CHANGE, AND MINORITY INTEREST 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 

INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING  
  CHANGE AND MINORITY INTEREST 
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE 
MINORITY INTEREST 

(12,177) 
3,002 
936 

175,097 
2,443 

172,654 
112 
161 

(14,617) 
2,801 
581 

162,692 
2,682 

160,010 
- 
- 

(15,816) 
853 
984 

79,262 
2,641 

76,621 
- 
- 

NET INCOME 

$      172,927 

$      160,010 

$        76,621 

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  
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID PER COMMON AND SUBORDINATED UNIT 

$        24,594 
$      148,333 
$            3.06 
$            3.03 
$            1.92 

$        12,409 
$      147,601 
$            2.89 
$            2.84 
$            1.58 

$          3,324 
$        73,297 
$            1.76 
$            1.71 
$            1.24 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS 

OUTSTANDING – BASIC 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS 

OUTSTANDING – DILUTED 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

36,425,350 

36,288,527 

35,881,896 

36,810,383 

36,977,061 

36,874,336 

61

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004 
(In thousands) 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 

Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating 

activities: 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 
Long-term incentive plan 
Reclamation and mine closings 
Coal inventory adjustment to market 
Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Loss on retirement of damaged vertical belt equipment 
Minority interest 
Cumulative effect of accounting change 
Other 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Advance royalties 
Accounts payable 
Due to affiliates 
Accrued taxes other than income taxes 
Accrued payroll and related benefits 
Pneumoconiosis benefits 
Workers' compensation 
Other 

Total net adjustments 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 

Property, plant and equipment: 

Capital expenditures 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
     Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of marketable securities 
Proceeds from marketable securities 
Proceeds from assumption of liability 
Payments for acquisition of businesses 

Net cash used in investing activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 

Cash contribution by General Partners 
Payments on long-term debt 
Payment of debt issuance costs 
Equity contribution received by Mid-America Carbonates, LLC 
Distributions to Partners 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2004 

2006 

$       172,927 

$       160,010 

$         76,621 

66,489 
4,112 
2,101 
319 
(1,188) 
- 
(161) 
(112) 
1,119 

(2,051) 
(1,048) 
(3,851) 
757 
(6,484) 
1,677 
(1,762) 
1,441 
1,659 
3,022 
8,402 
3,555 
77,996 
250,923 

(188,630) 
2,776 
1,401 
(19,447) 
68,497 
- 
(2,289) 
(137,692) 

2 
(18,000) 
(690) 
1,000 
(90,808) 
(108,496) 

55,637 
8,193 
1,918 
573 
179 
1,298 
- 
- 
580 

(37,528) 
(693) 
(4,004) 
(4,584) 
(4,396) 
13,115 
(3,265) 
2,435 
736 
3,460 
4,715 
(4,761) 
33,608 
193,618 

(119,881) 
9,364 
198 
(63,448) 
63,589 
- 
- 
(110,178) 

143 
(18,000) 
- 
- 
(64,706) 
(82,563) 

53,664 
20,320 
1,622 
488 
(332) 
- 
- 
- 
587 

(20,593) 
294 
200 
(913) 
(1,307) 
8,678 
(6,126) 
367 
635 
2,702 
3,849 
4,299 
68,434 
145,055 

(54,713) 
- 
687 
(49,271) 
23,537 
2,112 
- 
(77,648) 

3 
- 
- 
- 
(46,389) 
(46,386) 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD 

4,735 
32,054 
$         36,789 

877 
31,177 
$         32,054 

21,021 
10,156 
$         31,177 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 

CASH PAID FOR: 

Cash paid for interest 
Cash paid for taxing authorities 

NON-CASH ACTIVITY: 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Asset acquired by capital lease 
Market value of common units issued to Long-Term Incentive Plan 

participants upon vesting 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

62

$         13,760 
$           2,400 

$         15,160 
$           3,025 

$         15,229 
$           2,150 

$         12,140 
$           1,862 

$           9,364 
$                  -  

$                   - 
$                  -  

$                  -  

$           6,988 

$         13,680 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76,621 

48 

(1,333) 

75,336 

13,680 

3 

- 

(46,389) 

- 

55,187 

160,010 

(14) 

(1,831) 

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004 
(In thousands, except unit data) 

Number of 
Limited Partner Units 

Common 

Subordinated 

Limited Partners' Capital 
Common 

Subordinated 

General 
Partners' 
Capital  
(Deficit) 

Unrealized 
Gain 
(Loss) 

Minimum Pension 
Liability/Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive 
Income 

Total 
Partners' 
Capital 
(Deficit) 

Balance at January 1, 2004 

29,385,054 

6,422,532 

$    263,071 

$      58,411 

$   (305,034) 

$          (102) 

$       (3,789) 

$      12,557 

Comprehensive income: 

Net income 

Unrealized gain 

Minimum pension liability 

Total comprehensive income 

Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan 

participants upon vesting 

General Partners contribution 

Retirement of common units contributed by our 

Managing General Partner 

Distribution to Partners 

- 

- 

- 

- 

462,252 

- 

(8,958) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

60,685 

12,612 

3,324 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

60,685 

12,612 

3,324 

13,680 

- 

(265) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

265 

(36,548) 

(7,988) 

(1,853) 

Subordinated units conversion to common units 

6,422,532 

(6,422,532) 

63,035 

(63,035) 

- 

- 

48 

- 

48 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,333) 

(1,333) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at December 31, 2004 

36,260,880 

Comprehensive income: 

Net income 

Unrealized loss 

Minimum pension liability 

Total comprehensive income 

Issuance of units to Long-Term Incentive Plan 

participants upon vesting 

General Partners contribution 

Distribution to Partners 

- 

- 

- 

- 

165,426 

- 

- 

Balance at December 31, 2005 

36,426,306 

Comprehensive income: 

Net income 

Unrealized gain 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Common unit – based compensation under Long-

Term Incentive Plan 

General Partner contribution 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Retirement of common units contributed by  our 

Managing General Partner 

(6,459) 

Distributions on common unit based 
compensation 

Distribution to Partners 

- 

- 

Balance at December 31, 2006 

36,419,847 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

363,658 

147,601 

- 

- 

147,601 

6,988 

- 

(57,179) 

461,068 

148,333 

- 

- 

148,333 

10,517 

- 

(222) 

(753) 

(69,938) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 (303,295) 

 (54) 

 (5,122) 

12,409 

- 

- 

- 

(14) 

- 

- 

- 

(1,831) 

12,409 

(14) 

(1,831) 

158,165 

- 

143 

(7,527) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(298,270) 

(68) 

(6,953) 

24,594 

- 

- 

24,594 

- 

2 

222 

- 

(20,117) 

- 

68 

- 

68 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3) 

(3) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6,988 

143 

(64,706) 

155,777 

172,927 

68 

(3) 

172,992 

10,517 

2 

- 

(753) 

(90,055) 

$    549,005 

$                  - 

$   (293,569) 

$                 - 

$       (6,956) 

$    248,480 

63

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004 

1. 

ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION 

Significant Relationships referenced in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

•  References  to  "we,"  "us,"  "our"  or  "ARLP  Partnership"  are  intended  to  mean  the  business  and  operations  of 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the parent company, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries.  

•  References to "ARLP" are intended to mean and include Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., individually as the 

parent company, and not on a consolidated basis. 

•  References to "MGP" mean Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC, the managing general partner of 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our managing general partner. 

•  References to "SGP" mean Alliance Resource GP, LLC, the special general partner of Alliance Resource 

Partners, L.P., also referred to as our special general partner. 

•  References to "Intermediate Partnership" mean Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P., the intermediate 

partnership of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., also referred to as our intermediate partnership. 

•  References to "Alliance Coal" mean Alliance Coal, LLC, the holding company for the operations of Alliance 

Resource Operating Partners, L.P., also referred to as our operating subsidiary. 

•  References to "AHGP" mean Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a 

consolidated basis. 

Organization 

ARLP  is  a  Delaware  limited  partnership  listed  on  the  NASDAQ  Global  Select  Market  under  the  ticker  symbol 
"ARLP."  ARLP was formed in May 1999, to acquire upon completion of ARLP's initial public offering on August 19, 
1999,  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.   ARH was previously owned by our current and former management.  In June 2006, our special 
general partner, SGP, and its parent, ARH, became wholly- owned, directly and indirectly, by Joseph W. Craft, III, our 
President and Chief Executive Officer.  The SGP is a Delaware limited liability company, which holds a 0.01% general 
partner interest in each of ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership.  We lease certain assets, including coal reserves and 
certain surface facilities, owned by SGP (Note 18). 

We  are  managed  by  our  managing  general  partner,  MGP,  a  Delaware  limited  liability  company,  which  holds  a 
0.99% and 1.0001% managing general partner interest in ARLP and the Intermediate Partnership, respectively.  AHGP is 
a Delaware limited partnership that was formed to own and become the controlling member of MGP.  AHGP completed 
its initial public offering ("AHGP IPO") on May 15, 2006.  Upon the closing of the AHGP IPO, AHGP owned directly 
and  indirectly  100%  of  the  members’  interest  of  MGP,  a  0.001%  managing  interest  in  Alliance  Coal,  the  incentive 
distribution  rights  in  ARLP  and  15,550,628  common  units  of  ARLP.    In  November  2006,  AHGP  contributed  6,459 
common units of ARLP to MGP, and MGP contributed these ARLP units to ARLP in exchange for a general partner 
interest  in  our  Intermediate  Partnership.    The  unit  contribution  by  MGP  was  necessary  for  it  to  maintain  its  1.0001% 
general partner interest in the Intermediate Partnership. 

The Delaware limited partnership, limited liability companies and corporation that comprise our subsidiaries are as 
follows:  Intermediate  Partnership,  Alliance  Coal,    Alliance  Design  Group,  LLC,  Alliance  Land,  LLC,  Alliance 
Properties, LLC, Alliance Service, Inc., Backbone Mountain, LLC, Excel Mining, LLC ("Excel"), Gibson County Coal, 
LLC ("Gibson County Coal"), Hopkins County Coal, LLC ("Hopkins County Coal"), Matrix Design Group, LLC, MC 
Mining,  LLC  ("MC  Mining"),  Mettiki  Coal,  LLC  ("Mettiki  (MD)"),  Mettiki  Coal  (WV),  LLC  ("Mettiki  (WV)"),  Mt. 
Vernon Transfer Terminal, LLC ("Mt. Vernon"), Penn Ridge Coal, LLC ("Penn Ridge"), Pontiki Coal, LLC ("Pontiki 
Coal"), River View Coal, LLC ("River View"), Tunnel Ridge, LLC ("Tunnel Ridge"), Warrior Coal, LLC ("Warrior"), 
Webster County Coal, LLC ("Webster County Coal"), and White County Coal, LLC ("White County Coal"). 

On September 15, 2005, we completed a two-for-one split of ARLP’s common units, whereby holders of record at 
the close of business on September 2, 2005 received one additional common unit for each common unit owned on that 

64

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
date. The unit split resulted in the issuance of 18,130,440 common units. For all periods presented, all references to the 
number  of  units  and  per  unit  net  income  and  distribution  amounts  included  in  this  report  have  been  adjusted  to  give 
effect for the unit split.  

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the limited partnerships, 
limited liability companies and corporation disclosed above and present the financial position as of December 31, 2006 
and  2005  and  the  results  of  their  operations,  cash  flows  and  changes  in  partners’  capital  (deficit)  and  comprehensive 
income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006.  All material intercompany transactions and 
accounts of the ARLP Partnership have been eliminated. 

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Estimates—The preparation of consolidated 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 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, 2006 and 
2005,  the  estimated  fair  value  of  long-term  debt,  including  current  maturities,  was  approximately  $156.2  million  and 
$176.3  million,  respectively.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  long-term  debt  is  based  on  interest  rates  that  we  believe  are 
currently available to us for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. 

Cash  and  Cash  Equivalents—Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  on  hand  and  on  deposit,  including  highly 
liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.  We had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $1,937,000 
and  $1,858,000  at  December 31,  2006  and  2005,  respectively,  which  are  included  in  other  assets  in  the  consolidated 
balance sheets. The restricted cash and cash equivalents are held in escrow and secure reclamation bonds. 

Cash  Management—We  presented  book  overdrafts  of  $11,291,000  and  $10,526,000  at  December 31,  2006  and 

2005, respectively, in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Marketable  Securities—We  currently  classify  all  marketable  securities  as  available  for  sale  securities.    At 
December 31, 2006 and 2005, the cost of marketable securities is reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses 
reported as a component of Partners’ capital until realized (Note 6).  

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,  less  a  reserve  for  obsolete  and  surplus 
items. 

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,  whichever  is  less,  ranging  from  2 to  12  years.  Depreciable  lives  for  mining  equipment  and  processing facilities 
range from 2 to 12 years. Depreciable lives for land and land improvements and depletable lives for mineral rights range 
from 2 to 12 years. Depreciable lives for buildings, office equipment and improvements range from 2 to 12 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. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, land and mineral rights 
include  $13,767,000  and  $4,628,000,  respectively,  representing  the  carrying  value  of  coal  reserves  attributable  to 
properties where  we  are  not currently  engaged  in  mining operations or  leasing  to  third  parties,  and  therefore,  the  coal 
reserves are not currently being depleted.  We believe that the carrying value of these reserves will be recovered. 

Mine  Development  Costs—Mine  development  costs  are  capitalized  until  production,  other  than  production 
incidental to the mine development process, commences  and are amortized over the estimated life of the mine.  Mine 
development costs represent costs incurred in establishing access to mineral reserves and include costs associated with 
sinking or driving shafts and underground drifts, permanent excavations, roads and tunnels. 

Long-Lived Assets—We review 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 

65

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
undiscounted future cash flows.  The amount of impairment is measured by the difference between the carrying value 
and the fair value of the asset.  We have not recorded an impairment loss for any of the periods presented. 

Advance  Royalties—Rights  to  coal  mineral  leases  are  often  acquired  and/or  maintained  through  advance  royalty 
payments.    We  assess  the  recoverability  of  royalty  prepayments  based  on  estimated  future  production,  and  capitalize 
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. 

In March 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 
Issue  No.  04-2,  Whether  Mineral  Rights  Are  Tangible  or  Intangible  Assets.  In  this  Issue,  the  Task  Force  reached  the 
consensus that mineral rights are tangible assets and amended Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 
No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which previously classified 
mineral  rights  and  related  assets  as  intangible  assets.  Consistent  with  other  extractive  industry  entities,  we  have 
historically  included  related  assets  as  tangible;  therefore,  there  was  no  material  effect  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements upon adoption.  

Coal Supply Agreements—A portion of the acquisition costs from a business combination in 1996 was allocated to 
coal  supply  agreements.  This  allocated  cost  was  amortized  on  the  basis  of  coal  shipped  in  relation  to  total  coal  to  be 
supplied  during  the  respective  coal  supply  agreement  terms.  The  amortization  period  ended  December  2005. 
Accumulated  amortization  for  coal  supply  agreements  was  $38,463,000  at  December 31,  2005.  The  aggregate 
amortization  expense  recognized  for  coal  supply  agreements  was  $2,723,000  and  $2,722,000  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  

Reclamation  and  Mine  Closing  Costs—We  record  the  liability  for  the  estimated  cost  of  future  mine  reclamation 
and closing procedures on a present value basis when incurred and the associated cost is capitalized by increasing the 
carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Those costs relate to permanently sealing portals at underground mines 
and to reclaiming the final pits and support acreage at surface mines. Examples of these types of costs, common to both 
types of mining, include, but are not limited to, removing or covering refuse piles and settling ponds, water treatment 
obligations, and dismantling preparation plants, other facilities and roadway infrastructure. (Note 15). 

Workers’  Compensation  and  Pneumoconiosis  ("Black  Lung")  Benefits—We  are  generally  self-insured  for 
workers’  compensation  benefits,  including  black  lung  benefits.  We  accrue  a  workers’  compensation  liability  for  the 
estimated present value of workers’ compensation and black lung benefits based on actuarial valuations. 

Income Taxes—We are not a taxable entity for federal or state income tax purposes; the tax effect of our activities 
accrues  to  the  unitholders.  Although  publicly  traded  partnerships  as  a  general  rule  will  be  taxed  as  corporations,  we 
qualify  for  an exemption  because  at  least  90%  of  our  income  consists  of  qualifying  income.  Net  income  for  financial 
statement  purposes  may  differ  significantly  from  taxable  income  reportable  to  unitholders  as  a  result  of  differences 
between  the  tax  basis  and  financial  reporting  basis  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  the  taxable  income  allocation 
requirements under our partnership agreement. Our subsidiary, Alliance Service, Inc. ("Alliance Service"), is subject to 
federal  and  state  income  taxes.  Our  tax  counsel  has  provided  an opinion  that ARLP, the  Intermediate  Partnership and 
Alliance Coal will each be treated as a partnership. However, as is customary, no ruling has been or will be requested 
from the IRS regarding our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.  Our tax basis in net assets 
exceeded the book basis in net assets by approximately  $169.0 million and $130.0 million at December 31, 2006 and 
2005, respectively.  

Revenue  Recognition—Revenues  from  coal  sales  are  recognized  when  title  passes  to  the  customer  as  the  coal  is 
shipped. Some coal supply agreements provide for price adjustments based on variations in quality characteristics of the 
coal  shipped.  In  certain  cases,  a  customer’s  analysis  of  the  coal  quality  is  binding  and  the  results  of  the  analysis  are 
received on a delayed basis. In these cases, we estimate the amount of the quality adjustment and adjust the estimate to 
actual when the information is provided by the customer. Historically such adjustments have not been material. Non-coal 
sales revenues primarily consist of rental and service fees associated with agreements to host and operate third-party coal 
synfuel facilities and to assist with the coal synfuel marketing and other related services. These non-coal sales revenues 
are recognized as the services are performed. Transportation revenues are recognized in connection with us incurring the 
corresponding costs of transporting coal to customers through third-party carriers for which we are directly reimbursed 
through customer billings. 

66

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Unit-Based Compensation—Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions 
of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the "modified prospective" transition method.  SFAS No. 123R permits 
companies to adopt its requirements using either a "modified prospective" method, or a "modified retrospective" method. 
Under the "modified prospective" method permitted by SFAS No. 123R, compensation cost is recognized in the financial 
statements  beginning  with  the  effective  date,  of  all  share-based  payments  granted  after  that  date,  and  based  on  the 
requirements of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,  for all unvested awards granted prior to the 
effective date of SFAS No. 123R.  The requirements of SFAS No. 123R, under the "modified retrospective" method, are 
the same as under the "modified prospective" method, but also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous 
periods  based  on  pro  forma  disclosures  made  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No. 123.  We  used  the  modified  prospective 
method of adoption provided under SFAS No. 123R and, therefore, did not restate prior period results.  

Prior  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  123R,  we  accounted  for  compensation  expense  attributable  to  the  non-vested 
restricted  common  units  granted  under  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  ("LTIP")  using  the  intrinsic  value  method 
prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and the 
related FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option 
or  Award  Plans.  Compensation  cost  for  the  restricted  common  units  was  recorded  on  a  pro-rata  basis,  as  appropriate 
given the "cliff vesting" nature of the grants, based upon the current market value of the ARLP common units at the end 
of each period. Because we had previously expensed share-based payments using the current market value of the ARLP 
common  units  at  the  end  of  each  period,  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  123R  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our 
consolidated results of operations. 

Consistent  with  the  2005  and  2004  disclosure  requirements  of  SFAS  No. 148,  Accounting  for  Stock-Based 
Compensation  Transition  and  Disclosure,  an  amendment  of  SFAS  No. 123,  the  following  table  demonstrates  that 
compensation cost for the non-vested restricted units granted under the LTIP is the same under the intrinsic value method 
and the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (in thousands, except per unit data): 

Net income, as reported 

Year Ended December 31, 

2005 

2004 

$      160,010 

$        76,621 

Add: Compensation expense related to LTIP units included in reported net 
income 

8,193 

20,320 

Deduct: Compensation expense related to LTIP units determined under fair 
value method for all awards 

Net income, pro forma 

General partners' interest in net income, pro forma 

(8,193) 

(20,320) 

160,010 

76,621 

12,409 

3,324 

Limited partners' interest in net income, pro forma 

$      147,601 

$        73,297 

Earnings per limited partner unit: 
Basic, as reported 
Basic, pro forma 
Diluted, as reported 
Diluted, pro forma 

$            2.89 
$            2.89 
$            2.84 
$            2.84 

$            1.76 
$            1.76 
$            1.71 
$            1.71 

Net  Income  Per  Unit—Basic  net  income  per  limited  partner  unit  is  determined  by  dividing  Limited  Partners’ 
interest in net income, by the weighted average number of outstanding common units and subordinated units. In periods 
when our aggregate net income exceeds the aggregate distributions to our limited and general partners, EITF Issue No. 
03-6, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, requires us to present earnings 
per unit as if all of the earnings for the periods were distributed (Note 12).  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 LTIP (Note 14). 

67

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Accounting Standards— In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs. SFAS No. 151 
is  an  amendment  of  Accounting  Research  Bulletin  ("ARB")  No. 43,  Chapter  4,  Paragraph 5  that  deals  with  inventory 
pricing. SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, 
and  spoilage.  Under  previous  guidance,  Chapter  4  Paragraph  5  of  ARB  No. 43,    items  such  as  idle  facility  expense, 
excessive  spoilage,  double  freight,  and  rehandling  costs  might  be  considered  to  be  so  abnormal,  under  certain 
circumstances, as to require treatment as current period charges. This statement eliminates the criterion of "so abnormal" 
and  requires  that  those  items  be  recognized  as  current  period  charges.  Also,  SFAS  No. 151  requires  that  allocation  of 
fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Our 
adoption of SFAS No. 151, on January 1, 2006, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

We adopted SFAS No. 123R effective on January 1, 2006.  We used the "modified prospective" method of adoption 

provided under SFAS No. 123R and, therefore, did not restate prior period results (Note 14). 

In March 2005, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 04-6, Accounting for Stripping Costs in the Mining Industry and 
concluded that stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that should be 
included  in  the  costs  of  the inventory  produced during  the  period  that  the  stripping  costs  are  incurred.  EITF  No. 04-6 
does not address the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the pre-production phase of a mine. EITF No. 04-6 is 
effective for the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 with early adoption permitted. 
The  effect  of  initially  applying  this  consensus  would  be  accounted  for  in  a  manner  similar  to  a  cumulative-effect 
adjustment. Since we have historically adhered to the accounting principles similar to EITF No. 04-6 in accounting for 
stripping  costs  incurred  at  our  surface  operation,  the  adoption  of  EITF  No.  04-6,  on  January 1,  2006,  did  not  have  a 
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB 
Statement  No.  109.  This  interpretation  clarifies  the  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes  recognized  in  an 
enterprise’s  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  FASB  Statement  No.  109,  Accounting  for  Income  Taxes.  The 
interpretation  prescribes  a  recognition  threshold  and  measurement  attribute  for  a  tax  position  taken  or  expected  to  be 
taken  in  a  tax  return  and  also  provides  guidance  on  derecognition,  classification,  interest  and  penalties,  accounting  in 
interim  periods,  disclosure,  and  transition.  The  provisions  of  FIN  No.  48  are  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after 
December  15,  2006.    We  do  not  expect  the  adoption  of  FIN  No.  48  to  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated 
financial statements.  

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  This standard defines fair value, 
establishes  a  framework  for  measuring  fair  value  in  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  expands  disclosure  about  fair  value  measurements.  SFAS  No.  157  applies  under  other  accounting 
standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value 
measurement.  SFAS  No.  157  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  November 15,  2007.    We  are  currently 
evaluating  the  requirements  of  SFAS  No.  157  and  have  not  yet  determined  the  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other 
Postretirement  Plans—an  amendment  of  FASB  Statements  No. 87,  88,  106,  and  132(R).  SFAS  No.  158  requires  an 
employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multi-
employer plan) as an asset or liability on its statement of financial position. SFAS No. 158 also requires an employer to 
recognize  changes  in  that  funded  status  in  the  year  in  which  the  changes  occur  through  comprehensive  income.  In 
addition,  SFAS  No.  158  requires  an  employer  to  measure  the  funded  status  of  a  plan  as  of  the  date  of  its  year-end 
statement  of  financial  position.  SFAS  No. 158  requirements  to  recognize  the  funded  status  of  a  benefit  plan  and  new 
disclosure  requirements  are  effective  as  of  December  31,  2006.    The  requirement  to  measure  plan  assets  and  benefit 
obligations  as of  the date  of  the  employer’s  fiscal  year-end  statement  of  financial  position is  effective  for fiscal  years 
ending after December 15, 2008.  Other than the reclass of accrued pension benefits from current to long-term liabilities, 
the adoption of SFAS No. 158 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 108, 
Considering  the  Effects  of  Prior  Year  Misstatements  When  Quantifying  Misstatements  in  Current  Year  Financial 
Statements,  which  provides  interpretive  guidance  on  how  the  effects  of  the  carryover  or  reversal  of  prior  year 
misstatements  should  be  considered  in  quantifying  a  current  year  misstatement.  SAB  No.  108  is  effective  as  of 
December  31,  2006.    The  adoption  of  SAB  No.  108  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

68

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassifications—Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made  to  the  2005  and  2004  cash  flow  presentation  of  the 
LTIP, due to affiliates, and net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment, which are reported separately within 
cash flows from operating activities to conform to the 2006 presentation. 

3. 

ACQUISITIONS 

River View Coal, LLC 

In  April  2006,  we  acquired  100%  of  the  membership  interest  in  River  View  Coal,  LLC  ("River  View")  for 
approximately  $1.65  million  from  ARH.    At  the  time,  River  View  had  the  right  to  purchase  certain  assets,  including 
additional  coal  reserves,  surface  properties,  facilities  and  permits  from  an  unrelated  party,  for  $4.15  million  plus  an 
overriding royalty on all coal mined and sold by River View from certain of the leased properties included in the assets.  
In  April  2006,  River  View  purchased  such  assets  and  assumed  reclamation  liabilities  of  $2.9  million.    River  View 
controls through coal leases or direct ownership approximately 110.0 million tons of high sulfur coal reserves in the No. 
7, No. 9 and No. 11 coal seams, located in Union County, Kentucky.  

Tunnel Ridge, LLC 

In  January  2005,  we  acquired  100%  of  the  limited  liability  company  member  interests  of  Tunnel  Ridge  for 
approximately $500,000 and the assumption of reclamation liabilities from ARH.  Tunnel Ridge controls, through a coal 
lease agreement with our special general partner, an estimated 70 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 
coal seam underlying approximately 9,400 acres of land located in Ohio County, West Virginia and Washington County, 
Pennsylvania.  Under the terms of the coal lease, beginning on January 1, 2005, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue 
to pay our special general partner an advance minimum royalty of $3.0 million per year. The advance royalty payments 
are fully recoupable against earned royalties (Note 18).  Tunnel Ridge also controls surface land and other tangible assets 
under a separate lease agreement with the SGP. 

The River View and Tunnel Ridge transactions described above were related-party transactions and, as such, were 
reviewed by the board of directors of our managing general partner ("Board of Directors") and its conflicts committee 
("Conflicts  Committee").  Based  upon  these  reviews,  the  Conflicts  Committee  determined  that  these  transactions 
reflected market-clearing terms and conditions customary in the coal industry. As a result, the Board of Directors and its 
Conflicts Committee approved the River View and Tunnel Ridge transactions as fair and reasonable to us and our limited 
partners. Because River View and Tunnel Ridge acquisitions were between entities under common  control, they were 
accounted for at historical cost. 

Lodestar Assets 

On  July 15,  2003,  Hopkins  County  Coal  executed  an  Asset  Purchase  Agreement  with  Lodestar  Energy,  Inc. 
("Lodestar"),  a  coal  company  operating  in  Chapter  7  bankruptcy  proceedings.  Concurrently,  Hopkins  County  Coal 
entered into various other agreements (collectively, the Asset Purchase Agreement and the various other agreements are 
referred  to  as  the  "Lodestar  Agreements")  with  several  parties,  including  the  Kentucky  Environmental  and  Public 
Protection Cabinet ("Cabinet") and Frontier Insurance Company ("Frontier"). Closing of the Lodestar Agreements was 
subject  to  the  resolution  of  numerous  contingencies  and/or  conditions.  Under  the  terms  of  the  relevant  Lodestar 
Agreements,  Hopkins  County  Coal  principally  acquired  several  mining  pits,  created  by  Lodestar’s  prior  mining 
activities.  The  mining  pit  is  used  for  refuse  disposal  by  our  Webster  County  Coal's  Dotiki  mine.  The  purchase  price 
included  a  nominal  monetary  amount  and  the  assumption  of  remedial  reclamation  activities  under  the  various  mining 
permits  acquired  by  Hopkins  County  Coal  from  Lodestar.  The  Cabinet  accepted  these  remedial  activities  in  lieu  of 
certain solid waste closure requirements applicable to residual landfills. Hopkins County Coal also received $2.1 million 
from  Frontier  in  exchange  for  the  assumption  of  the  remedial  activities  associated  with  the  mining  pit.  As  a  result  of 
closing  the  Lodestar  Agreements  on  June 2,  2004,  Hopkins  County  Coal  recorded  the  fair  value  of  the  initial  asset 
retirement obligation of approximately $4.1 million with a corresponding asset that was reduced by the $2.1 million of 
cash received. 

69

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. 

MINE FIRE INCIDENTS  

MC Mining Mine Fire 

On December 26, 2004, our MC Mining Excel No. 3 mine was temporarily idled following the occurrence of a mine 
fire  (the  "MC  Mining Fire  Incident").  The  fire  was discovered by  mine  personnel near  the  bottom  of  the  Excel No. 3 
mine slope late in the evening of December 25, 2004. Under a firefighting plan developed by MC Mining, in cooperation 
with  mine  emergency  response  teams  from  the  U.S.  Department  of  Labor’s  Mine  Safety  and  Health  Administration 
("MSHA") and Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, the four portals at the Excel No. 3 mine were temporarily 
capped to deprive the fire of oxygen. A series of boreholes was then drilled into the mine from the surface, and nitrogen 
gas  and  foam  were  injected  through  the  boreholes  into  the  fire  area  to  further  suppress  the  fire.  As  a  result  of  these 
efforts,  the  mine  atmosphere  was  rendered  substantially  inert,  or  without  oxygen,  and  the  Excel  No.  3  mine  fire  was 
effectively suppressed. MC Mining then began construction of temporary and permanent barriers designed to completely 
isolate the mine fire area. Once the construction of the permanent barriers was completed, MC Mining began efforts to 
repair and rehabilitate the Excel No. 3 mine infrastructure. On February 21, 2005, the repair and rehabilitation efforts had 
progressed sufficiently to allow initial resumption of production. Coal production has returned to near normal levels, but 
continues to be adversely impacted by inefficiencies attributable to or associated with the MC Mining Fire Incident. 

We  maintain  commercial  property  (including  business  interruption  and  extra  expense)  insurance  policies  with 
various  underwriters,  which  policies  are  renewed  annually  in  October  and  provide  for  self-retention  and  various 
applicable  deductibles,  including  certain  monetary  and/or  time  element  forms  of  deductibles  (collectively,  the  "2005 
Deductibles") and 10% co-insurance ("2005 Co-Insurance"). We believe such insurance coverage will cover a substantial 
portion  of  the  total  cost  of  the  disruption  to  MC  Mining’s  operations.  However,  concurrent  with  the  renewal  of  our 
commercial property (including business interruption) insurance policies concluded on September 30, 2006, MC Mining 
confirmed with the current underwriters of the commercial property insurance coverage that any negotiated settlement of 
the losses arising from or in connection with the MC Mining Fire Incident would not exceed $40.0 million (inclusive of 
co-insurance  and  deductible  amounts).  Until  the  claim  is  resolved  ultimately,  through  the  claim  adjustment  process, 
settlement, or litigation, with the applicable underwriters, we can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery 
of insurance proceeds. 

We made an initial estimate of certain costs primarily associated with activities relating to the suppression of the fire 
and  the  initial  resumption  of  operations.  Operating  expenses  for  2004  increased  by  $4.1  million  to  reflect  an  initial 
estimate  of  certain  minimum  costs  attributable  to  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident  that  are  not  reimbursable  under  our 
insurance policies due to the application of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance. 

Following the initial two submittals by us to a representative of the underwriters of our estimate of the expenses and 
losses (including business interruption losses) incurred by MC Mining and other affiliates arising from or in connection 
with the MC Mining Fire Incident ("MC Mining Insurance Claim"), on September 15, 2005, we filed a third estimate of 
our expenses and losses, with an update through July 31 2005. Partial payments of $4.0 million and $12.2 million were 
received in 2006 and 2005, respectively. These amounts are net of the 2005 Deductibles and 2005 Co-Insurance.  The 
accounting for these partial payments and future payments, if any, made to us by the underwriters will be subject to the 
accounting  methodology  described  below.  On  March  23,  2006,  we  filed  a  third  partial  proof  of  loss  for  the  period 
through July 31, 2005 of $4.0 million.  Currently, we continue to evaluate our potential insurance recoveries under the 
applicable insurance policies in the following areas: 

1.  Fire  Brigade/Extinguishing/Mine  Recovery  Expense;  Expenses  to  Reduce  Loss;  Debris  Removal  Expenses; 
Demolition and Increased Cost of Construction; Expediting Expenses; and Extra Expenses incurred as a result 
of  the  fire  -  These  expenses  and  other  costs  (e.g.  professional  fees)  associated  with  extinguishing  the  fire, 
reducing the overall loss, demolition of certain property and removal of debris, expediting the recovery from the 
loss,  and  extra  expenses  that  would  not  have  been  incurred  by  us,  but  for  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident,  are 
being  expensed  as  incurred  with  related  actual  and/or  estimated  insurance  recoveries  recorded  as  they  are 
considered to be probable, up to the amount of the actual cost incurred. 

2.  Damage to MC Mining mine property - The net book value of property destroyed of $154,000, was written off 
in  the  first  quarter  of  2005  with  a  corresponding  amount  recorded  as  an  estimated  insurance  recovery,  since 
such recovery is considered probable. Any insurance proceeds from the claims relating to the MC Mining mine 
property  (other  than  amounts  relating  to  the  matters  discussed  in 1.  above)  that  exceed  the net book  value of 

70

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
such  damaged  property  are  expected  to  result  in  a  gain.  The  anticipated  gain  will  be  recorded  when  the  MC 
Mining Insurance Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received. 

3.  MC  Mining  mine  business  interruption  losses  –  We  have  submitted  to  a  representative  of  the  underwriters  a 
business  interruption  loss  analysis  for  the  period  of  December  24,  2004  through  July  31,  2005.  Expenses 
associated  with  business  interruption  losses  are  expensed  as  incurred,  and  estimated  insurance  recoveries  of 
such losses are recognized to the extent such recoveries are considered to be probable, up to the actual amount 
incurred. Recoveries in excess of actual costs incurred will be recorded as gains when the MC Mining Insurance 
Claim is resolved and/or proceeds are received. 

Pursuant to the accounting methodology described above, we have recorded as an offset to operating expenses, $0.4 
million and $10.7 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively from the $16.2 million of partial payments described above. 
These amounts represent the current estimated insurance recovery of actual costs incurred, net of the 2005 Deductibles 
and 2005 Co-Insurance.  The remaining $5.1 million of partial payments are included in other current liabilities in the 
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2006 and cannot be recognized as a gain until the claim is settled.  
We  continue  to  discuss  the  MC  Mining  Insurance  Claim  and  the  determination  of  the  total  claim  amount  with 
representatives  of  the  underwriters.  The  MC  Mining  Insurance  Claim  will  continue  to  be  developed  as  additional 
information  becomes  available  and  we  have  completed  our  assessment  of  the  losses  (including  the  methodologies 
associated  therewith)  arising  from  or  in  connection  with  the  MC  Mining  Fire  Incident.  At  this  time,  based  on  the 
magnitude and complexity of the MC Mining Insurance Claim, we are unable to reasonably estimate the total amount of 
the MC Mining Insurance Claim as well as our exposure, if any, for amounts not covered by our insurance program. 

Dotiki Mine Fire  

On February 11, 2004, our Webster County Coal's Dotiki mine was temporarily idled for a period of twenty-seven 
calendar  days  following  the  occurrence  of  a  mine  fire  that  originated  with  a  diesel  supply  tractor  (the  "Dotiki  Fire 
Incident"). As a result of the firefighting efforts of MSHA, Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals, and Webster 
County Coal personnel, Dotiki successfully extinguished the fire and totally isolated the affected area of the mine behind 
permanent  barriers.  Initial  production  resumed  on  March 8,  2004.  For  the  Dotiki  Fire  Incident,  we  had  commercial 
property  insurance  that  provided  coverage  for  damage  to  property  destroyed,  interruption  of  business  operations, 
including profit recovery, and expenditures incurred to minimize the period and total cost of disruption to operations. 

On September 10, 2004, we filed a third and final proof of loss with the applicable insurance underwriters reflecting 
a settlement of all expenses, losses and claims incurred by Webster County Coal and other affiliates arising from or in 
connection  with  the  Dotiki  Fire  Incident  in  the  aggregate  amount  of  $27.0 million,  inclusive  of  a  $1.0 million 
self-retention of initial loss, a $2.5 million deductible and 10% co-insurance. 

During 2004, we recorded as an offset to operating expenses $5.9 million and a combined net gain of approximately 
$15.2 million for damage to the property destroyed, interruption of business operations (including profit recovery), and 
extra expenses incurred to minimize the period and total cost of disruption to operations associated with the Dotiki Fire 
Incident. 

5. 

VERTICAL BELT FAILURE  

On June 14, 2005, our White County Coal Pattiki mine was temporarily idled following the failure of the vertical 
conveyor  belt  system  (the  "Vertical  Belt  Incident")  used  in  conveying  raw  coal  out  of  the  mine.  White  County  Coal 
surface personnel detected a failure of the vertical conveyor belt on June 14, 2005 and immediately shut down operation 
of  all  underground  conveyor  belt  systems.    White  County  Coal’s  efforts  to  repair  the  vertical  belt  system  progressed 
sufficiently to allow the Pattiki mine to resume initial production operations on July 21, 2005.  Repairs to the vertical 
belt conveyor system and ancillary equipment have been completed, and production of raw coal has returned to levels 
that existed prior to the occurrence of the Vertical Belt Incident.  Our operating expenses were increased by $2.9 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2005, to reflect the estimated direct expenses attributable to the Vertical Belt Incident, 
which  estimate  included  a  $1.3  million  retirement  of  the  damaged  vertical  belt  equipment.  We  have  not  identified 
currently any significant additional costs compared to the original cost estimates. We conducted an analysis of a number 
of  possible  alternatives  to  mitigate  the  losses  arising  from  the  Vertical  Belt  Incident,  including  review  of  the  Vertical 
Belt System Design, Supply, and Oversight of Installation Contract ("Installation Contract"), dated December 7, 2000, 
between White County Coal and Lake Shore Mining, Inc. (and subsequently assigned to Frontier-Kemper Contractors, 
Inc.  ("Frontier-Kemper")  by  Lake  Shore  Mining,  Inc.).    On  January  19,  2006,  White  County  Coal  filed  suit  against 

71

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frontier-Kemper in the White County, Illinois, Circuit Court, alleging breach of the Installation Contract and seeking to 
recover damages incurred as a result of the Vertical Belt Incident.  That litigation is in the discovery phase, and presently 
we can make no assurance of the amount or timing of recovery, if any.  Concurrent with the renewal of our commercial 
property (including business interruption) insurance policies effective on October 1, 2006, White County Coal confirmed 
with  the  current  underwriters  of  the  commercial  property  insurance  coverage  that  it  would  not  file  a  formal  insurance 
claim for losses arising from or in connection with the Vertical Belt Incident.  

6. 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES 

Marketable  securities  include  Federal  home  loan  discount  notes.    The  Federal  home  loan  discount  notes  had  a 

cumulative unrealized loss reflected in Partners’ capital of $68,000 at December 31, 2005. 

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

Federal home loan discount notes 

Total marketable securities 

7. 

INVENTORIES  

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

Coal 
Supplies (net of reserve for obsolescence of $646 and $68, 

respectively) 

Total inventory 

2006 

2005 

$                260 
$                260 

$           49,242 
$           49,242 

2006 

2005 

$             8,410 

$             6,538 

11,814 
$           20,224 

10,732 
$           17,270 

8. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Property, plant and equipment consist 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 
Mine development costs 

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 

Total property plant and equipment - net 

2006 

2005 

$         572,935 
39,323 
74,979 
41,916 
90,838 
819,991 
(383,284) 
$         436,707 

$         461,005 
26,694 
57,943 
29,699 
59,745 
635,086 
(330,672) 
$         304,414 

Equipment leased by us under lease agreements which are determined to be capital leases are stated at an amount 
equal  to  the  present  value  of  the  minimum  lease  payments  during  the  lease  term,  less  accumulated  amortization.  
Equipment  under  capital  leases  totaling  $1,862,000,  included  in  mining  equipment  and  processing  facilities,  is 
amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of its useful life or the related lease term.  The provision for 
amortization  of  leased  properties  is  included  in  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  expense.    Amortization 
expense and accumulated amortization related to our capital lease was $52,000 in 2006. 

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9. 

LONG-TERM DEBT 

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

Senior notes 
Less current maturities 

Total long-term debt 

2006 

2005 

$         144,000 
(18,000) 
$         126,000 

$         162,000 
(18,000) 
$         144,000 

Our  Intermediate  Partnership  has  $144.0  million  principal  amount  of  8.31%  senior  notes  due  August  20,  2014, 
payable  in  eight  remaining  equal  annual  installments  of  $18.0  million  with  interest  payable  semiannually  ("Senior 
Notes"). On April 13, 2006, our Intermediate Partnership entered into a $100.0 million revolving credit facility ("ARLP 
Credit Facility"), which expires in 2011.  The ARLP Credit Facility replaced an $85.0 million credit facility that would 
have expired September 2006.  Borrowings under the ARLP Credit Facility bear interest based on a floating base rate 
plus  an  applicable  margin.    The  applicable  margin  is  based  on  a  leverage  ratio  of  our  Intermediate  Partnership,  as 
computed from time to time.  As of December 31, 2006, the applicable margin for borrowings under the ARLP Credit 
Facility  was  0.875%  with  respect  to  London  Interbank  Offered  Rate  ("LIBOR")  borrowings.    Letters  of  credit  can  be 
issued  under  the  ARLP  Credit  Facility  not  to  exceed  $50.0  million.  Outstanding  letters  of  credit  reduce  amounts 
available under the ARLP Credit Facility. At December 31, 2006, we had letters of credit of $10.8 million outstanding 
under  the ARLP  Credit  Facility.  We had  no borrowings outstanding under  the ARLP Credit  Facility  at  December 31, 
2006. 

The Senior Notes and ARLP Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries of our Intermediate Partnership. 
The  Senior  Notes  and  ARLP  Credit  Facility  contain  various  restrictive  and  affirmative  covenants,  affecting  our 
Intermediate  Partnership  and  its  subsidiaries  restricting,  among  other  things,  the  amount  of  distributions  by  our 
Intermediate  Partnership,  the  incurrence  of  additional  indebtedness  and  liens,  the  sale  of  assets,  the  making  of 
investments, the entry into mergers and consolidations and the entry into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject 
to  various  exceptions.    The  Senior  Notes  and  the  ARLP  Credit  Facility  also  require  the  Intermediate  Partnership  to 
remain in control of a certain amount of mineable coal based on a ratio of the amount of total mineable tons controlled 
by  our  Intermediate  Partnership  relative  to  its  annual  production.    In  addition,  the  Senior  Notes  and  the  ARLP  Credit 
Facility require our Intermediate Partnership to comply with certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio 
and a minimum interest coverage ratio.  We were in compliance with the covenants of both the ARLP Credit Facility and 
Senior Notes at December 31, 2006. 

We  have  previously  entered  into  and  have  maintained  specific  agreements  with  two  banks  to  provide  additional 
letters  of  credit  in  an  aggregate  amount  of  $31.0  million  to  maintain  surety  bonds  to  secure  our  obligations  for 
reclamation  liabilities  and  workers’  compensation  benefits.  At  December  31,  2006,  we  had  $26.6  million  in  letters  of 
credit  outstanding  under  these  agreements.  Our  special  general  partner  guarantees  $5.0  million  of  these  outstanding 
letters of credit (Note 18). 

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

Year Ending 
December 31, 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
Thereafter 

$          18,000 
18,000 
18,000 
18,000 
18,000 
54,000 

$        144,000 

73

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. 

DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH AND CONVERSION OF SUBORDINATED UNITS 

We will distribute 100% of our available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarter to unitholders of record 
and to our general partners. Available cash is generally defined as all cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of 
each  quarter  less  reserves  established  by  our  managing  general  partner  in  its  reasonable  discretion  for  future  cash 
requirements. These reserves are retained to provide for the conduct of our business, the payment of debt principal and 
interest and to provide funds for future distributions.  

As  quarterly  distributions  of  available  cash  exceed  the  minimum  quarterly  distribution  ("MQD")  and  target 
distributions  levels  as  established  in  our  partnership  agreement,  our  managing  general  partner  receives  distributions 
based on specified increasing percentages of the available cash that exceed the MQD and the target distribution levels. 
Our partnership agreement defines the MQD as $0.25 per unit ($1.00 per unit on an annual basis). The target distribution 
levels are based on the amounts of available cash from our operating surplus distributed for a given quarter that exceed 
the MQD and common unit arrearages, if any. 

Under  the  quarterly  incentive  distribution  rights  provisions  of  our  partnership  agreement,  our  managing  general 
partner  is  entitled  to  receive  15%  of  the  amount  we  distribute    in  excess  of  $0.275  per  unit,  25%  of  the  amount  we 
distribute in excess of $0.3125 per unit, and 50% of the amount we distribute in excess of $0.375 per unit. For the years 
ended  December  31,  2006,  2005  and  2004,  we  allocated  to  our  managing  general  partner  incentive  distributions  of 
$21,567,000,  $9,397,000  and  $1,828,000,  respectively.  The  following  table  summarizes  the  quarterly  per  unit 
distribution paid during the respective quarter. 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

2006 

$      0.4600 
$      0.4600 
$      0.5000 
$      0.5000 

Year 
2005 

$    0.3750 
$    0.3750 
$    0.4125 
$    0.4125 

2004 

$    0.2813 
$    0.3125 
$    0.3250 
$    0.3250 

Our partnership agreement provides for the conversion of the subordinated units into common units after meeting 
certain  financial  tests.    We  satisfied,  in  two  stages,  the  financial  tests  that  resulted  in  the  subordinated  units  being 
converted into common units.  First, we satisfied certain financial tests that provided for the early conversion of one-half 
of the subordinated units (i.e. 6,422,530 subordinated units) to common units in September 2003.  Second, we satisfied 
the final conversion financial tests for converting the remaining subordinated units (i.e. 6,422,532 subordinated units) to 
common  units  in  September  2004.    The  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Conflicts  Committee  approved  management's 
determination that both the early conversion financial tests and the final conversion financial tests were met.  As a result, 
one-half of the subordinated units converted into common units on November 15, 2003 and the remaining one-half of the 
subordinated units converted into common units on November 2, 2004. 

On  January  29,  2007,  we  declared  a  quarterly  distribution  of  $0.54  per  unit,  totaling  approximately  $26,977,000 
(which includes our managing general partner’s incentive distributions), on all our common units outstanding, which was 
paid on February 14, 2007, to all unitholders of record on February 7, 2007. 

74

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. 

INCOME TAXES 

Our  subsidiary,  Alliance  Service,  is  subject  to  federal  and  state  income  taxes.  Alliance  Service's  income  consists 
primarily of rental and service fees provided to an independent coal synfuel producer at Warrior.  In September 2006, 
Alliance  Service  purchased  assets  from  Matrix  Design  Group,  Inc.  through  Matrix  Design  Group,  LLC  ("Matrix 
Design"), a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary.  Alliance Service has minor temporary differences between Matrix 
Design's financial reporting basis and the tax basis of its assets and liabilities. Components of income tax expense are as 
follows (in thousands): 

Current: 

Federal 
State 

Deferred: 
Federal 
State 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2006 

2004 

$         2,070 
399 
2,469 

$          2,115 
567 
2,682 

$          2,089 
552 
2,641 

(21) 
(5) 
(26) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

Income tax expense  

$         2,443 

$          2,682 

$          2,641 

Reconciliations from the provision for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate for the 
provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2006 

2004 

Income taxes at statutory rate 

$       61,101 

$        56,942 

$        27,742 

Less: Income taxes at statutory rate on Partnership income 

not subject to income taxes 

(58,923) 

(54,527) 

(25,409) 

Increase/(decrease) resulting from: 

State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 
Other 

318 
(53) 

346 
(79) 

333 
(25) 

Income tax expense  

$         2,443 

$          2,682 

$          2,641 

12. 

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT 

In March 2004, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 03-6, which addresses the computation of earnings per share by 
entities  that  have  issued  securities  other  than  common  stock  that  contractually  entitle  the  holder  to  participate  in 
dividends and earnings of the entity when, and if, it declares dividends on its common stock.  Essentially, EITF No. 03-6 
provides that in any accounting period where our aggregate net income exceeds the aggregate distributions to unitholders 
for  such  period,  we  are  required  to  present  earnings  per  unit  as  if  all  of  the  earnings  for  the  period  were  distributed, 
regardless of the pro forma nature of this allocation and whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a 
particular  period  from  an  economic  probability  standpoint.    EITF  No.  03-6  was  effective  for  fiscal  periods  beginning 
after March 31, 2004.  EITF No. 03-6 does not impact our aggregate distributions to unitholders for any period, but it can 
have the impact of reducing our earnings per limited partner unit.  This result occurs as a larger portion of our aggregate 
earnings,  as  if  distributed,  is  allocated  to  the  incentive  distribution  rights  held  by  our  managing  general  partner,  even 
though  we  make  cash  distributions  on  the  basis  of  cash  available  for  distributions  to  unitholders,  not  earnings,  in  any 
given accounting period.  In accounting periods where aggregate net income does not exceed our aggregate distributions 
for such periods, EITF No. 03-6 does not have any impact on our earnings per unit calculation.  

75

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  is  a  reconciliation  of  net  income  and  weighted  average  units  used  in  computing  basic  and  diluted 

earnings per unit: (in thousands, except per unit data): 

Net income 
Adjustments: 

General partner's priority distributions 
General partners' 2% equity ownership 

Limited partners' interest in net income 
Additional earnings allocation to general partners' 
Net income available to limited partners under 

EITF No. 03-6 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2006 

2004 

$      172,927 

$      160,010 

$        76,621 

(21,567) 
(3,027) 

148,333 
(36,937) 

(9,397) 
(3,012) 

147,601 
(42,740) 

(1,828) 
(1,496) 

73,297 
(10,211) 

$      111,396 

$      104,861 

$        63,086 

Weighted average limited partner units – basic 

36,425 

36,289 

35,882 

Basic net income per limited partner unit 

$            3.06 

$            2.89 

$            1.76 

Weighted average limited partner units – basic 
Units contingently issuable: 
Restricted units for LTIP 
Directors' compensation units  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 

36,425 

36,289 

35,882 

231 
42 
112 

550 
37 
101 

868 
32 
92 

Weighted average limited partner units, assuming dilutive 

effect of restricted units 

36,810 

36,977 

36,874 

Diluted net income per limited partner unit 

$            3.03 

$            2.84 

$            1.71 

Our net income for partners' capital purposes is allocated to the general partners and limited partners in accordance 
with  their  respective  partnership  percentages,  after  giving  effect  to  any  priority  income  allocations  for  incentive 
distributions,  if  any,  to  our  managing  general  partner,  the  holder  of  the  incentive  distributions  rights  pursuant  to  our 
partnership  agreement,  which  are  declared  and  paid  following  the  close  of  each  quarter  (Note  10).    For  purposes  of 
computing basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit, in periods when our aggregate net income exceeds the 
aggregate  distributions  to  unitholders  for  such  periods,  an  increased  amount  of  net  income  is  allocated  to  the  general 
partners for the additional pro forma priority income attributable to the application of EITF No. 03-6. 

13. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 

Defined  Contribution  Plans—Our  employees  currently  participate  in  a  defined  contribution  profit  sharing  and 
savings plan that we sponsor. 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. We  make  matching  contributions 
based on a percent of an employee’s eligible compensation and for certain subsidiaries, make an additional nonmatching 
contribution, based on an employee’s eligible compensation. Additionally, we contribute a defined percentage of eligible 
earnings for certain employees not covered by the defined benefit plan described below. Our expense for this plan was 
approximately  $4,551,000,  $3,810,000  and  $3,267,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2006,  2005  and  2004, 
respectively. 

Defined  Benefit  Plans—Employees  at  certain  of  our  mining  operations  participate  in  a  defined  benefit  plan  (the 

"Pension Plan") that we sponsor. The benefit formula is a fixed dollar unit based on years of service. 

The following sets forth changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 
2005  and  the  funded  status  of  the  Pension  Plan  reconciled  with  the  amounts  reported  in  our  consolidated  financial 
statements at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively (dollars in thousands): 

76

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in benefit obligations: 

Benefit obligations at beginning of year 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial 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 at the end of year 
Unrecognized prior service cost 
Unrecognized actuarial loss 
Net amount recognized 

Amounts recognized in balance sheet: 

Current liability 
Non-current liability 

Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31, 

Discount rate 
Expected rate of return on plan assets 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic 
benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 

Discount rate 
Expected return on plan assets 

Weighted-average asset allocations as of December 31, 

Equity securities 
Fixed income securities 
Cash and cash equivalents 

2006 

2005 

$          35,107 
3,224 
1,949 
1,466 
(517) 
41,229 

$          29,106 
3,007 
1,660 
1,745 
(411) 
35,107 

27,519 
4,600 
3,436 
(517) 
35,038 

$         (6,191) 

23,307 
3,000 
1,623 
(411) 
27,519 

(7,588) 
42 
6,953 
$            (593) 

$                  - 
         (6,191) 
$         (6,191) 

$         (7,588) 
                  - 
$         (7,588) 

5.55 % 
7.75 % 

5.60 % 
8.00 % 

87% 
12% 
1% 
100 % 

5.60 % 
8.00 % 

5.75 % 
8.00 % 

88 % 
11 % 
1 % 
100 % 

Components of net periodic benefit cost: 

Service cost 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 
Prior service cost 
Net loss 

Net periodic benefit cost 

2006 

2005 

2004 

$        3,224 
1,949 
(2,285) 
42 
313 
$        3,243 

$        3,007 
1,660 
(1,916) 
48 
207 
$        3,006 

$      2,821 
1,427 
(1,686) 
48 
141 
$      2,751 

77

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):  

Year Ending 
December 31, 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012-2016 

$               757 
933 
1,127 
1,344 
1,593 
12,740 

$          18,494 

The actuarial loss component of the change in benefit obligations for 2006 and 2005 was primarily attributable to 
reductions in the discount rate assumptions.  Other than the reclassification of accrued pension benefits from current to 
long-term  liabilities,  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  158  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements.  We  expect  to  contribute  $1,200,000  to  the  Pension  Plan  in  2007.  The  estimated  net  actuarial  loss,  prior 
service cost, and transition obligation for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive 
income into net periodic benefit cost during the 2007 fiscal year are $258,225, $0 and $0, respectively. 

As permitted under FASB No. 87, Employer’s Accounting for Pensions, the amortization of any prior service cost is 
determined  using  a  straight-line  amortization  of  the  cost  over  the  average  remaining  service  period  of  employees 
expected to receive benefits under the Pension Plan. 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other  
comprehensive income consists of: 
Net actuarial loss 

Total 

2006 

2005 

$        6,956 
$        6,956 

n/a 
n/a 

The  compensation  committee  ("Compensation  Committee")  of  the  Board  of  Directors  maintains  a  Funding  and 
Investment Policy Statement ("Policy Statement") for the Pension Plan. The Policy Statement provides that the assets of 
the Pension Plan be invested in a prudent manner based on the stated purpose of the Pension Plan and diversified among 
a  broad  range  of  investments  including  domestic  equity  securities  and  international  equity  securities,  domestic  fixed 
income  securities  and  cash  equivalents.  The  Pension  Plan  shall  be  funded  by  employer  contributions  in  amounts 
determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial standards.   

The investment objectives as established by the Policy Statement are, first, to increase the value of the assets under 
the Pension Plan and, second, to control the level of risk or volatility of investment returns associated with Pension Plan 
investments.  The  investments  shall  be  managed  with  the  goal  of  ensuring  that  Pension  Plan  assets  provide  sufficient 
resources to meet or exceed benefit obligations as determined under the terms and conditions of the Pension Plan.  

The  Compensation  Committee  has  selected  an  investment  manager  to  implement  the  selection  and  on-going 
evaluation of Pension Plan  investments.  The  investments  shall  be  selected  from  the  following assets  classes  including 
mutual  funds,  collective  funds,  or  the  direct  investment  in  individual  stocks,  bonds  or  cash  equivalent  investments, 
including:  (a) money  market  accounts,  (b) U.S.  Government  bonds,  (c) corporate  bonds,  (d) large,  mid,  and  small 
capitalization  stocks,  and  (e) international  stocks.  The  Policy  Statement  imposes  the  following  limitations,  subject  to 
exceptions authorized by the Compensation Committee under unusual market conditions: (i) the maximum investment in 
any  one  stock  should  not  exceed  10%  of  the  total  stock  portfolio,  (ii)  the  maximum  investment  in  any  one  industry 
should not exceed 30% of the total stock portfolio, (iii) and the average credit quality of the bond portfolio should be at 
least AA with a maximum amount of non-investment grade debt of 10%.  

78

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Policy Statement’s current asset allocation guidelines are as follows: 

Percentage of Total Portfolio 
Target 

Minimum 

Maximum 

Domestic stocks 
Foreign stocks 
Fixed income/cash 

50% 
0% 
5% 

70% 
10% 
20% 

90% 
20% 
40% 

The  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  assumption  is  developed  based  on  input  from  an  independent  investment 
manager, including its review of asset class return, expectations by economists, and an independent actuary. Our advisors 
base  the  projected  returns  on  broad  equity  and  bond  indices.  The  Pension  Plan’s  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  of 
7.75% is determined by the above factors and an asset allocation assumption of 80.0% invested in equity securities, with 
an  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  of  10.4%,  and  20.0%  invested  in  fixed  income  securities,  with  an  expected 
long-term rate of return of 5.3%. The Pension Plan was established effective January 1, 1997 and our initial contribution 
to the Pension Plan was made in 1998. 

14. 

COMPENSATION PLANS 

Effective  January 1,  2000, our  managing general partner adopted  the  LTIP for  certain  employees  and directors of 
our managing general partner and its affiliates, who perform services for us. Annual grant levels and vesting provisions 
for  designated  participants  are  recommended  by  our  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  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 an ARLP common unit or an equivalent amount of cash upon the vesting of the phantom 
unit, or options  to purchase ARLP  common units.  ARLP  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 our managing general partner in the open market 
at a price equal to the then prevailing price, or directly from an affiliate or any other third-party, including units newly 
issued  by  ARLP,  units  already  owned  by  our  managing  general  partner,  or  any  combination  of  the  foregoing.  Our 
partnership agreement provides that our managing general partner 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.  On December 22, 2005, the 
Compensation Committee executed a unanimous consent resolution that, effective January 1, 2006, (a) all existing grants 
made  under  the  LTIP  prior  to  January  1,  2006  and  subsequent  thereto  be  settled,  upon  satisfaction  of  any  applicable 
vesting  requirements,  in  common  units  to  the  extent  of  net  share  settlement  for  minimum  statutory  income  tax 
withholding requirements for each individual participant based upon the fair market value of the common units as of the 
date  of payment  and (b)  any  existing  and prospective  LTIP grants of restricted units  receive quarterly  distributions  as 
provided in the distribution equivalent rights provision of the LTIP.  Therefore, each LTIP participant has the contingent 
right to receive an amount equal to the cash distributions made by the ARLP Partnership during the vesting period.  On 
January 24, 2007, the Compensation Committee executed a unanimous consent resolution amending the LTIP to transfer 
sponsorship of the LTIP to Alliance Coal effective May 15, 2006. 

The  aggregate  number  of  units  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  LTIP  is  1,200,000.  Effective  January 1,  2004,  the 
Compensation Committee approved an amendment to the LTIP clarifying that any award that is forfeited, expires for any 
reason,  or  is  paid  or  settled  in  cash,  including  the  satisfaction  of  minimum  statutory  withholding  requirements,  rather 
than  through  the  delivery  of  units  will  be  available  for  future  grants  under  the  LTIP.    Of  the  initial  1,200,000  units 
reserved for issuance under the LTIP, cumulative units of 1,092,780 were granted in years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. 
Of those grants, 43,650 units were forfeited and 421,452 units were settled in cash rather than delivery of units, resulting 
in  the  net  issuance  of  627,678  common  units  under  those  grants.    During  2004,  2005  and  2006,  the  Compensation 
Committee approved grants of 205,570 units, 114,390 units and 85,275 units, respectively, which will vest December 31, 
2006,  January  1,  2008  and  January  1  2009,  respectively,  subject  to  the  satisfaction  of  certain  financial  tests  that 
management  currently  believes  will  be  satisfied.    Subsequent  to  the  Compensation  Committee's  approval  of  the  2006 
grants of 85,275 described above, an additional 5,425 grants were approved for new participants and existing participants 
who received a promotion during the year.  These additional grants vest January 1, 2009 bringing the total 2006 grants to 
90,700.  As  of  December  31,  2006,  15,340  outstanding  LTIP  grants  have  been  forfeited.  On  December  7,  2006,  the 
Compensation Committee determined that the vesting requirements for the 2004 grants of 205,570 restricted units (net of 
9,230 forfeitures) had been satisfied as of December 31, 2006.  As a result of this vesting, on January 8, 2007, we issued 
130,812 common units to the LTIP participants.  The remaining units were settled in cash to satisfy the individual tax 
obligations  of  the  LTIP  participants.    Consequently,  after  consideration  of  the  December  31,  2006  vesting  and 

79

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subsequent issuance of 130,812 common units, 242,530 units remain available for issuance in the future, assuming that 
all grants currently issued and outstanding for 2005 and 2006 are settled with common units and no future forfeitures 
occur.  On January 24, 2007, the Compensation Committee authorized additional grants up to 94,075 restricted units of 
which 89,875 have been issued and which will vest January 1, 2010, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests.  
This reduced the number of common units available from 242,530 to 152,655.  For the period from January 1, 2006 to 
May  14,  2006  and  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2005  and  2004,  our  managing  general  partner  charged  us 
approximately $2,356,000, $8,193,000 and $20,320,000, respectively, attributable to the LTIP.  

The intrinsic value of the 2005 and 2004 grants of $37.20 per LTIP grant at December 31, 2005 essentially equals 
the fair value at January 1, 2006 and, therefore, no incremental compensation expense was recognized upon adoption of 
SFAS  No.  123R.    As  required  by  SFAS  No.  123R,  the  fair  value  was  reduced  for  expected  forfeitures,  to  the  extent 
compensation expense had been previously recognized and we recorded a benefit of $112,000 upon adoption of SFAS 
No.  123R  on  January  1,  2006  as  a  cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change.    We  expect  to  settle  the  non-vested  LTIP 
grants by delivery of ARLP common units, except for the portion of the grants that will satisfy the minimum statutory 
tax withholding requirements.  Consequently, the previously recognized liability reflected in the due to affiliates current 
and long-term accounts in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005 was reclassified to partners’ capital upon 
adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006.  The fair value of the 2006 grants is based upon the intrinsic value at 
the date of grant which was $37.79 on a weighted average basis.  

A summary of non-vested LTIP grants as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows: 

Non-vested grants at January 1, 2006 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited 
Non-vested grants at December 31, 2006 

316,270 
90,700 
- 
(11,650) 
395,320 

As  of  December  31,  2006,  there  was  $3,158,000  in  total  unrecognized  compensation  expense  related  to  the  non-
vested  LTIP  grants.    That  expense  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-average  period  of  1.4  years.  As  of 
December 31, 2006, the intrinsic value of the non-vested LTIP grants was $12,649,000. 

The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of December 31, 2006, was $10,517,000 and is included in partners' 
capital-limited partners contained in our consolidated balance sheets.  The total obligation associated with the LTIP as of 
December 31, 2005 was $6,517,000, and is included in the current and long-term liabilities due to affiliates contained in 
our consolidated balance sheets.  

Effective  January  1,  1997,  our  managing  general  partner  adopted  a  Supplemental  Executive  Retirement  Plan  (the 
"SERP")  for  certain  officers and key  employees.  The  purpose  of  the  SERP  is  to  enhance  our  ability  to  retain  specific 
officers  and  key  employees,  by  providing  them  with  the  deferred  compensation  benefits  contained  in  the  SERP.  The 
intent  of  the  SERP  is  to  align  each  participant’s  supplemental  benefits  under  the  SERP  with  the  interests  of  our 
unitholders. All allocations made to participants under the SERP are made in the form of "phantom" units. The SERP is 
administered by the Compensation Committee. Our managing general partner is able to amend or terminate the plan at 
any  time.  Our managing general  partner  is entitled  to  reimbursement  by  us  for  its  costs  incurred  under  the  SERP.  On 
January  24,  2007,  the  Compensation  Committee  executed  a  unanimous  consent  resolution  amending  the  SERP  to 
transfer sponsorship of the SERP to Alliance Coal effective May 15, 2006.  For the period from January 1, 2006 to May 
14, 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, our managing general partner billed us approximately 
$587,000, $393,000 and $2,099,000, respectively, attributable to the SERP.  The total accrued liability associated with 
the SERP plan was $4,134,000 as of December 31, 2006 and is included in other current and other long-term liabilities in 
the  consolidated  balance  sheets.    The  total  accrued  liability  associated  with  the  SERP  as  of  December 31,  2005  was 
$4,050,000, and is included in the long-term liability due to affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets. 

80

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. 

RECLAMATION AND MINE CLOSING COSTS 

The majority of our 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. 
We  have  estimated  the  costs  and  timing  of  future  reclamation  and  mine  closing  costs  escalated  for  inflation,  then 
discounted  at  a  credit-adjusted  risk  free  rate  ranging  from  4.22%  to  6.0%  and  recorded  the  present  value  of  those 
estimates. 

On January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which requires the 

fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred.  

Discounting  resulted  in  reducing  the  accrual  for  reclamation  and  mine  closing  costs  by  $47,539,000  and 
$29,339,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Estimated payments of reclamation and mine closing costs as 
of December 31, 2006 are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ending 
December 31, 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
Thereafter 

Aggregate undiscounted reclamation and mine closing 
Effect of discounting 

Total reclamation and mine closing costs 
Less: Current portion 

$           3,070 
3,071 
1,378 
3,187 
700 
87,028 

98,434 
(47,539) 

50,895 
(3,070) 

Reclamation and mine closing costs 

$          47,825 

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

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2006 

2004 

Beginning balance 
Accretion expense 
Payments 
Allocation of liability associated with acquisition, mine 
development and change in assumptions 

$      41,313 
2,101 
(336) 

$      34,018 
1,918 
(189) 

$      23,466 
1,622 
(899) 

7,817 

5,566 

9,829 

Ending balance  

$      50,895 

$      41,313 

$      34,018 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the reclamation and mine closing cost liability increase of $7,817,000 
was primarily attributable to the River View acquisition of $2,958,000 and new water treatment obligations and revisions 
in  the  cost  estimates  for  existing  water  treatment  obligations  associated  with  Mettiki  (WV)  and  Mettiki  (MD)  of 
$5,215,000.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2005,  the  reclamation  and  mine  closing  cost  liability  increase  was 
primarily  attributable  to  an  increase  in  the  estimates  of  the  cost  to  perform  certain  reclamation  activities  and,  in 
particular,  certain  land  restoration  procedures  associated  with  the  Lodestar  acquisition.    Additionally,  $411,000  of  the 
2005  increase  was  attributable  to  the  Tunnel  Ridge  acquisition.    During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2004,  the 
reclamation and mine closing cost liability increase of $9,829,000 was primarily attributable to the Lodestar acquisition 
of $4,129,000 and the initial land disturbances associated with mine development at Mettiki (MD) and Mettiki (WV) of a 

81

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
combined  $2,329,000.  The  liability  also  increased  as  the  permitted  refuse  disposal  areas  were  expanded  at  several 
existing operations and a comprehensive study related to water treatment costs was completed. 

16. 

PNEUMOCONIOSIS ("BLACK LUNG") BENEFITS 

Certain of our mine operating entities 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.  

Pneumoconiosis ("black lung") benefits liability is calculated using the service cost method. Under the service cost 
method the calculation of the actuarial present value of the estimated black lung obligation is based on an actuarial study 
performed by an independent actuary. Actuarial gains or losses are amortized over the remaining service period of active 
miners.  The  discount  rate  used  to  calculate  the  estimated  present  value  of  future  obligations  was  4.8%  and  4.23%  at 
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 

The following is a reconciliation of changes in benefit obligations at December 31, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands): 

Benefit obligations at beginning of year 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial loss 
Benefits and expense paid 

2006 

2005 

$          23,795 
1,497 
1,241 
584 
(301) 

$          20,335 
1,977 
1,203 
470 
(190) 

Benefit obligations at end of year 

$          26,816 

$          23,795 

The  U.S.  Department  of  Labor  has  issued  revised  regulations  that  alter  the  claims  process  for  federal  black  lung 
benefit recipients. Both the coal and insurance industries challenged certain provisions of the revised regulations through 
litigation, but the regulations were upheld, with some exceptions as to the retroactive application of the regulations. The 
revised regulations may result in an increase in the incidence and recovery of black lung claims. 

17. 

MINORITY INTEREST 

In  March  2006,  White  County  Coal,  and  Alexander  J.  House  ("House")  entered  into  a  limited  liability  company 
agreement  to  form  Mid-America  Carbonates,  LLC  ("MAC").    MAC  was  formed  to  engage  in  the  development  and 
operation  of  a  rock  dust  mill.  The  main  purpose  of  the  rock  dust  mill  is  to  manufacture  and  sell  rock  dust.    In  coal 
mining,  rock  dust  normally  consists  of  finely  milled  limestone,  which  is  applied  to  haulage  ways  and  mine  entries  or 
corridors in such quantities that the combination of coal dust, rock dust and other dust forms an incombustible content.  
MAC and Alliance Coal have entered into a six year rock dust supply agreement in which MAC will supply the greater 
of 50,000 tons or 70% of the aggregate amount of rock dust used by our subsidiaries located in the Illinois Basin.  For 
the  first  three years  of  the  contract, our  subsidiaries  will  purchase  the  rock  dust  at 125% of  MAC’s  actual  production 
cost.  Any rock dust tonnage purchased above 70% of the aggregate amount of rock dust used by our subsidiaries in the 
Illinois Basin will be priced at the prevailing market pricing.  After three years, the price paid by our mines to MAC will 
reopen to market. 

White County Coal initially invested $1.0 million in exchange for a 50% equity interest in MAC.  We consolidate 
MAC’s financial results in accordance with FIN No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation 
of ARB No. 51.  Based on the guidance in FIN No. 46R, we concluded that MAC is a variable interest entity and that we 
are the primary beneficiary.  House’s equity ownership in the net assets of MAC was $839,000 as of December 31, 2006, 
which is recorded as minority interest on our consolidated balance sheet.  

18. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Board of Directors of our managing general partner and its conflicts committee ("Conflicts Committee") review 
each  of  our  related-party  transactions  to  determine  that  each  such  transaction  reflects  market-clearing  terms  and 
conditions  customary  in  the  coal  industry.    As  a  result  of  these  reviews,  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Conflicts 
Committee approved each of the transactions described below as fair and reasonable to us and our limited partners.   

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Administrative  Services—  In  connection  with  the  closing  of  the  AHGP  IPO,  we  entered  into  an  administrative 
services  agreement,  ("Administrative  Services  Agreement"),  between  our  managing  general  partner,  our  Intermediate 
Partnership, AHGP and its general partner Alliance GP, LLC, ("AGP") and Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc. ("ARH 
II"), the indirect parent of SGP. Under the Administrative Services Agreement, certain employees, including executive 
officers,  are  providing  administrative  services  to  our  managing  general  partner,  AHGP,  AGP,  ARH  II  and  their 
respective  affiliates.    We  will  be  reimbursed  for  services  rendered  by  our  employees  on  behalf  of  these  affiliates  as 
provided under the Administrative Services Agreement.  We billed and recognized administrative service revenue under 
this agreement of $315,000, for the period from May 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006 from AHGP and $620,000 from 
ARH for the year ended December 31, 2006.  This administrative service revenue is included in other sales and operating 
revenues  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  income.    Concurrently,  AHGP  and  AGP  joined  as  parties  to  our  Omnibus 
Agreement  which  addresses  areas  of  non-competition  between  us  and  ARH,  ARH  II,  SGP  and  our  managing  general 
partner.   

Our partnership agreement provides that our managing general partner and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct 
and indirect expenses incurred or payments made on behalf of us, including, but not limited to, management’s salaries 
and related benefits (including incentive compensation), and accounting, budgeting, planning, treasury, public relations, 
land  administration,  environmental,  permitting, payroll,  benefits, disability,  workers’  compensation management,  legal 
and  information  technology  services.  Our  managing  general  partner  may  determine  in  its  sole  discretion  the  expenses 
that are allocable to us. Total costs billed by our managing general partner and its affiliates to us were approximately 
$4,181,000, $14,069,000 and $28,536,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The 
decrease from 2005 to 2006 was attributable to certain employees and the sponsorship of the LTIP, Short-Term Incentive 
Plan ("STIP") and SERP being transferred to Alliance Coal effective May 15, 2006.  The decrease from 2004 to 2005 
was  primarily  attributable  to  lower  compensation  accruals  for  the  LTIP,  STIP  and  SERP.    The  amounts  billed  by  our 
managing  general  partner  include  $2,934,000,  $10,559,000  and  $24,242,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2006, 
2005 and 2004, respectively, for the LTIP, STIP and SERP. 

SGP  Land—Webster  County  Coal  has  a  mineral  lease  and  sublease  with  SGP  Land,  LLC  ("SGP  Land"),  a 
subsidiary of the SGP, requiring annual minimum royalty payments of $2.7 million, payable in advance through 2013 or 
until  $37.8  million  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    Webster  County 
Coal paid royalties of $3,005,000, $3,449,000, and $4,611,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, 
respectively.  As of December 31, 2006, Webster County Coal has recouped, against earned royalties otherwise due, all 
but $2,629,000 of the advance minimum royalty payments made under the lease.   

Warrior has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land.  Under the terms of the lease, Warrior paid in arrears an 
annual  minimum  royalty  of  $2,270,000  until  $15,890,000  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty 
payments were paid.  The annual minimum royalty periods extend from  October 1st through the end of the following 
September 30, expiring September 30, 2007.  In 2006, Warrior's cumulative total of annual minimum royalties and/or 
earned  royalty  payments  exceeded  $15,890,000,  therefore  the  annual  minimum  royalty  payment  of  $2,270,000  is  no 
longer required.  Warrior paid royalties of $5,061,000, $3,627,000, and $2,561,000 for the years ended December 31, 
2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  As of December 31, 2006, Warrior has recouped, against earned royalties otherwise 
due, all advance minimum royalty payments made in accordance with these lease terms.  

Hopkins County Coal has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land encompassing the Elk Creek reserves, and 
the parties also entered into a Royalty Agreement (collectively, the "Coal Lease Agreements") in connection therewith.  
The Coal Lease Agreements extend through December 2015, with the right to renew for successive one-year periods for 
as long as Hopkins County Coal is mining within the coal field, as such term is defined in the Coal Lease Agreements.  
The  Coal  Lease  Agreements  provide  for  five  annual  minimum  royalty  payments  of  $684,000  beginning  in  December 
2005. The annual minimum royalty payments, together with cumulative option fees of $3.4 million previously paid prior 
to  December  2005  by  Hopkins  County  Coal,  are  fully  recoupable  against  future  earned  royalty  payments.    Hopkins 
County Coal paid advance minimum royalties and/or option fees of $684,000 during each of the years ended December 
31, 2006  and 2005, respectively.   As  of December 31, 2006,  $4,369,000 of  advance minimum  royalties  and/or option 
fees paid under the Coal Lease Agreements is available for recoupment, and management expects that it will be recouped 
against future production. 

Under the terms of the mineral lease and sublease agreements described above, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins  County  Coal  also  reimburse  SGP  Land  for  its  base  lease  obligations.  We  reimbursed  SGP  Land  $5,038,000, 

83

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
$6,379,000  and  $5,428,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2006,  2005,  and  2004,  respectively,  for  the  base  lease 
obligations. As of December 31, 2006, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and Hopkins County Coal have recouped, against 
earned royalties otherwise due base lessors by SGP Land, all advance minimum royalty payments paid by SGP Land to 
the base lessors in accordance with the terms of the base leases (and reimbursed by Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins County Coal), except for $323,000. 

In  2001,  SGP  Land,  as  successor  in  interest  to  an  unaffiliated  third-party,  entered  into  an  amended  mineral  lease 
with MC Mining. Under the terms of the lease, MC Mining has paid and will continue to pay an annual minimum royalty 
of  $300,000  until  $6.0  million  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    MC 
Mining paid royalties of $300,000 and $600,000 during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively (the 
2004 annual minimum royalty obligation of $300,000 was paid in January 2005 rather than in December 2004).  As of 
December 31,  2006,  $900,000  of  advance  minimum  royalties  paid  under  the  lease  is  available  for  recoupment,  and 
management expects that it will be recouped against future production. 

SGP— In January 2005, we acquired Tunnel Ridge from ARH  (Note 3).  In connection with this acquisition, we 
assumed a coal lease with the SGP.  Under the terms of the lease, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay an 
annual  minimum  royalty  of  $3.0  million  until  the  earlier  of  January  1,  2033  or  the  exhaustion  of  the  mineable  and 
merchantable leased coal.  We paid advance minimum royalties of $3.0 million during each of 2006 and 2005, which 
management expects will be recouped against future production.  

Tunnel Ridge also controls surface land and other tangible assets under a separate lease agreement with the SGP.  
Under  the  terms  of  the  lease  agreement,  Tunnel  Ridge  has  paid  and  will  continue  to  pay  the  SGP  an  annual  lease 
payment of $240,000.  The lease agreement has an initial term of four years, which may be extended to be coextensive 
with the term of the coal lease.  Lease expense was $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

We  have  a  noncancelable  operating  lease  arrangement  with  the  SGP  for  the  coal  preparation  plant  and  ancillary 
facilities  at  the  Gibson  mining  complex.  Based  on  the  terms  of  the  lease,  we  will  make  monthly  payments  of 
approximately $216,000 through January 2011. Lease expense incurred for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2006 was $2,595,000. 

We  previously  entered  into  and  have  maintained  agreements  with  two  banks  to  provide  letters  of  credit  in  an 
aggregate amount of $31.0 million (Note 9). At December 31, 2006, we had $26.6 million in outstanding letters of credit 
under  these  agreements.    The  SGP  guarantees  $5.0  million  of  these  outstanding  letters  of  credit.    Historically,  the 
Partnership has compensated the SGP for a guarantee fee equal to 0.30% per annum of the face amount of the letters of 
credit outstanding. During 2003 the SGP agreed to waive the guarantee fee in exchange for a parent guarantee from the 
Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Coal on the mineral leases and subleases with Webster County Coal and Warrior 
described above. Since the guarantee is made on behalf of entities within the consolidated partnership, the guarantee has 
no  fair  value  under  FIN  No. 45,  Guarantor's  Accounting  and  Disclosure  Requirements  for  Guarantees,  including 
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and does not impact our consolidated financial statements.   

ARH- In April 2006, we acquired 100% of the membership interest in River View from ARH (Note 3). 

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19. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Commitments—We lease buildings and equipment under operating lease agreements that provide for the payment 
of both minimum and contingent rentals. We also have a noncancelable lease with SGP (Note 18) and a noncancelable 
lease for equipment under a capital lease obligation. Future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ending December 31, 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
Thereafter 

Total future minimum lease payments 

Less: Amount representing interest 

Present value of future minimum lease 
payments 

Less: Current portion 

Long-term capital lease obligation 

Capital 
Lease 

$            474 
456 
408 
360 
302 
161 

$         2,161 
(310) 

1,851 
(339) 
$         1,512 

Other Operating Leases 

Affiliate 

Others 

Total 

$     2,835 
2,835 
2,595 
2,595 
216 
- 
$   11,076 

$      1,085 
674 
423 
409 
205 
- 
$     2,796 

$      3,920 
3,509 
3,018 
3,004 
421 
- 
$    13,872 

Rental  expense  (including  rental  expense  incurred  under  operating  lease  agreements)  was  $5,796,000,  $6,390,000 

and $6,112,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  

Our subsidiary, Mettiki (WV), entered into a capital lease agreement with Joy Technologies Inc., d/b/a Joy Mining 
Machinery, a Delaware corporation, on May 22, 2006, with an in-service date of November 20, 2006.  The lease is a 5 
year noncancelable lease with monthly rental payments of $40,390 and has one renewal period for 2 years with monthly 
rental payments of $22,140.  The effective interest rate on the capital lease is 6.195%.   

In October 2002, we entered into a master equipment lease.  Our credit facilities limit the amount of total operating 
lease  obligations  to  $15.0  million  payable  in  any  period  of  12  consecutive  months.  This  master  equipment  lease  is 
subject  to  this  limitation  on  lease  obligations.    We  entered  into  nine  operating  leases  during  2003  under  the  master 
equipment lease with lease terms ranging from three to six years. We did not enter into any new equipment leases under 
the master equipment lease during 2006, 2005 or 2004.  We have exercised purchase options under the master equipment 
lease as they come available, which has partially contributed to the decrease in future lease commitments. 

Contractual  Commitments—In  connection  with  planned  capital  projects,  we  have  contractual  commitments  of 
approximately $15.2 million at December 31, 2006.  As of December 31, 2006, we had commitments to purchase, from 
external  production  sources,  coal  at  an  estimated  cost  up  to  $25.2  million  in  2007,  which  includes  coal  purchase 
obligations with ICG, LLC ("ICG") described below. 

General  Litigation—  We  are  involved  in  various  lawsuits,  claims  and  regulatory  proceedings  incidental  to  our 
business. Currently, we are not engaged in any litigation that we believe is material to our operations, including without 
limitation,  any  litigation  relating  to  any  of  our  long-term  coal  supply  contracts  or  under  the  various  environmental 
protection  statutes  to  which  we  are  subject.  We  provide  for  costs  related  to  litigation  and  regulatory  proceedings, 
including  civil  fines  issued  as  part  of  the  outcome  of  these  proceedings,  when  a  loss  is  probable  and  the  amount  is 
reasonably  determinable.  Although  the  ultimate  outcome  of  these  matters  cannot  be  predicted  with  certainty,  in  the 
opinion of management, the outcome of any litigation matters to the extent not previously provided for or covered under 
insurance, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations. 
Nonetheless,  these  matters  or  estimates  that  are  based  on  current  facts  and  circumstances,  if  resolved  in  a  manner 
different  from  the  basis  on  which  management  has  formed  its  opinion,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
financial position or results of operations.  

Other  –  During  September  2006,  we  completed  our  annual  property  and  casualty  insurance  renewal  with  various 
insurance coverages effective as of October 1, 2006.  Available capacity for underwriting property insurance continues to 

85

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
be limited as a result of insurance carrier losses in the coal mining industry and our recent insurance claims history (e.g., 
MC  Mining  Fire  Incident,  and  Dotiki  Fire  Incident).    As  a  result,  we  have  elected  to  retain  an  average  participating 
interest  of  approximately  14.7%  along  with  our  insurance  carriers  in  the  overall  $75.0  million  commercial  property 
program representing 35% of the primary $30.0 million layer and 2.5% of the second layer representing $20.0 million in 
excess of the $30.0 million primary layer.  We do not participate in the third layer of $25.0 million in excess of $50.0 
million.  

The  14.7%  average  participation  rate  for  this  year’s  renewal  exceeds  the  approximate  10%  average  participation 
level from last year.  The aggregate maximum limit in the commercial property program is $75.0 million per occurrence 
of  which,  as  a  result  of  our  participation,  we  would  be  responsible  for  a  maximum  amount  of  $11.0  million  for  each 
occurrence,  excluding  a  $1.5  million  deductible  for  property  damage,  a  $5.0  million  aggregate  deductible  for  extra 
expense and a 60-day waiting period for business interruption.  As a result of our increased participation in the property 
program and higher deductible levels, property premiums paid to the insurance carriers were reduced by approximately 
14.5%.  We can make no assurances that we will not experience significant insurance claims in the future which, as a 
result  of  our  level  of  participation  in  the  commercial  property  program,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to purchase property insurance in the future. 

On October 12, 2004, Pontiki, one of our subsidiaries and the successor-in-interest of Pontiki Coal Corporation as a 
result of a merger completed on August 4, 1999, was served with a complaint from ICG alleging breach of contract and 
seeking  declaratory  relief  to  determine  the  parties’  rights  under  a  coal  sales  agreement  between  Horizon  Natural 
Resource Sales Company ("Horizon Sales"), as buyer, and Pontiki Coal Corporation, as seller, dated October 3, 1998, as 
amended on February 28, 2001, which we refer to as the Horizon Agreement. ICG has represented that it acquired the 
rights  and  assumed  the  liabilities  of  the  Horizon  Agreement  effective  September 30,  2004,  as  part  of  an  asset  sale 
approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court supervising the bankruptcy proceedings of Horizon Sales and its affiliates.  

The complaint alleged that from January 2004 to August 2004, Pontiki failed to deliver a total of 138,111 tons of 
coal  that  met  the  contract  delivery  and  quality  specifications  resulting  in  an  alleged  loss  of  profits  for  ICG  of  $4.1 
million.  We  are  aware  that  certain  deliveries  under  the  Horizon  Agreement  were  not  made  during  2004  for  reasons 
including, but not limited to, force majeure events at Pontiki and ICG’s failure to provide transportation services for the 
delivery of coal as required under the Horizon Agreement. In November 2005, we settled this contract dispute with ICG. 
Under this settlement, effective August 1, 2005, Pontiki will ship coal in approximately ratable monthly quantities until 
the remaining contract obligation of 1,681,303 tons is shipped, and this contract will terminate on or by December 31, 
2006.  Under  the  terms  of  the  settlement,  the  existing  coal  supply  agreement  was  amended  to  change  the  coal  quality 
specifications and to exclude from the definition of "force majeure" the events of railroad car shortages and geological 
and quality issues with respect to coal. As part of this settlement, we also executed a new coal sales agreement with ICG 
whereby  another  subsidiary  of  ours  will  purchase  892,000  tons  of  coal  from  ICG.    Approximately  63,000  tons  and 
588,000 tons were purchased and sold at a profit during 2005 and 2006, respectively, and the remaining 241,000 tons are 
expected to be purchased and sold at a profit the first half of 2007.  These agreements were to expire on or by December 
31,  2006.      However,  in  the  third  quarter  of  2006,  ICG  agreed  to  allow  Pontiki  to  carryover  any  shortfall  of  tonnage 
under this contract into 2007. 

At  certain  of  our  operations,  property  tax  assessments  for  several  years  are  under  audit  by  various  state  tax 
authorities.  We  believe  that  we  have  recorded  adequate  liabilities  based  on  reasonable  estimates  of  any  property  tax 
assessments that may be ultimately assessed as a result of these audits.  

In  June  2006,  our  Intermediate  Partnership  entered  into  a  guarantee  agreement  in  which  it  guaranteed  the 
performance  of  a  third-party  with  respect  to  an  agreement  to  purchase  electricity.    The  term  of  the  guarantee  expired 
January 31, 2007.  Under the terms of the guarantee, if the third-party does not fulfill its payment obligation under the 
agreement to purchase electricity, our Intermediate Partnership is liable for the amounts not paid by the third-party.  If 
our Intermediate Partnership were to become liable, the maximum amount of potential future payments is $2.0 million at 
December 31, 2006.  The fair value of the guarantee is not considered material to our consolidated financial statements.   

In  March  2004,  XL  Specialty  Insurance  Company  ("XL")  filed  litigation  against  ARH  and  us  in  state  court  of 
Oklahoma  alleging  that  we  and  ARH  had  failed  to  indemnify  XL  for  Alliance  Coal’s  failure  to  pay  certain  annual 
premiums  associated  with  four  surety  bonds  issued  to  the  State  of  Kentucky  to  secure  Alliance  Coal’s  self-insurance 
workers’ compensation status. All four of these surety bonds were cancelled by XL in 2001 after it made the business 
decision  to  withdraw  from  the  surety  market.  In  the  lawsuit,  XL  requested  that  the  trial  court  determine,  under  two 
indemnity agreements, we and ARH be found jointly and severely liable to XL for bond premiums on the four cancelled 

86

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
surety bonds in the total principal amount of approximately $397,000, plus pre- and post-judgment interest. In answering 
the lawsuit, we and ARH filed a counterclaim against XL raising a number of affirmative defenses and counterclaiming 
for breach of contract and bad faith. In July 2006, a bench trial occurred in which XL alleged that Alliance Coal owed 
approximately  $876,000  (including  interest)  through  September  2005.  In  support  of  its  counterclaim,  we  and  ARH 
alleged  damages  of  approximately  $400,000  relating  to  certain  increased  costs  associated  with  Alliance  Coal’s  surety 
bond program. In September 2006, a decision adverse to us and ARH regarding this matter was received from the trial 
court.  Accordingly, we have recorded a liability and expense to reflect the approximate damages determination made by 
the trial court for the period through September 30, 2005 and additional estimated expenses through December 31, 2006. 
We  have  appealed  the  state  district  court's  determination  to  the  Oklahoma  Supreme  Court.    In  addition,  settlement 
discussions recently have been initiated between the parties.  However, we cannot give assurance that the outcome of the 
appeal or settlement process will differ materially from our current estimated liability recorded.  

20. 

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS 

We  have  significant  long-term  coal  supply  agreements,  some  of  which  contain  prospective  price  adjustment 
provisions  designed  to  reflect  changes  in  market  conditions,  labor  and  other  production  costs  and,  in  the  infrequent 
circumstance  when  the  coal  is  sold  other  than  free  on  board  the  mine,  changes  in  transportation  rates.  Total  revenues 
from major customers, including transportation revenues which exceed ten percent of total revenues, are as follows (in 
thousands): 

Customer A 
Customer B 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 

2004 

2006 

$    144,946 
143,795 

$    88,525 
133,672 

$    33,933 
124,846 

Trade  accounts  receivable  from  these  customers  totaled  approximately  $39.8  million  and  $40.1  million  at 
December 31,  2006  and  2005,  respectively.  Our  bad  debt  experience  has  historically  been  insignificant;  however  we 
established  an  allowance  of  $763,000  during  2001,  due  to  our  total  credit  exposure  to  Enron  Corp.,  which  filed  for 
bankruptcy protection during December 2001. We received $114,000 in 2004 for our claim against Enron, which was 
recognized as a recovery in 2004.  The remaining balance of $649,000 was written-off in 2004.  Financial conditions of 
our customers could result in a material change to our bad debt expense in future periods. The coal supply agreements 
with Customers A and B expire in 2023 and 2007, respectively.  

21. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION 

We operate in the eastern United States as a producer and marketer of coal to major utilities and industrial users, 
also located in the eastern United States.  We have the following three reportable segments: the Illinois Basin, Central 
Appalachia and Northern Appalachia.  The segments also represent the three major coal deposits in the eastern United 
States.    Coal  quality,  coal  seam  height,  transportation  methods  and  regulatory  issues  are  similar  within  each  of  these 
three segments.  The Illinois Basin segment is comprised of the Dotiki, Gibson, Hopkins, Pattiki and Warrior mines and 
the  River  View  and  Gibson  South  properties.    The  Central  Appalachia  segment  is  comprised  of  the  Pontiki  and  MC 
Mining  mines.    The  Northern  Appalachia  segment  is  comprised  of  the  Mettiki  and  Mountain  View  mines,  two  small 
third-party  mining  operations,  and  the  Tunnel  Ridge  and  Penn  Ridge  properties.    In  late  2006,  we  completed  the 
transition of longwall operations from the Mettiki mine to the Mountain View mine.  We are in the process of permitting 
the River View, Gibson South, Tunnel Ridge and Penn Ridge properties for future mine development. 

87

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other  and  Corporate  includes  marketing  and  administrative  expenses,  the  Mt.  Vernon  activities,  coal  brokerage 
activity, MAC and Matrix Design.  Operating segment results for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 
are presented below. 

Illinois 
Basin 

Central 
Appalachia 

Northern 
Appalachia 
(in thousands) 

Other and 
Corporate 

Consolidated 

Operating segment results for the year ended December 31, 2006 were as follows: 

Total revenues (1) 
Selected production expenses (2) 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3) 
Total assets 
Capital expenditures 

$    634,602 
344,267 
206,209 
354,320 
112,365 

$     185,966 
124,083 
40,050 
101,775 
22,579 

 $     121,962 
67,353 
29,911 
121,620 
43,035 

$      25,027 
 18,497 
5,475 
57,247 
10,651 

$    967,557 
554,200 
281,645 
634,962 
188,630 

Operating segment results for the year ended December 31, 2005 were as follows: 

Total revenues (1) 
Selected production expenses (2) 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3) 
Total assets 
Capital expenditures  

$    553,908 
289,720 
183,075 
274,437 
70,353 

$    157,203 
94,909 
41,583 
91,853 
23,451 

$     120,423 
62,425 
36,047 
73,789 
24,435 

$       7,184 
3,606 
2,924 
92,608 
1,642 

$    838,718 
450,660 
263,629 
532,687 
119,881 

Operating segment results for the year ended December 31, 2004 were as follows: 

Total revenues (1) 
Selected production expenses (2) 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3)(4) 
Total assets 
Capital expenditures 

$    391,005 
224,540 
121,763 
216,739 
32,870 

$    147,361 
98,162 
28,953 
64,241 
14,465 

$     112,251 
51,304 
41,141 
46,168 
6,605 

$       2,672 
585 
1,432 
85,636 
773 

$    653,289 
374,591 
193,289 
412,784 
54,713 

(1)  Revenues  included  in  the  Other  and  Corporate  column  are  attributable  to  Mt.  Vernon  transloading  revenues, 
brokerage coal sales for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and Matrix Design Group 
revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

(2)  Selected  production  expenses  are  comprised  of  operating  expenses  and  outside  purchases  (as  reflected  in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income), excluding production taxes and royalties that are incurred as a percentage of 
coal  sales  or  volumes.    Selected  production  expenses  are  reconciled  to  operating  expenses  and  outside  purchases 
below. 

(3)  Segment  Adjusted  EBITDA  is  defined  as  income  before  income  taxes,  cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change, 
minority  interest,  interest  income,  interest  expense,  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization,  and  general  and 
administrative expense.  Adjusted Segment EBITDA is reconciled to net income below. 

(4)  The  Illinois  Basin's  year  2004  segment  adjusted  EBITDA  includes  $15.2  million  for  the  net  gain  from  insurance 

settlement associated with the Dotiki Fire Incident. 

88

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006 

Year Ended December 31, 
2005 
(in thousands) 

2004 

Reconciliation of Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income: 

Consolidated Segment Adjusted EBITDA 
General & administrative 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 
Interest expense, net 
Income taxes 
Cumulative effect of accounting change 
Minority interest 
Net income  

$     281,645 
(30,884) 
(66,489) 
(9,175) 
(2,443) 
112 
161 
$     172,927 

$     263,629 
(33,484) 
(55,637) 
(11,816) 
(2,682) 
- 
- 
$     160,010 

$     193,289 
(45,400) 
(53,664) 
(14,963) 
(2,641) 
- 
- 
$       76,621 

Reconciliation of Selected Production Expenses to Combined Operating Expenses and Outside Purchases: 

Selected Production Expenses 
Production taxes and royalties 
Combined operating expenses and outside purchases 

$     554,200 
92,769 
$     646,969 

$     450,660 
85,941 
$     536,601 

$     374,591 
71,793 
$     446,384 

22.  SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

A summary of our quarterly operating results for 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in thousands, except unit and per unit 

data): 

March 31, 
2006  

June 30, 
2006 

September 30, 
2006  

December 31, 
2006  

Quarter Ended 

Revenues 
Income from operations 
Income before income taxes, cumulative effect of 
accounting change and minority interest 
Net income 

$      238,320 
50,870 

$      221,304 
43,387 

$      244,740 
40,881 

$      263,193 
48,198 

48,896 
48,249 

41,054 
40,550 

38,939 
38,640 

46,208 
45,488 

Basic net income per limited partner unit 
Diluted net income per limited partner unit 

$            0.83 
$            0.83 

$            0.73 
$            0.72 

$            0.70 
$            0.69 

$            0.80 
$            0.79 

Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic  
Weighted average number of units outstanding – diluted  

36,426,306 
36,765,016 

36,426,306 
36,797,407 

36,426,306 
36,824,613 

36,422,515 
36,852,765 

March 31, 
2005 

June 30, 
2005 (1) 

September 30, 
2005 

December 31, 
2005 

Quarter Ended 

Revenues 
Income from operations 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of 
accounting change and minority interest 
Net income 

$      195,627 
43,158 

$      208,716 
44,872 

$      207,043 
37,949 

$       227,332 
47,948 

39,789 
39,079 

41,621 
40,792 

35,198 
34,481 

46,084 
45,658 

Basic net income per limited partner unit  
Diluted net income per limited partner unit  

$            0.71 
$            0.70 

$            0.73 
$            0.72 

$            0.65 
$            0.63 

$            0.80 
$            0.79 

Weighted average number of units outstanding – basic 
Weighted average number of units outstanding – diluted 

36,260,880 
36,992,828 

36,260,880 
36,995,172 

36,260,880 
36,997,338 

36,370,565 
36,923,444 

89

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations in the above table, for quarters prior to June 30, 2006, represents income from operations 

before interest expense. 

(1) 

Our  June 30, 2005  quarterly  results were decreased  by $2.8  million  due  to  the  estimated  direct  expenses 
and costs attributable to the Vertical Belt Failure (Note 5). 

23. 

Subsequent Event 

Other than those events described in Notes 10 and 14, there were no other subsequent events. 

90

  
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE II 

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004 

2006 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

2005 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

2004 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Balance At 
Beginning 
of Year 

Additions 
Charged to 
Income 

Deductions 

Balance At 
End of Year 

(in thousands) 

$                  

$                  

$                  

$                  

$                - 

$                - 

$                - 

$                - 

$            763 

$                - 

$            763 

$                - 

We established an allowance of $763,000 during 2001 due to our total credit exposure to Enron Corp., which filed 
for bankruptcy protection during December 2001.  In 2004, we collected approximately $114,000 of this amount through 
the  sale  to  a  third-party  of  a  bankruptcy  claim  relating  to  this  receivable.    The  remaining  balance  of  $649,000  was 
written-off. 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANT ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None.  

ITEM 9A. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES  

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to 
collect  the  information  we  are  required  to  disclose  in  the  reports  we  file  with  the  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission  (SEC),  and  to  process,  summarize  and  disclose  this  information  within  the  time  periods  specified  in  the 
rules  of  the  SEC.    An  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  our  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act) was performed as of the end 
of  the  period  covered  by  the  date  of  this  report.    This  evaluation  was  performed  under  the  supervision  and  with  the 
participation  of  our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer.    Based  on  this 
evaluation  of  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  of  the  end  of  the  period  covered  by  this  report,  our  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that 
the ARLP Partnership is able to collect, process and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports 
we file with the SEC within the required time periods. 

Our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  does  not  expect  that  our 
disclosure  controls  or  our  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  ("internal  controls")  will  prevent  all  errors  and  all 
fraud.    A  control  system,  no  matter  how  well  conceived  and  operated,  can  provide  only  reasonable,  not  absolute, 
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact 
that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the 
inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues 
and instances of fraud, if any, within the ARLP Partnership have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the 
realities  that  judgments  in decision-making  can be faulty,  and that  simple  errors or  mistakes  can occur.   Additionally, 
controls  can  be  circumvented  by  the  individual  acts  of  some  persons,  by  collusion  of  two  or  more  people,  or  by 
management  override  of  the  control.    The  design  of  any  system  of  controls  also  is  based,  in  part,  upon  certain 
assumptions  about  the  likelihood  of  future  events,  and  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  any  design  will  succeed  in 
achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Over time, controls may become inadequate because of 

91

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
changes  in  conditions,  or  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the  policies  or  procedures  may  deteriorate.    Because  of  the 
inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  
We monitor our disclosure controls and internal controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is 
that the disclosure controls and the internal controls will be maintained as systems change and conditions warrant. 

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Management of the ARLP Partnership 
is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-
15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The ARLP Partnership's internal control over financial reporting is 
designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors of our managing general partner 
regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  Our controls are designed to provide 
reasonable  assurance  that  the  ARLP  Partnership's  assets  are  protected from  unauthorized  use  and  that  transactions  are 
executed  in  accordance  with established  authorizations  and  properly  recorded.    The  internal  controls  are  supported  by 
written policies and are complemented by a staff of competent business process owners and an internal auditor supported 
by  competent  and  qualified  external  resources  used  to  assist  in  testing  the  operating  effectiveness  of  the  ARLP 
Partnership's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.    Management  concluded  that  the  design  and  operations  of  our 
internal controls over financial reporting at December 31, 2006 are effective and provide reasonable assurance the books 
and records accurately reflect the transactions of the ARLP Partnership. 

Because  of  our  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements.    Therefore,  even  those  systems  determined  to  be  effective  can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with 
respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.  In 
making  this  assessment,  management  used  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of the 
Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment, Management 
concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, the ARLP Partnership's internal control over financial reporting is effective 
based on those criteria, and we believe that we have no material internal control weaknesses in our financial reporting 
process. 

Management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, 
has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited the 
Partnership's consolidated financial statements.  Deloitte & Touche's attestation report on management's assessment of 
the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting appears below.  

Changes  in  Internal  Controls  Over  Financial  Reporting.    There  has  been  no  change  in  our  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) that occurred in the three months ended December 31, 
2006  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  our  internal  controls  over  financial 
reporting. 

92

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

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

We  have  audited  management’s  assessment,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Annual  Report  on 
Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting,  that  Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.  and  subsidiaries  (the  "Partnership") 
maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in 
Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission.    The  Partnership’s  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control 
over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States).    Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included 
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and 
evaluating  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  control,  and  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we 
considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions. 

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  by,  or  under  the  supervision  of,  the 
company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by 
the  company’s  Board  of  Directors,  management,  and  other  personnel  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are 
recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements. 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion 
or  improper  management  override  of  controls,  material  misstatements  due  to  error  or  fraud  may  not  be  prevented  or 
detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial 
reporting  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  the  controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In  our  opinion,  management’s  assessment  that  the  Partnership  maintained  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued by the  Committee  of Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission.  
Also  in  our  opinion,  the  Partnership  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued 
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements  of 
income, cash flows and Partners’ capital (deficit) and comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2006 and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 of the Partnership, and our 
report dated February 28, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement 
schedule. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 

Tulsa, Oklahoma 
February 28, 2007

93

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

94

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III 

ITEM 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE 
MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER  

As is commonly the case with publicly-traded limited partnerships, we are managed and operated by our managing 
general partner. The following table shows information for the executive officers and members of the Board of Directors 
of  our  managing  general  partner.    Executive  officers  and  directors  are  elected  until  death,  resignation,  retirement, 
disqualification, or removal. 

Name 

Age 

Position With Our Managing General Partner 

Joseph W. Craft  III 

Robert G. Sachse 1 

R. Eberley Davis 2 

Thomas L. Pearson 3 

Charles R. Wesley 

Brian L. Cantrell 

Gary J. Rathburn 4 

Michael J. Hall 

John J. MacWilliams 5 

Preston R. Miller, Jr. 6 

John P. Neafsey 7 

John H. Robinson 8 

Merribel S. Ayres 

Wilson M. Torrence 

56 

58 

49 

53 

52 

47 

56 

61 

51 

58 

67 

56 

55 

65 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board  

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 

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

Senior Vice President – Operations 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

Senior Vice President – Marketing 

Director and Member of the Audit* and Conflicts Committees 

Director 

Director and Member of the Compensation Committee 

Chairman of the Board and Member of Audit, Compensation and 
Conflicts* Committees 

Director and Member of Audit and Compensation* Committees 

Director and Member of the Compensation Committee 

Director and Member of the Conflicts Committee 

* Indicates Chairman of Committee 

1  Effective November 1, 2006, Mr. Sachse assumed responsibilities for our coal marketing, sales and transportation 

functions.  Effective January 5, 2007, Mr. Sachse retired from the Board of Directors of our managing general partner. 

2  Effective February 12, 2007, Mr. Davis was appointed as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of our 

managing general partner by the Board of Directors of our managing general partner. 

3  Effective February 2, 2007, Mr. Pearson retired from his position as Senior Vice President – Law and Administration, 

General Counsel and Secretary of our managing general partner. 

4  Effective December 31, 2006, Mr. Rathburn retired from his position as Senior Vice President – Marketing of our 

managing general partner. 

5  Effective January 5, 2007, Mr. MacWilliams retired from the Board of Directors of our managing general partner. 

95

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6  Effective January 5, 2007, Mr. Miller retired from the Board of Directors of our managing general partner.  Prior to his 

retirement from the Board of Directors, Mr. Miller served as chairman of the Compensation Committee. 

7  Effective January 5, 2007, Mr. Neafsey was elected chairman of the Conflicts Committee. 

8  Effective January 5, 2007, Mr. Robinson was elected chairman of the Compensation Committee and resigned from his 

positions as chairman and a member of the Conflicts Committee.   

Joseph W. Craft III has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director since August 1999 and has indirect 
majority ownership of our managing general partner.  Mr. Craft also serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and a 
Director of AHGP.  Previously Mr. Craft served as President of MAPCO Coal Inc. since 1986. During that period, he 
also  was  Senior  Vice  President  of  MAPCO  Inc.  and  had  been  previously  that  company's  General  Counsel  and  Chief 
Financial  Officer.    Before  joining  MAPCO,  Mr.  Craft  was  an  attorney  at  Falcon  Coal  Corporation  and  Diamond 
Shamrock  Coal  Corporation.    He  is  past  Chairman  of  the  National  Coal  Council,  a  Board  and  Executive  Committee 
Member  of  the  National  Mining  Association,  a  Director  of  the  Center  for  Energy  and  Economic  Development,  and  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  for  the  University  of  Tulsa.    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 has been Executive Vice President since August 2000.  Effective November 1, 2006, Mr. Sachse 
assumed  the  responsibilities  for  our  coal  marketing,  sales  and  transportation  functions.    Mr.  Sachse  was  also  Vice 
Chairman of our managing general partner from August 2000 to January 2007.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Sachse 
was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MAPCO Inc. from 1996 to 1998 when MAPCO merged 
with The Williams Companies.  Following the merger, Mr. Sachse had a two year non-compete consulting agreement 
with The Williams Companies.  Mr. Sachse held various positions while with MAPCO Coal Inc. from 1982 to 1991, and 
was promoted to President of MAPCO Natural Gas Liquids in 1992.  Mr. Sachse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Business Administration from Trinity University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa.  

R.  Eberley  Davis  has  been  our  Senior  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  since  February  2007.    Mr. 
Davis  also  serves  as  Senior  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of  AHGP.    Mr.  Davis  has  over  24  years 
experience in the coal and energy industries.  From 2003 to February 2007, Mr. Davis practiced law in the Lexington, 
Kentucky  office  of  Stoll  Keenon  Ogden  PLLC.    Prior  to  joining  Stoll  Keenon  Ogden,  Mr.  Davis  was  Vice  President, 
General Counsel and Secretary of Massey Energy Company for one year.  Mr. Davis also served in various positions, 
including Vice President and General Counsel, for Lodestar Energy, Inc. from 1993 to 2002.  Mr. Davis is an alumnus of 
the  University  of  Kentucky,  where  he  received  a  B.A.  degree  in  Economics  and  his  J.D.  degree.    He  also  holds  an 
M.B.A. degree from the University of Kentucky.  Mr. Davis is a Trustee of the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation, and 
a member of the American, Kentucky and Fayette County Bar Associations. 

Thomas L. Pearson was our managing general partner’s Senior Vice President – Law and Administration, General 
Counsel and Secretary from August 1996 to February 2007.  Mr. Pearson previously was Assistant General Counsel of 
MAPCO Inc., and served as General Counsel and Secretary of MAPCO Coal Inc. from 1989 to 1996.  Before joining the 
company,  he  was  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of  McLouth  Steel  Products  Corporation,  Corporate  Counsel  for 
Midland-Ross Corporation, and an attorney for Arter & Hadden, a law firm in Cleveland, Ohio.  Mr. Pearson's current 
and past business, charitable and education involvement includes Trustee of the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation, 
Vice  Chairman,  Legal  Affairs  Committee,  National  Mining  Association,  and  Member,  Dean's  Committee,  The 
University of Iowa College of Law.  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. 

Charles R. Wesley has been Senior Vice President – Operations since August 1996. He joined the company in 1974 
when he began working for Webster County Coal Corporation as an engineering co-op student.  In 1992, Mr. Wesley 
was named Vice President – Operations for Mettiki Coal Corporation.  He has served the industry as past President of 
the West Kentucky Mining Institute and National Mine Rescue Association Post 11, and he has 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.  

Brian L. Cantrell was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in October 2003.  Mr. Cantrell also 
serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AHGP.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Cantrell was 
President  of  AFN  Communications,  LLC  from  November  2001  to  October  2003  where  he  had  previously  served  as 

96

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  after  joining  AFN  in  September  2000.    Mr.  Cantrell's  previous 
positions  include  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Treasurer  and  Director  with  Brighton  Energy,  LLC  from  August  1997  to 
September 2000; Vice President – Finance of KCS Medallion Resources, Inc.; and Vice President – Finance, Secretary 
and Treasurer of Intercoast Oil and Gas Company.  Mr. Cantrell is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of 
Accountancy and Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Oklahoma. 

Gary  J.  Rathburn  was  our  managing  general  partner’s  Senior  Vice  President  –  Marketing  from  August  1996  to 
December 2006.  He joined MAPCO Coal Inc. as Manager of Brokerage Coals in 1980.  Since that time, he has managed 
all phases of the marketing group involving transportation and distribution, international sales and the brokering of coal.  
Prior to joining the company, Mr. Rathburn was employed by Eastern Associated Coal Corporation in its International 
Sales  and  Brokerage  groups.    Active  in  many  industry-related  groups,  he  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. 

Michael J. Hall became a Director in March 2003 and currently services as chairman of the audit committee ("Audit 
Committee") and a member of the Conflicts Committee.  Mr. Hall is also a Director and serves as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee  of  AHGP.    Mr.  Hall  is  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Matrix  Service  Company  ("Matrix").  
Previously,  Mr.  Hall  served  as  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Matrix  from  March,  2005  until  he  retired  in 
November, 2006.  Mr. Hall also served as Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer 
of Matrix from September, 1998 to May, 2004.  Matrix is a company which provides general industrial construction and 
repair and maintenance services principally to the petroleum, petrochemical, power, bulk storage terminal, pipeline and 
industrial gas industries.  Prior to working for Matrix, Mr. Hall was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pexco 
Holdings,  Inc.,  Vice  President  –  Finance  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  for  Worldwide  Sports  &  Recreation,  Inc.  an 
affiliated  company  of  Pexco,  and  worked  for  T.D.  Williamson,  Inc.,  as  Senior  Vice  President,  Chief  Financial  and 
Administrative Officer, and Director of Operations – Europe, Africa and Middle East Region.  Mr. Hall is Chairman of 
the  Board  of  Directors  of  Integrated  Electrical  Services,  Inc.  and  a  member  of  its  audit  and  nominating/governance 
committees and has served in that capacity since May 2006.  He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of 
American Performance Funds and is a member of its audit and nominating committees and has served in that capacity 
since  July  1990.    Mr.  Hall  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in  Accounting  from  Boston  College  and  a  Master  of 
Business Administration from Stanford University.   

John  J.  MacWilliams  retired  from  the  Board  of  Directors  of  our  managing  general  partner  in  January  2007.    Mr. 
MacWilliams  is  a  Partner  of  The  Tremont  Group,  LLC,  a  private  equity  investment  firm  founded  in  January  2003, 
located in Newton, MA., which has a specialized expertise in the energy industry.  Mr. MacWilliams is also a General 
Partner of The Beacon Group, LP, which he joined in 1993, and has served as a Director since June 1996.  As part of The 
Beacon  Group,  he  co-manages  two private equity  funds focusing on  the  energy  industry.    Mr.  MacWilliams'  previous 
positions  include  serving  as  a  General  Partner  of  JP  Morgan  Partners,  Executive  Director  of  Goldman  Sachs 
International in London, Vice President for Goldman Sachs & Co.'s Investment Banking Division in New York, and as 
an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York.  He also is a Director of Compagnie Generale de 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., retired from the Board of Directors of our managing general partner in January 2007.  Mr. 
Miller is a Partner of The Tremont Group, LLC, a private equity investment firm founded in January 2003, located in 
Newton, MA., which has a specialized expertise in the energy industry.  Mr. Miller is a General Partner of The Beacon 
Group, LP, which he joined in 1993 and has served as a Director since June 1996.  As a part of The Beacon Group, he 
co-manages a private equity fund focusing on the energy industry.  Mr. Miller's previous positions include serving as a 
General Partner of JP Morgan Partners from June 2000 through December 2002, and was with Goldman Sachs & Co.’s 
from January 1979 through January 1993, most recently as Vice President in the Structured Finance Group in New York 
City, where he had global responsibility for coverage of the independent power industry, asset-backed power generation, 
and oil and gas financing.  He also has a background in credit analysis, and was head of a revenue bond rating group at 
Standard  &  Poor's  Corp.    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 is President of JN Associates, an investment 
consulting firm formed in 1993. Mr. Neafsey served as President and CEO of Greenwich Capital Markets from 1990 to 
1993  and  a  Director  since  its  founding  in  1983.    Positions  that  Mr.  Neafsey  held  during  a  23-year  career  at  The  Sun 

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Company  include  Director;  Executive  Vice  President  responsible  for  Canadian  operations,  Sun  Coal  Company  and 
Helios Capital Corporation; Chief Financial Officer; and other executive positions with numerous subsidiary companies.  
He  is  or  has  been  active  in  a  number  of  organizations,  including  the  following:  Director  and  Chairman  of  the  audit 
committee  for  The  West  Pharmaceutical  Services  Company  and  Chairman  and  a  member  of  the  audit  committee  of 
Constar, Inc. and Lead Director of NES Rentals, Inc., Trustee Emeritus and Presidential Counselor, 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.  Mr. Neafsey is chairman of the 
Conflicts Committee and a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. 

John H. Robinson became a Director in December 1999.  Mr. Robinson is Chairman of Hamilton Ventures, LLC.  
From 2003 to 2004, he was Chairman of EPC Global, Ltd., an engineering staffing company.  From 2000 to 2002, he 
was  Executive  Director  of  Amey  plc,  a  British  business  process  outsourcing  company.    Mr.  Robinson  served  as  Vice 
Chairman  of  Black  &  Veatch,  Inc.  from  1998  to  2000.    He  began  his  career  at  Black  &  Veatch  in  1973  and  was  a 
General Partner and Managing Partner prior to becoming Vice Chairman when the firm incorporated.  Mr. Robinson is a 
Director of Coeur d'Alene Mining Corporation and a member of its audit and compensation committees.  Mr. Robinson 
is also a Director of Comark Building Systems, Inc. and Olsson Associates.  Mr. Robinson holds Bachelor and Master of 
Science degrees  in  Engineering  from  the  University  of  Kansas  and  is  a graduate  of  the  Owner-President-Management 
Program at the Harvard Business School.  He is chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit 
Committee.   

Merribel S. Ayres became a Director in January 2007.  Ms. Ayres is President of Lighthouse Consulting Group, a 
privately  held  firm  that  provides  government  affairs  and  communication  expertise,  as  well  as  management  consulting 
and business development services, focusing primarily on energy and environmental policy.  From  1988 to 1996, Ms. 
Ayres  served  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  National  Independent  Energy  Producers,  a  Washington,  DC  trade 
association representing the competitive power supply industry.  Ms. Ayres is a member of the Aspen Institute Energy 
Policy Forum and the Deans’ Alumni Leadership Counsel of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.  Ms. 
Ayres  holds  a  B.A.  in  English  Literature  from  Bryn  Mawr  College,  a  post-graduate  degree  from  Trinity  College  in 
Dublin, Ireland, and received advanced leadership training at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.  In 
addition, Ms. Ayres is a Director of the United States Energy Association (USEA), and serves on the Board of Directors 
of CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS),  a Michigan-based company that has as its primary business operations an 
electric and natural gas utility, natural gas pipeline systems, and independent power generation.  Ms. Ayres is a member 
of the Compensation Committee. 

Wilson M. Torrence became a Director in January 2007.  Mr. Torrence retired from Fluor Corporation in 2006 as a 
Senior  Vice  President  of  Project  Development  and  Investments  and  is  currently  performing  investment  and  business 
consulting services for clients in various energy related businesses.  From 1989 to 2006, Mr. Torrence was responsible at 
Fluor for the global Project Development, Investment and Structured Finance Group and served as Chairman of Fluor’s 
Investment  Committee.    In  that  position,  Mr.  Torrence  had  executive  responsibility  for  Fluor’s  global  activities  in 
developing and arranging third-party financing for some of Fluor’s clients’ construction projects.  Prior to joining Fluor 
in 1989, Mr. Torrence was President and CEO of Combustion Engineering Corporation’s Waste to Energy Division and, 
during that time, also served as Chairman of the Institute of Resource Recovery, a Washington-based industry advocacy 
organization.    Mr.  Torrence  began  his  career  at  Mobil  Oil  Corporation,  where  he  held  several  executive  positions, 
including Assistant Treasurer of Mobil’s International Marketing and Refining Division and Chief Financial Officer of 
Mobil  Land  Development  Company.    Mr.  Torrence  holds  Bachelor  and  Masters  degrees  in  Business  Administration 
from  Virginia  Tech  University.    In  addition,  Mr.  Torrence  serves  on  the  Board  of  Directors  and  as  Chief  Financial 
Officer of Cleantech America, LLC, a company involved in the development and commercialization of central station 
solar generated power projects.  Mr. Torrence is a member of the Conflicts Committee. 

Audit Committee  

The Audit Committee is comprised of three non-employee members of the Board of Directors (currently, Mr. Hall, 
Mr. Neafsey and Mr. Robinson).  After reviewing the qualifications of the current members of the Audit Committee, and 
any relationships they may have with us that might affect their independence, the Board of Directors has determined that 
all current Audit Committee members are "independent" as that concept is defined in Section 10A of the Exchange Act, 
all current Audit Committee members are "independent" as that concept is defined in the applicable rules of NASDAQ 
Stock Market, LLC all current Audit Committee members are financially literate, and Mr. Hall and Mr. Neafsey qualify 
as Audit Committee financial experts under the applicable rules promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act. 

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Report of the Audit Committee 

The  Audit  Committee  of  MGP  oversees  our  financial  reporting  process  on  behalf  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems 
of internal controls.  The Audit Committee has the responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the 
work  of  our  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  and  assists  the  Board  of  Directors  by  conducting  its  own 
review of our: 

• 

• 

• 

filings  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  "SEC")  and  the  Securities  Act  of  1933  and  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") (i.e., Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K); 

press releases and other communications by us to the public concerning earnings, financial condition and results 
of operations, including changes in distribution policies or practices affecting the holders of our units; 

systems of internal controls regarding finance and accounting that management and the Board of Directors have 
established; and 

• 

auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes generally. 

In  fulfilling  its  oversight  and  other responsibilities,  the  Audit  Committee  either  met  or  took  action  in the  form  of 
written consents fourteen times during 2006.  The Audit Committee’s activities included, but were not limited to, (a) the 
selection  of  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  (b)  meeting  periodically  in  executive  session  with  the 
independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  (c)  the  review  of  the  Quarterly  Reports  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  three 
months ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2006, (d) performing a self-assessment of the committee itself, (e) 
reviewing the Audit Committee charter, and (f) reviewing the overall scope, plans and finding of our internal auditor.  
Based on the results of the annual self-assessment, the Audit Committee believes that it satisfied the requirements of its 
charter.    The  Audit  Committee  also  reviewed  and  discussed  with  management  and  the  independent  registered  public 
accounting firm this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the audited financial statements.   

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, is responsible for expressing an opinion 
on  the  conformity  of  the  audited  financial  statements  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.    The  Audit 
Committee  reviewed  with  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  its  judgment  as  to  the  quality,  not  just  the  acceptability,  of  our 
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally 
accepted auditing standards. 

The  Audit  Committee  discussed  with  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  the  matters  required  to  be  discussed  by  SAS  61 
(Codification  of  Statement  on  Auditing  Standards,  AU  §  380),  as  may  be  modified  or  supplemented.    The  committee 
received written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by Independence Standards Board No. 
1.,  Independence  Discussions  with  Audit  Committees,  as  may  be  modified  or  supplemented,  and  has  discussed  with 
Deloitte & Touche LLP, its independence from management and the ARLP Partnership. 

Based  on  the  reviews  and  discussions  referred  to  above,  the  Audit  Committee  recommended  to  the  Board  of 
Directors  that  the  audited  financial  statements  be  included  in  the  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2006 for filing with the SEC. 

Members of the Audit Committee: 

Michael J. Hall, Chairman 

John P. Neafsey 

John H. Robinson 

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Code of Ethics 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics with which our chief executive officer and our senior financial officers (including 
our principal financial officer, and our principal accounting officer or controller), are expected to comply.  The Code of 
Ethics is publicly available on our website under Investors Relations at www.arlp.com and is available in print to any 
unitholder  who  requests  it.    If  any  substantive  amendments  are  made  to  the  Code  of  Ethics  or  if  there  is  a  grant  of  a 
waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, 
chief accounting officer or controller, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a 
report on Form 8-K. 

Communications with the Board 

Unitholders  or  other  interested  parties  can  contact  any  director  or  committee  of  the  board  by  writing  to  them  c/o 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, P. O. Box 22027, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74121-2027.  Comments or 
complaints relating to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters will also be referred to members 
of  the  Audit  Committee.    The  Audit  Committee  has  procedures  for  (a)  receipt,  retention  and  treatment  of  complaints 
received  by  us  regarding  accounting,  internal  accounting  controls,  or  auditing  matters  and  (b)  the  confidential, 
anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. 

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 our 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  us with  copies  of  all  Section  16(a)  forms  they  file.    Based  solely  upon  a  review  of  the  copies of  the  forms 
furnished  to  us,  or  written  representations  from  certain  reporting  persons,  we  believe  that  during  2006  none  of  our 
officers  and  directors  were  delinquent  with  respect  to  any  of  the  filing  requirements  under  Rule  16(a)  other  than  Mr. 
Robert G. Sachse who did not timely file a Form 4 related to his gift of 300 units in March, but has since filed a Form 4 
with respect to this transaction.   

Reimbursement of Expenses of our Managing General Partner and its Affiliates  

Our managing general partner does not receive any management fee or other compensation in connection with its 
management of us. However, our managing general partner and its affiliates 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 our managing general partner will determine the 
expenses  that  are  allocable  to  us  in  any  reasonable  manner  determined  by  our  managing  general  partner  in  its  sole 
discretion. 

ITEM 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") describes the material elements of compensation 

for our executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table. 

Overall Compensation Policy and Philosophy 

Our  compensation  policy  is  to  offer  a  cash  and  equity-based  compensation  package  that  attracts  and  retains 
executive officers and aligns executive compensation with the interests of our unitholders on both a short- and long-term 
basis.    As  described  in  more  detail  below  under  "Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components,"  the  primary 
components of our executive compensation programs are base salary, annual incentive bonus awards under the STIP and 
equity participation in the form of restricted units under the LTIP.   

Our compensation philosophy is to provide total compensation that is competitive with companies of similar size, 
including companies that produce and market coal and that compare favorably to us with regard to revenue, number of 
mines, type of mines (e.g., we compare primarily to coal companies with underground mines) and other financial and 

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operating indicators by which we have historically measured our performance.  In general, our policy is to target base 
salary  at  the  middle  of  the  competitive  market  place,  and  annual  incentive  bonus  awards  and  equity  participation  are 
designed to give an executive the opportunity, based upon our overall performance, to achieve total compensation at the 
top quarter of the competitive market place. 

The objectives of our executive compensation programs are to align compensation with our business objectives and 
performance  and  enable  us  to  attract,  retain  and  motivate  qualified  executive  officers  that  contribute  to  our  long-term 
success  and  that  of  our  affiliates.    Our  primary  business  objective  is  to  create  sustainable,  capital-efficient  growth  in 
distributable cash flow to maximize our distribution to our unitholders.   

Compensation Policy and Program Components 

The primary components of our executive compensation programs are:  

• 
• 
• 

base salary; 
annual incentive bonus awards; and 
equity participation in the form of restricted units. 

Historically, each executive’s compensation related to these components has been allocated in the following manner: 

• 
• 
• 

approximately 40 – 50% in the form of base salary; 
approximately 15 – 20% in the form of annual incentive bonus awards under the STIP; and 
the remaining compensation in the form of equity participation or restricted units under the LTIP. 

Some  of  the  executive  officers  are  also  entitled  to  compensation  pursuant  to  the  SERP,  and  all  of  the  executive 
officers  are  entitled  to  customary  benefits  available  to  all  of  our  employees,  including  group  medical,  dental,  and  life 
insurance and participation in our profit sharing and savings plan.  In 2005, the executive officers and some additional 
members of senior management executed release and waiver forms terminating their employment agreements.   

Base Salary 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the base salary of our named executive officers, as well as our 
other officers and key employees.  When reviewing base salaries, the Compensation Committee’s policy is to consider 
the individual's performance, our past performance and the individual's contribution to that performance, the individual's 
level  of  responsibility  and  competitive  pay  practices.    In  general,  base  salaries  are  targeted  at  the  middle  of  the 
competitive  market place.  As discussed above, we compare our total compensation programs to that of companies of 
similar size, including companies that produce and market coal and that compare favorably to us with regard to revenues, 
number of mines, type of mines and other financial and operating indicators by which we have historically measured our 
performance.    This  assessment  considers  relevant  industry  salary  practices,  the  position's  complexity  and  level  of 
responsibility, its importance to us in relation to other executive positions, and the competitiveness of an executive's total 
compensation.    Subject  to  the  committee's  approval,  the  level  of  an  executive  officer's  base  pay  is  determined  on  the 
basis of relative comparative compensation data and the CEO's assessment of the executive's performance, experience, 
demonstrated  leadership,  job  knowledge  and  management  skills.    Historically,  such  surveys  as  the  Cammock’s  Coal 
Industry  Administrative  Survey  and  the  2006  Tulsa  Area  Survey  have  been  used  in  making  these  compensation 
decisions.   

Base salaries are reviewed annually to ensure continuing consistency with market levels.  Future adjustments to base 

salaries will reflect movement in the competitive market as well as individual performance. 

Annual Incentive Bonus Awards 

To provide discretionary annual incentive bonus awards, we maintain the STIP.  The STIP, which is administered by 
the Compensation Committee, is designed to enhance our financial performance by rewarding management and selected 
salaried  employees  with  cash  awards  for  our  achieving  an  annual  financial  performance  objective.    The  annual 
performance  objective  for  each  year  is  recommended  by  our  President  and  CEO  and  approved  by  the  Compensation 
Committee  prior  to  or  during  January  of  that  year.    The  annual  aggregate  cash  awards  available  under  the  STIP  for 
employees eligible to receive such cash awards is determined by a formula dependent on our actual financial results for 

101

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the  year  compared  to  the  annual  financial  performance  objective.    Individual  participants  and  payments  each  year  are 
determined by and in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, which is able to amend the STIP at any time.   

The  objective  of  the  STIP  is  to  enhance  unitholder  value  by  providing  eligible  employees,  including  executive 
officers,  with  added  incentive  to  achieve  specific  annual  targets.    The  STIP  also  assists  us  in  attracting,  retaining  and 
motivating  qualified  personnel  in  order  to  allow  us  to  remain  competitive  with  our  industry  peers.    The  targets  are 
intended  to  be  aligned  with  our  mission  so  that  bonus  payments  are  made  only  if  unitholder  interests  are  advanced.  
These targets are established prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.  Under the STIP and its related guidelines, our 
executive  officers  and  other  employees  selected  by  the  Compensation  Committee  are  eligible  for  cash  bonuses  based 
upon the comparison of our actual performance results to an annual EBITDA target.  EBITDA is defined as net income 
before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization.  The Compensation Committee 
has the discretion to normalize the calculated EBITDA to be consistent with the objectives of the STIP. 

For fiscal year 2006, we exceeded our annual EBITDA target so that all of the 2006 STIP participants were eligible 
to receive a cash award at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.  Cash awards are payable in the first quarter of 
the following calendar year. 

Termination of employment of an executive officer participating in the STIP for any reason prior to a performance 
pay-out distribution will result in the executive officer’s forfeiture of any right, title or interest in a performance pay-out 
distribution under the STIP, unless and to the extent waived by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. 

The Compensation Committee honored the request of Messrs. Craft and Wesley that they not receive a cash award 
under the STIP for 2006, even though both Mr. Craft and Mr. Wesley would have been entitled to a STIP bonus under 
the  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  adjustment  procedures  described  in  the  CD&A.    Messrs.  Pearson 
and Rathburn did not receive a STIP bonus for 2006 because they terminated their employment prior to the payment of 
the  STIP bonus  in  the  first  quarter of 2007.    Please  see  "Item  7.  Management’s  Discussion  and Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations." 

Equity Participation 

Equity  compensation  in  the  form  of  restricted  units  is  a  key  component  of  our  executive  compensation  program.  
Under  the  LTIP  administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee,  annual  grant  levels  for  designated  employees  are 
recommended by the CEO.  The grants are made either of (a) restricted units, which are "phantom units" that entitle a 
grantee to receive a common unit or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee an equivalent amount of cash upon 
the vesting of a phantom unit, or (b) options to purchase common units.  Restricted units are vested over a stated period 
from the grant date, which is currently three years after the grant date for all outstanding restricted units.  Our policy is to 
issue the common units pursuant to the LTIP to serve as  a  means of incentive compensation for performance and not 
primarily as an opportunity to participate in the equity participation with respect to our common units.  Therefore, no 
consideration  will  be  payable  by  the  plan  participants  upon  receipt  of  the  common  units.    To  date,  the  Compensation 
Committee has not granted any unit options under the LTIP.  A detailed description of the LTIP is provided below. 

Effective  January  1,  2000,  our  managing  general  partner  adopted  the  LTIP  for  certain  of  our  and  our  affiliates 

employees and directors who perform services for us.  Our LTIP is currently sponsored by Alliance Coal.   

The  LTIP  is  administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee.    Annual  grant  levels  for  designated  participants  are 
recommended by our President and CEO, subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee.  As stated 
above, grants are made of either 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 
us  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 us, or any combination of the foregoing.  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. 

Restricted Units.  Restricted units will vest over a period of time as determined by the Compensation Committee, 
which is currently three years after the grant date for all outstanding restricted units.  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. 

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Our  policy  is  to  issue  the  common  units  pursuant  to  the  vesting  of  restricted  units  under  the  LTIP  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.    The  Compensation  Committee,  in  it 
discretion, may grant distribution equivalent rights with respect to restricted units.  Historically, we have issued restricted 
unit grants at the beginning of each year, with the exception of new employees that commence employment with us at 
some other time or job promotions that may occur at some other time. 

Unit  Options.    We  have  not  made  any  grants  of  unit  options.    The  Compensation  Committee,  in  the  future,  may 
decide  to  make  unit  option  grants  to  employees  and  directors  containing  the  specific  terms  as  the  Compensation 
Committee  determines.    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.    If  a  grantee’s 
employment is terminated for any reason prior to the vesting of any unit options, those unit options will be automatically 
forfeited, unless the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, provides otherwise. 

Effect of a Change in Control.  Upon a change in control as defined in the LTIP, all awards of restricted units and 
options under the LTIP shall automatically vest and become payable or exercisable, as the case may be, in full.  In this 
regard, all restricted periods shall terminate and all performance criteria, if any, shall be deemed to have been achieved at 
the maximum level.  The LTIP defines a change in control as one of the following: (1) any sale, lease, exchange or other 
transfer  of  all  or  substantially  all  of  our  assets  or  our  managing  general  partner’s  assets  to  any  person;  (2)  the 
consolidation or merger of our managing general partner with or into another person pursuant to a transaction in which 
the  outstanding  voting  interests  of  our  managing  general  partner  is  changed  into  or  exchanged  for  cash,  securities  or 
other property, other than any such transaction where (a) the outstanding voting interests of our managing general partner 
is changed into or exchanged for voting stock or interests of the surviving corporation or its parent and (b) the holders of 
the voting interests of our managing general partner immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, not 
less  than  a  majority  of  the  voting  stock  or  interests  of  the  surviving  corporation  or  its  parent  immediately  after  such 
transaction; or (3) a person or group being or becoming the beneficial owner of more than 50% of all voting interests of 
our managing general partner then outstanding. 

Amendments  and  Termination.    Our  Board  of  Directors  or  the  Compensation  Committee  may,  in  its  discretion, 
terminate the LTIP at any time with respect to any common units for which a grant has not previously been made.  Our 
Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee 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, our Board of Directors or the 
Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, establish such additional compensation and incentive arrangements as it 
deems appropriate to motivate and reward our employees. 

On  December  22,  2005,  the  Compensation  Committee  executed  a  unanimous  consent  resolution  that,  effective 
January 1, 2006, (a) all existing grants made under the LTIP prior to January 1, 2006 and subsequent thereto be settled, 
upon satisfaction of any applicable vesting requirements, in common units to be reduced by a cash settlement component 
equal to the minimum statutory income tax withholding requirement for each individual participant based upon the fair 
market  value  of  the  common  units  as  of  the  date  of  payment  and  (b)  any  existing  and  prospective  LTIP  grants  of 
restricted  units  receive  quarterly  distributions  as  provided  in  the  distribution  equivalent  rights  provision  of  the  LTIP.  
Therefore, each LTIP participant will have a contingent right to receive an amount equal to the cash distributions made 
by us during the vesting period. 

After  adjusting  for  the  two-for-one  split  of  our  common  units  in  September  2005,  the  aggregate  number  of  units 
reserved for issuance under the LTIP is 1,200,000.  Effective January 1, 2004, the Compensation Committee approved an 
amendment to the LTIP clarifying that any award that is forfeited, expires for any reason, or is paid or settled in cash, 
including the satisfaction of minimum statutory withholding requirements, rather than through the delivery of units will 
be  available  for  future  grant  under  the  LTIP.    Of  the  initial  1,200,000  units  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  LTIP, 
cumulative  units  of  1,092,780  were  granted  in  years  2000,  2001,  2002  and  2003.    Of  those  grants,  43,650  units  were 
forfeited  and  421,452  units  were  settled  in  cash  rather  than  delivery  of  units,  resulting  in  the  net  issuance  of  627,678 
common units under those grants.  

103

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant  History.    During  2004,  2005  and  2006,  the  Compensation  Committee  approved  grants  of  205,570  units, 
114,390 units and 90,700 units, respectively, which will vest December 31, 2006, January 1, 2008 and January 1 2009, 
respectively, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests that management currently believes will be satisfied.  As 
of December 31, 2006, 15,340 outstanding LTIP grants have been forfeited. On December 7, 2006, the Compensation 
Committee  determined  that  the  vesting  requirements  for  the  2004  grants  of  205,570  restricted  units  (net  of  9,230 
forfeitures) had been satisfied.  As a result of this vesting, on January 8, 2007, we issued 130,812 common units to the 
LTIP  participants.    The  remaining  units  were  settled  in  cash  to  satisfy  the  individual  tax  obligations  of  the  LTIP 
participants.  Consequently, after consideration of the December 31, 2006 vesting and subsequent issuance of 130,812 
common units, 242,530 units remain available for issuance in the future, assuming that all grants currently issued and 
outstanding for 2005 and 2006 are settled with common units and no future forfeitures occur.  On January 24, 2007, the 
Compensation Committee authorized additional grants up to 94,075 restricted units of which 89,875 have been issued 
and will vest January 1, 2010, subject to the satisfaction of certain financial tests.  This reduced the number of common 
units available from 242,530 to 152,655. 

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Awards to Named Executive Officers in 2006 

Number of Units (1) 

Performance or Other Period Until 
Maturation or Payout (2) 

Joseph W. Craft III (3) 

Brian L. Cantrell 

Thomas L. Pearson 

Charles R. Wesley 

Gary J. Rathburn 

0 

4,300 

4,400 

7,275 

4,400 

36 Months 

36 Months 

36 Months 

36 Months 

36 Months 

(1)  Units granted under the LTIP will vest January 1, 2009, subject to certain financial tests. 

(2)  The number of units granted is not subject to minimum thresholds, targets or maximum payout conditions.  However, the 

vesting of these grants is subject to meeting certain financial tests. 

(3)  In 2006, the Compensation Committee, in consideration of Mr. Craft’s significant ownership position in us, did not grant 
LTIP phantom units to him, even though he would have been entitled to receive LTIP phantom unit grants under the CEO 
Executive Compensation adjustment procedure described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.  Please see "Item 
11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  --  CEO  Executive 
Compensation."   

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 

We maintain a SERP for certain officers and key employees.  The objective of the SERP is to enhance our ability to 
retain specific officers and key employees, by providing them with the deferred compensation benefits contained in the 
SERP.  The objective of the SERP is to align each participant's supplemental benefits under the SERP with the interests 
of our unitholders.  All allocations made to participants under the SERP are made in the form of "phantom" units.  The 
SERP is administered by the Compensation Committee, which is able to amend or terminate the plan at any time.  

Upon  any  recapitalization,  reorganization,  reclassification,  split  of  common  units,  distribution  or  dividend  of 
securities on common units, our consolidation or merger, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other similar 
transaction which is effected in such a way that holders of common units are entitled to receive (either directly or upon 
subsequent  liquidation)  cash,  securities  or  assets  with  respect  to  or  in  exchange  for  common  units,  the  Compensation 
Committee shall, in its sole discretion (and upon the advice of financial advisors as may be retained by the Compensation 
Committee), immediately adjust the notional balance of phantom units in each executive officer’s account, to the extent 
such  executive  officer  participates  in  the  SERP,  to  equitably  credit  the  fair  value  of  the  change  in  the  common  units 
and/or the distributions (of cash, securities or other assets) received or economic enhancement realized by the holders of 
the common units. 

An executive officer who participates in the SERP shall be entitled to receive an allocation under the SERP for the 

year in which his employment is terminated on the occurrence of any of the following events: 

(1)  the executive officer’s employment is terminated other than for cause; 

104

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)  the executive officer terminates employment for good reason; 

(3)  a  change  of  control  of  us  or  our  managing  general  partner  occurs  and,  as  a  result,  an  executive  officer’s 

employment is terminated (whether voluntary or involuntary); 

(4)  death of the executive officer; 

(5)  attaining retirement age of 65 years for any executive officer; and 

(6)  incurring a total and permanent disability, which shall be deemed to occur if an executive officer is eligible to 

receive benefits under the terms of the long-term disability program maintained by us. 

This  allocation  for  the  relevant  year  in  which  an  executive  officer’s  termination  occurs  shall  equal  the  executive 
officer’s compensation for such year (including any severance amount, if applicable) multiplied by his certain percentage 
as  determined  under  the  SERP,  less  his  contributions  made  under  our  profit  sharing  and  saving  plan  on  behalf  of  the 
executive  officer,  other  than  pre-tax  contributions,  matching  contributions  and  profit-sharing  contributions  (as  those 
terms are defined in such plan). 

CEO Executive Compensation 

In determining Mr. Craft's compensation, the Compensation Committee considered our financial performance and 
peer group  compensation data,  which  is described  in  more  detail  above under  "Overall  Compensation  Philosophy  and 
Policies,"  as  well  as  Mr.  Craft's  leadership,  decision-making  skills,  experience,  knowledge,  communication  with  the 
Board of Directors and strategic recommendations.  The Compensation Committee did not place any particular relative 
weight on any one of these factors, but our financial performance is generally given the most weight.  The Compensation 
Committee's  decisions  regarding  Mr.  Craft's  compensation  are  reported  to  and  discussed  with  the  Board  of  Directors 
meeting  in  executive  session  without  Mr.  Craft's  participation.    For  fiscal  year  2006,  Mr.  Craft  served  as  our  CEO.  
Effective June 1, 2002, Mr. Craft's annual salary was increased to $334,828 from $321,950, in which the adjustment was 
determined in the manner described above.  The Compensation Committee honored Mr. Craft's request that his salary not 
be  increased  in  2003,  2004,  2005  and  2006  even  though  a  salary  increase  would  have  been  warranted  under  the 
compensation  adjustment  procedure  described  above.    Any  differences  in  Mr.  Craft's  annual  salary  as  reported  in  the 
summary compensation table above are attributable to the effective date of the salary adjustment in the year 2002 and the 
number of weekly pay periods in a calendar year.  The Compensation Committee also honored Mr. Craft’s requests that 
he not receive a cash bonus under the STIP for 2006 and that he not receive any restricted units pursuant to the LTIP for 
2006. 

Conclusion 

In  making  decisions  regarding  executive  compensation,  the  Compensation  Committee  compares  current 
compensation levels with those of other companies, including companies that produce and market coal and that compare 
favorably  to  us  with  regard  to  financial  and  operating  indicators  by  which  we  have  historically  measured  our 
performance.    The  Compensation  Committee  uses  its  discretion  to  determine  a  total  compensation  package  of  base 
salary,  short-term  and  long-term  incentives  that  are  competitive  with  this  group  of  peer  companies.    Based  upon  its 
review  of  our  overall  executive  compensation  program,  the  Compensation  Committee  believes  the  executive 
compensation program is appropriately applied to our executive officers and is necessary to retain the executive officers 
who  are  essential  to  our  continued  development  and  success,  to  compensate  those  executive  officers  for  their 
contributions and to enhance unitholder value.  The Compensation Committee has concluded that the program's structure 
is  appropriate,  competitive  and  effective  to  serve  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  established.    Moreover,  the 
Compensation Committee believes that the total compensation opportunities provided to our executive officers creates a 
commonality of interest and alignment of our long-term interests with that of our unitholders. 

105

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Compensation Table for 2006 

Year 

Salary 

Bonus (1) 

Unit Awards (2) 

Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation 
(3) 

Option 
Awards (1) 

Change in 
Pension Value 
and Nonqualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings (1) 

All Other 
Compensation (4) 

Total 

2006 

$  334,828 

$          - 

$     1,066,400 

$              - 

$                   - 

$                   - 

$       302,821 

$1,704,049 

2006 

202,115 

2006 

210,680 

- 

- 

        241,573 

      125,000 

         68,825 

  637,513 

        156,240 

                   - 

       124,477 

  491,397 

2006 

184,680 

- 

        158,720 

                   - 

       116,273 

  459,673 

2006 

236,280 

- 

        482,859 

                   - 

       161,731 

  880,870 

Name and Principal 
Position 

Joseph W  Craft III, 
President, Chief Executive 
Officer and Director (5) 

Brian L  Cantrell 
Senior Vice President -  
Chief Financial Officer 

Thomas L  Pearson, 
Senior Vice President-Law 
and Administration, General 
Counsel and Secretary (7) 

Gary J  Rathburn, 
Senior Vice President-
Marketing (7) 

Charles R  Wesley, 
Senior Vice President-
Operations (6) 

(1)  Column is not applicable. 

(2)  Represents the compensation expense recognized in 2006 in accordance with SFAS No. 123R associated with 
grants made in 2006, 2005 and 2004.  Please see "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 
14. Compensation Plans" for an explanation of the valuation assumptions we use in applying SFAS No. 123R.  
Also,  please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program 
Components -- Equity Participation." 

(3)  Represents  the  STIP  bonus  earned  for  year  2006.    STIP  payments  are  made  in  the  first  quarter  of  the  year 
following  the year  earned.   Other  than  this  bonus,  there were no  other applicable bonuses  earned or  deferred 
associated  with  year  2006.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation 
Policy and Program Components -- Annual Incentive Bonus Awards." 

(4)  Represents the sum of the (a) change in value of the SERP notional account balance, (b) distribution equivalent 
rights received on non vested LTIP phantom unit grants and (c) 401(K) employer contribution.  For Mr. Craft, 
the amounts were $120,101, $165,120 and $17,600, respectively.  For Mr. Cantrell, the amounts were $16,360, 
$37,728  and  $14,737,  respectively.    For  Mr.  Pearson,  the  amounts  were  $63,287,  $45,696  and  $15,494, 
respectively.    For  Mr.  Rathburn,  the  amounts  were  $56,537,  $46,080  and  $13,656,  respectively.    For  Mr. 
Wesley,  the  amounts  were  $68,819,  $75,312  and  $17,600,  respectively.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation 
Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  --  Supplemental  Executive 
Retirement  Plan."   No named  executive officer  received  perquisites  or personal benefits with  a  total value  in 
excess of $10,000. 

(5)  In 2006, the Compensation Committee, in consideration of Mr. Craft’s significant ownership position in us, did 
not award a STIP bonus and did not grant LTIP phantom units to him, even though he would have been entitled 
to a STIP bonus and to receive LTIP phantom unit grants under the CEO Executive Compensation adjustment 
procedure  described  in  the  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation 
Discussion and Analysis -- Compensation Policy and Program Components -- CEO Executive Compensation."  
Mr. Craft does not receive any compensation for the services he performs as a director.   

(6)  In 2006, the Compensation Committee, in consideration of Mr. Wesley’s significant ownership position in us, 
did  not  award  a  STIP  bonus  to  him  even  though  he  would  have  been  entitled  to  a  STIP  bonus  under  the 
Compensation Policy and Program Components adjustment procedures described in the CD&A. 

106

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7)  In 2006, Messrs. Pearson and Rathburn did not receive a STIP bonus because they terminated their employment 

prior to the payment of the STIP bonus in the first quarter of 2007.   

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2006 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
Equity Incentive Plan Awards 
Target 
(1) 

Threshold 
(1) 

Maximum 
(1) 

Name 

Grant Date 

Approved Date 

Joseph W  Craft, III 

January 1, 2006 

January 27, 2006 

February 15, 2006 

May 12, 2006 

August 14, 2006 

November 14, 2006 

December 31, 2006 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

Brian L  Cantrell 

January 1, 2006 

January 27, 2006 

February 15, 2006 

May 12, 2006 

August 14, 2006 

November 14, 2006 

December 31, 2006 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

Thomas L  Pearson (6) 

January 1, 2006 

January 27, 2006 

February 15, 2006 

May 12, 2006 

August 14, 2006 

November 14, 2006 

December 31, 2006 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

Gary J  Rathburn (6) 

January 1, 2006 

January 27, 2006 

February 15, 2006 

May 12, 2006 

August 14, 2006 

November 14, 2006 

December 31, 2006 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

Charles R  Wesley 

January 1, 2006 

January 27, 2006 

February 15, 2006 

May 12, 2006 

August 14, 2006 

November 14, 2006 

December 31, 2006 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(7) 

(1)  Column not applicable. 

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards 
Target 
(2) 

Maximum 
(4) 

Threshold 
(4) 

All Other 
Unit 
Awards: 
Number 
of Units 
(3) 

All Other 
Option 
Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Options (1) 

Exercise or 
Base Price 
of Options 
Awards (1) 

- 

- 

4,300 

4,300 

4,400 

4,400 

4,400 

4,400 

7,275 

7,275 

480 

449 

549 

604 

1,249 

3,331 

6 

6 

7 

8 

445 

472 

228 

213 

261 

287 

774 

1,763 

178 

166 

203 

223 

813 

1,583 

225 

211 

258 

284 

946 

1,924 

Grant 
Date Fair 
Value of 
Unit 
Awards 
(5) 

$             - 

17,347 

18,297 

20,401 

20,941 

43,115 

120,101 

163,013 

217 

245 

260 

277 

15,361 

179,373 

166,804 

8,240 

8,680 

9,699 

9,950 

26,718 

230,091 

166,804 

6,433 

6,765 

7,543 

7,731 

28,065 

223,341 

275,795 

8,132 

8,598 

9,587 

9,846 

32,656 

344,614 

(2)  Represents  LTIP  phantom  unit  grants.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  -- 

Compensation Policy and Program Components -- Equity Participation." 

(3)  Represents  the  number  of  phantom  units  added  to  the  participant’s  SERP  notional  account  balance.    Each 
participant’s  SERP  balance  is  maintained  in  the  form  of  a  notional  phantom  unit  account.    A  participant’s 
cumulative  notional  phantom  unit  account  balance  earns  the  equivalent  of  common  unit  distributions.    The 
calculated  distributions  are  added  to  the  notional  account  balance  in  the  form  of  additional  phantom  units.  
Additionally,  the  notional  account  balance  is  increased  annually  for  the  amount  of  the  annual  SERP  benefit.  
The annual SERP benefit is a function of a participant’s eligible earnings multiplied by an allocation percentage 
that is approved by the Compensation Committee.  Please see "Item 11. Compensation Discussion and Analysis 
-- Compensation Policy and Program Components -- Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan." 

107

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4)  The  number  of  units  granted  is  not  subject  to  minimum  thresholds,  targets  or  maximum  payout  conditions.  

However, the vesting of these grants is subject to meeting certain financial tests.  

(5)  For LTIP phantom unit grants, represents the number of units valued at $37.91, the unit price applicable under 
SFAS No. 123R.  For SERP phantom unit grants, represents the number of phantom units granted valued at the 
market closing price on the date the phantom unit was granted.  SERP participants vest in the phantom units on 
the date phantom units are granted. 

(6)  In accordance with the provisions of the LTIP, Messrs. Pearson and Rathburn forfeited their January 1, 2006 
grants upon their resignations in 2007. The value of the forfeitures for each of Messrs. Pearson and Rathburn 
was $166,804, based on the grant date fair value of $37.91 per unit.  

(7)  In accordance with the provisions of the SERP, participant’s cumulative notional phantom unit account balance 
earns the equivalent of a phantom common unit distribution when ARLP pays a distribution.  Additionally, the 
notional account balance is credited annually for the amount of the annual SERP benefit.  These contributions 
are in accordance with the SERP plan document, which has been approved by the Compensation Committee.  
Therefore, these awards are not specifically approved by the Compensation Committee. 

Narrative Discussion Relating to the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table 

Annual Incentive Bonus Awards 

To provide discretionary annual incentive bonus awards, we maintain the STIP.  The STIP is designed to enhance 
the financial performance by rewarding management and selected salaried employees with cash awards for our achieving 
an  annual  financial  performance  objective.    The  annual  performance  objective  for  each  year  is  recommended  by  our 
President and CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee prior to or during January 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,  which  is  able  to  amend  the  plan  at  any  time.    These  targets  are 
established prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.  Under the STIP and its related guidelines, our executive officers 
and other employees selected by the Compensation Committee are eligible for cash bonuses based upon the comparison 
of our  actual  performance  results  to  an  annual  EBITDA  target.    EBITDA  is  defined  as  net  income  before  net  interest 
expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization.  The Compensation Committee has the discretion to 
adjust the calculated EBITDA to be consistent with the objectives of the STIP. 

For fiscal year 2006, we exceeded our annual EBITDA target so that all of the 2006 STIP participants were eligible 
to receive a cash award at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and/or our CEO.  Cash awards are payable in 
the first quarter of the following calendar year. 

Long Term Incentive Plan 

The  LTIP  is  administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee.    Annual  grant  levels  for  designated  participants  are 
recommended by our President and CEO, subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee.  To-date, 
grants  have  been  made  only  in  the  form  of  restricted  units,  which  are  "phantom"  units  that  entitle  the  participant  to 
receive a common unit or an equivalent amount of cash upon the vesting of a phantom unit.  Grants have a three year 
vesting period, subject to our satisfying certain financial tests.  We plan to issue common units to satisfy grants that vest, 
excluding amounts that are required to be paid in cash to satisfy statutorily mandated income tax withholdings.  Please 
see  "Item  11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  --  Equity 
Participation." 

108

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Salary and Bonus in Proportion to Total Compensation 

The following table shows the proportion of salary and bonus to total compensation during 2006:   

Name 

Joseph W. Craft III 
Brian L. Cantrell 
Thomas L. Pearson 
Gary J. Rathburn 
Charles R. Wesley 

Salary and 
Bonus ($) 

Total 
Compensation ($) 

Salary and Bonus 
as a % of Total 
Compensation (1) 

$        334,828 
202,115 
210,680 
184,680 
236,280 

$           1,704,049 
637,513 
491,397 
459,673 
880,870 

19.6% 
31.7% 
42.9% 
40.2% 
26.8% 

(1)  Percentages  reflect  base  salary  and  bonus  compared  to  total  compensation  from  the  Summary  Compensation 
Table.    As  discussed  previously,  percentages  historically  allocated  to  base  salary  reflect  allocations  between 
base salary, STIP and LTIP only. Please see "Item 11. Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation 
Policy and Program Components." 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2006 Table 

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options 
Exercisable 
(1) 

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options 
Unexerciseable 
(1) 

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Unearned 
Options (1) 

Option 
Exercise Price 
(1) 

Option 
Exercise Date 
(1) 

Number of 
Units That 
Have Vested 
(1) 

Market Value 
of Units That 
Have Not 
Vested (1) 

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Number of 
Unearned 
Units or Other 
Rights That 
Have Not 
Vested (2) 

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value 
of Unearned 
Units or 
Other Rights 
That Have 
Not Vested (3) 

                   - 
30,000 
30,000 

$                   - 
1,035,600 
1,035,600 

4,300 
5,350 
9,650 

4,400 
6,800 
11,200 

4,400 
6,800 
11,200 

7,275 
11,150 
18,425 

148,436 
184,682 
333,118 

151,888 
234,736 
386,624 

151,888 
234,736 
386,624 

251,133 
384,898 
636,031 

Name 

Joseph W  Craft III 

Brian L  Cantrell 

Thomas L  Pearson (4) 

Gary J  Rathburn (4) 

Charles R  Wesley 

Date 

2006 

2005 

2006 

2005 

2006 

2005 

2006 

2005 

2006 

2005 

(1)  Column is not applicable. 

(2)  Represents LTIP non-vested phantom units awards, which vest three years after the grant date.  The year 2006 
and  2005  unit  grants  vest  on  January  1,  2009  and  January  1,  2008,  respectively.    Please  see  "Item  11. 
Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  --  Equity 
Participation." 

(3)  The units are valued at $34.52, the closing price on December 29, 2006, the final market trading day of 2006. 

(4)  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  LTIP,  Messrs.  Pearson  and  Rathburn  forfeited  their  2006  and  2005 
grants upon their resignations in 2007. The value of the forfeitures for each of Messrs. Pearson and Rathburn 
was $419,764, based on the grant date fair value of the grants.  

109

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option Exercises and Unit Vested Table during 2006 

Option Awards 

Unit Awards 

Number of Units 
Acquired on 
Exercise (1) 

Value Realized on 
Exercise (1) 

Number of Units 
Acquired on Vesting 
(2) 

Value Realized on 
Vesting (2) 

56,000 

$            1,933,120 

10,000 

12,600 

12,800 

20,800 

345,200 

434,952 

441,856 

718,016 

Name 

Joseph W. Craft III 

Brian L. Cantrell 

Thomas L. Pearson 

Gary J. Rathburn 

Charles R. Wesley 

(1)  Column is not applicable. 

(2)  Represents  the  number  and  value  of  LTIP  units  that  vested  on  December  31,  2006.    The  units  in  this  table 
represent all unit awards that vested in fiscal year 2006.  The units are valued at $34.52, the closing price on 
December 29, 2006, the final market trading day of 2006.  The units were granted to participants on March 22, 
2004, effective January 1, 2004.  Please see "Item 11. Compensation Discussion and Analysis -- Compensation 
Policy and Program Components -- Equity Participation."  

Pension Benefits Table for 2006 

Name 

Plan Name 

Year 

Joseph W. Craft III 

Brian L. Cantrell 

Thomas L. Pearson 

Gary J. Rathburn 

Charles R. Wesley 

SERP 

SERP 

SERP 

SERP 

SERP 

(1)  Column not applicable. 

2006 

2006 

2006 

2006 

2006 

Number of 
Years Credited 
Service (1) 

Present Value of 
Accumulated 
Benefit (2) 

Payments 
During Last 
Fiscal Year 

$    1,514,910 

$                   - 

33,519 

724,609 

571,617 

723,021 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2)  Represents the participant’s cumulative notional account balance of phantom units valued at $34.52, the closing 
price  on  December  29,  2006,  the  final  market  trading  day  of  2006.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation 
Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation  Policy  and  Program  Components  --  Supplemental  Executive 
Retirement Plan." 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 

We maintain a SERP for certain officers and key employees.  Each participant’s SERP balance is maintained in the 
form of a notional phantom unit account.  A participant’s cumulative notional phantom unit account balance earns the 
equivalent of common unit distributions.  The calculated distributions are added to the notional account balance in the 
form of additional phantom units.  Additionally, the notional account balance is increased annually for the amount of the 
annual  SERP  benefit.    The  annual  SERP  benefit  is  a  function  of  a  participant’s  eligible  earnings  multiplied  by  an 
allocation percentage that is approved by the Compensation Committee.  The cumulative vested SERP benefit is payable 
at  the  earlier  of  a  decision  by  the  Compensation  Committee  to  terminate  the  SERP  or  a  participant’s  termination  of 

110

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
employment.  The Compensation Committee can elect to meet the payout obligation in common units or cash.  If the 
Compensation  Committee  uses  cash,  the  participant  may  defer  the  payment  over  up  to  15  years,  with  interest  on  the 
outstanding balance at 8 percent.  If the Compensation Committee uses common units, such units will be issued to the 
participant within 30 days.  We currently plan to satisfy SERP obligations in cash.  Please see "Item 11. Compensation 
Discussion and Analysis -- Compensation Policy and Program Components -- Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan." 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control 

Termination of employment of an executive officer participating in the STIP for any reason prior to a performance 
pay-out distribution will result in the executive officer’s forfeiture of any right, title or interest in a performance pay-out 
distribution under the STIP, unless and to the extent waived by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. 

Upon  a  change  in  control  as  defined  in  the  LTIP,  all  awards  of  restricted  units  and  options  under  the  LTIP  shall 
automatically vest and become payable or exercisable, as the case may be, in full.  In this regard, all restricted periods 
shall terminate and all performance criteria, if any, shall be deemed to have been achieved at the maximum level.  The 
LTIP  defines  a  change  in  control  as  one  of  the  following:  (1)  any  sale,  lease,  exchange  or  other  transfer  of  all  or 
substantially all of our assets or our managing general partner’s assets to any person; (2) the consolidation or merger of 
our  managing  general  partner  with  or  into  another  person  pursuant  to  a  transaction  in  which  the  outstanding  voting 
interests of our managing general partner is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than 
any  such  transaction  where  (a)  the  outstanding  voting  interests  of  our  managing  general  partner  is  changed  into  or 
exchanged  for  voting  stock  or  interests  of  the  surviving  corporation  or  its  parent  and  (b)  the  holders  of  the  voting 
interests of our managing general partner immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, not less than a 
majority of the voting stock or interests of the surviving corporation or its parent immediately after such transaction; or 
(3) a person or group being or becoming the beneficial owner of more than 50% of all voting interests of our managing 
general partner then outstanding. 

Restricted Units.  Restricted units will vest over a period of time as determined by the Compensation Committee, 
which is currently three years after the grant date for all outstanding restricted units.  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. 

Upon  any  recapitalization,  reorganization,  reclassification,  split  of  common  units,  distribution  or  dividend  of 
securities on common units, our consolidation or merger, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other similar 
transaction which is effected in such a way that holders of common units are entitled to receive (either directly or upon 
subsequent  liquidation)  cash,  securities  or  assets  with  respect  to  or  in  exchange  for  common  units,  the  Compensation 
Committee shall, in its sole discretion (and upon the advice of financial advisors as may be retained by the Compensation 
Committee), immediately adjust the notional balance of phantom units in each executive officer’s account, to the extent 
such  executive  officer  participates  in  the  SERP,  to  equitably  credit  the  fair  value  of  the  change  in  the  common  units 
and/or the distributions (of cash, securities or other assets) received or economic enhancement realized by the holders of 
the common units. 

An executive officer who participates in the SERP shall be entitled to receive an allocation under the SERP for the 

year in which his employment is terminated on the occurrence of any of the following events: 

(1)  the executive officer’s employment is terminated other than for cause; 

(2)  the executive officer terminates employment for good reason; 

(3)  a  change  of  control  of  us  or  our  managing  general  partner  occurs  and,  as  a  result,  an  executive  officer’s 

employment is terminated (whether voluntary or involuntary); 

(4)  death of the executive officer; 

(5)  attaining retirement age of 65 years for any executive officer; and 

(6)  incurring a total and permanent disability, which shall be deemed to occur if an executive officer is eligible to 

receive benefits under the terms of the long-term disability program maintained by us. 

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This  allocation  for  the  relevant  year  in  which  an  executive  officer’s  termination  occurs  shall  equal  the  executive 
officer’s compensation for such year (including any severance amount, if applicable) multiplied by his certain percentage 
as  determined  under  the  SERP,  less  his  contributions  made  under  our  profit  sharing  and  saving  plan  on  behalf  of  the 
executive  officer,  other  than  pre-tax  contributions,  matching  contributions  and  profit-sharing  contributions  (as  those 
terms are defined in such plan). 

Directors Compensation for 2006 

Name 

Michael J  Hall 
John J  MacWilliams 
Preston R  Miller 
John P  Neafsey 
John H  Robinson 
Robert G  Sachse 

Fees earned 
or Paid in 
Cash ($) 

Unit Awards ($) 
(1)(3) 

Option 
Awards ($) 

Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation 
($)(4) 

107,624 
111,783 
111,783 
130,925 
135,115 
165,047 

25,000 

Change in 
Pension Value 
and 
Nonqualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings ($) 

All Other 
Compensation 
($)(2) 

18,671 
13,056 
13,056 
18,056 
18,056 
152,552 

Total ($) 

$       126,295 
$       124,839 
$       124,839 
$       148,981 
$       153,171 
$       342,599 

(1)  Amounts  represent  the  compensation  expense  recognized  in  2006  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  123R  for 
awards under the LTIP as well as amounts earned for the annual retainer under the directors compensation plan.  
Please  see  "Item  8.  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data  –  Note  14.  Compensation  Plans"  for  an 
explanation  of  our  valuation  assumptions  used  in  applying  SFAS  No.  123R.    Under  our  managing  general 
partner's  Directors'  Plan,  each  non-employee  director  was  paid  an  annual  retainer  of  $23,500  in  2006.    The 
annual retainer is payable in ARLP common units 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  is  eligible  to  participate  in  a 
deferred  compensation  plan  that  is  administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee.    Prior  to  the  beginning  of 
each  plan  year,  each  non-employee  director  may  elect  to  defer  all  or  a  portion  of  his  compensation  until  he 
ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors.  For directors who elect to defer their compensation, a notional 
account is established and credited with "phantom" units equal to the number of ARLP common units deferred.  
In  addition,  when  distributions  are  made  with  respect  to  common  units,  the  notional  account  is  credited  with 
"phantom" units that are equal in amount to the distributions made with respect to the ARLP common units.  All 
directors with the exception of Mr. Hall elected to defer their compensation in 2006. 

  Mr. Sachse's Unit Awards also include ARLP common units purchased on his behalf as part of his consulting 

agreement with ARLP. 

(2)  Amount  represents  Distribution  Equivalent  Right  payments  received  by  the  directors  during  2006.    Note  that 
Mr. Hall's Other Compensation also includes fees associated with ARLP purchasing ARLP common units on 
his  behalf related  to  his directors'  compensation.    Messrs.  Hall,  Neafsey  and  Robinson's  Other  Compensation 
also  includes  $5,000,  $5,000  and  $5,000,  respectively,  in  matching  charitable  contributions  made  by  us.    We 
will  match  gifts  of  individuals  to  educational  institutions  and  not-for-profit  organizations.    Individual 
contributions of $25 or more will be matched on a one-to-one basis up to $5,000 per individual, per calendar 
year. 

  Mr. Sachse's Other Compensation also includes fees paid to Mr. Sachse in relation to his consulting agreement 
with  ARLP.    Mr.  Sachse  earned  a  fee  of  $12,500  per  month.    The  consulting  agreement  was  terminated  in 
November  2006,  thus  Mr.  Sachse  was  only  paid  10  months  of  consulting  fees.    Mr.  Sachse's  Other 
Compensation also includes $156 in fees associated with ARLP purchasing ARLP common units on his behalf 
related to his consulting agreement as well as $10,390 associated with us purchasing health insurance on Mr. 
Sachse's behalf. 

112

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)  At December 31, 2006, each director had the following number of ARLP common units outstanding under the 

Directors Compensation Plan: 

Name 

Michael J. Hall 
John J. MacWilliams 
Preston R. Miller 
John P. Neafsey 
John H. Robinson 
Robert G. Sachse 

Directors 
Compensation 
Plan (in Units) 

- 
2,577 
2,577 
13,229 
15,573 
- 

The grant date fair value for 2006 LTIP grants for each director: 

Name 

Number of 
Units Granted 

Grant Date 
Fair Value 

Extended 
Value 

Number of 
Units 
Granted 

Grant Date  
Fair Value 

Extended Value 

2006 Grants 

2006 Mid-Year Grants 

Michael J  Hall 
John J  MacWilliams 
Preston R  Miller 
John P  Neafsey 
John H  Robinson 
Robert G  Sachse 

1,500 
1,500 
1,500 
1,500 
1,500 
1,500 

$        37 91 
37 91 
37 91 
37 91 
37 91 
37 91 

$        56,865 
56,865 
56,865 
56,865 
56,865 
56,865 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,900 

$                 - 
- 
- 
- 
- 
35 30 

$                 - 
- 
- 
- 
- 
102,370 

(4)  Represents  the  STIP  bonus  earned  for  year  2006.    STIP  payments  are  made  in  the  first  quarter  of  the  year 
following  the year  earned.   Other  than  this  bonus,  there were no  other applicable bonuses  earned or  deferred 
associated  with  year  2006.    Please  see  "Item  11.  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  --  Compensation 
Policy and Program Components -- Annual Incentive Bonus Awards." 

The ARLP’s managing general partner’s Directors' Compensation Program (Directors' Plan) consists of two parts:  
(1)  the  payment  of  directors’  annual  retainers  and  (2)  deferrals  of  the  annual  retainers  in  phantom  units  by  electing 
directors.  Under the Directors’ Plan, each non-employee director was compensated with an annual retainer of $23,500 
during 2006. The annual retainer is payable in common units 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 is eligible to participate in a deferred compensation 
plan that is administered by the Compensation Committee.  Prior to the beginning of each plan year, each non-employee 
director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation until he ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors.  
A  new  election  must  be  made  for  each  plan  year.    For  compensation  deferred  by  a  director,  a  notional  account  is 
established and credited with "phantom" units equal to the number of ARLP common units deferred.  In addition, when 
distributions  are  made  with  respect  to  ARLP  common  units,  the  notional  account  is  credited  with  "phantom" 
distributions  with  respect  to  phantom  units  that  are  equal  in  amount  to  the  distributions  made  with  respect  to  ARLP 
common units.  The Board of Directors may change or terminate the deferred compensation plan at any time; provided, 
however, that accrued benefits under the deferred benefit plan cannot be impaired.  Effective January 1, 2007, the annual 
retainer  for  2007  was  increased  to  $90,000,  and  directors  can  elect  to  be  paid  in  either  cash  or  choose  to  defer  their 
annual retainer.  The annual retainer will no longer be paid in ARLP common units.  The annual retainer was increased 
in  2007  because  historically,  directors  participated  in  the LTIP  as part of  their  compensation.   However,  beginning  in 
2007, directors no longer participate in the LTIP. 

Upon a participating director’s termination, we shall pay to such director (or to his or her beneficiary in case of the 
director’s  death)  (a)  that  number  of  ARLP  common  units  equal  to  the  number  of  phantom  units  then  credited  to  the 
account, (b) an amount of cash equal to the then fair market value of the phantom units credited to his or her account, or 
(c) any combination thereof as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. 

Upon  any  recapitalization,  reorganization,  reclassification,  split  of  common  units,  distribution  or  dividend  of 
securities on ARLP common units, our consolidation or merger, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other 
similar transaction which is effected in such a way that holders of common units are entitled to receive (either directly or 
upon  subsequent  liquidation)  cash,  securities  or  assets  with  respect  to  or  in  exchange  for  ARLP  common  units,  the 

113

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation Committee shall, in its sole discretion (and upon the advice of financial advisors as may be retained by the 
Compensation Committee), immediately adjust the notional balance of phantom units in each director’s account, to the 
extent  such  director  participates  in  the  Directors’  Plan,  to  equitably  credit  the  fair  value  of  the  change  in  the  ARLP 
common units and/or the distributions (of cash, securities or other assets) received or economic enhancement realized by 
the holders of the ARLP common units. 

Mr.  Sachse  had  a  consulting  agreement  with  our  managing  general  partner  with  an  indefinite  term,  subject  to 
termination by either party upon receipt of ninety-day advance written notice of termination.  The consulting agreement 
provided  that  Mr.  Sachse  would  serve  as  Executive  Vice  President  of  our  managing  general  partner  and  devote  his 
services on a part-time basis.  In addition to compensation received under the Directors' Plan described above and LTIP, 
Mr. Sachse was entitled to receive an annual fee of $150,000, payable monthly in arrears.  Mr. Sachse also was entitled 
to  receive  quarterly  payments  of  $7,500,  payable  in  ARLP  common  units.    Effective  November  1,  2006,  Mr.  Sachse 
expanded his role as Executive Vice President to assume responsibility of our coal marketing, sales and transportation 
functions.  As a result of Mr. Sachse’s expanded responsibilities, he resigned from the Board of Directors and will no 
longer be subject to the terms of the consulting agreement.  Payments under the consulting agreement ceased in October 
2006.  Copies of Mr. Sachse's original consulting agreement and the letter agreement extending the term of the original 
agreement are exhibits hereto. 

Compensation Committee Structure and Responsibilities 

The Compensation Committee administers our executive compensation programs and was established to fulfill two 
purposes:  (a)  to  discharge  the  Board  of  Directors'  responsibilities  relating  to  compensation  of  our  managing  general 
partner's  directors  and  our  executives  and  (b)  to  produce  an  annual  report  relating  to  this  CD&A  for  inclusion  in  our 
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.    The  current  members  of  the  Compensation  Committee  are  Ms.  Ayres  and  Messrs. 
Neafsey  and  Robinson.    All  three  members  of  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  are  "non-
employee  directors"  as  defined  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the  Exchange  Act),  and  the 
Internal Revenue Code.  After reviewing any relationships the members of the Compensation Committee may have with 
us  that  might  affect  their  independence,  the  Board  of  Directors  has  determined  that  all  Compensation  Committee 
members  are  "independent"  as  that  concept  is  defined  in  Section  10A  of  the  Exchange  Act  and  all  Compensation 
Committee  members  are  "independent"  as  that  concept  is  defined  in  the  applicable  rules  of  NASDAQ  Stock  Market, 
LLC.  The primary responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are the following: 

1.  Review  and  recommend  to  the  Board  of  Directors  for  approval  corporate  goals  and  individual  objectives 
relative  to  our  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer's  (CEO)  compensation,  and  evaluate  the  CEO's 
performance  in  light  of  those  goals  and  objectives  and  to  set  the  CEO's  compensation  level  based  on  this 
evaluation. 

2.  Review  and recommend  to  the  Board of  Directors  for  approval  corporate  goals  and objectives relative  to our 
senior executive officers, including our named executive officers' compensation, evaluate our senior executive 
officers' performance in light of those goals and objectives, and to set the senior executive compensation levels 
based on this evaluation. 

3.  Review and approve, in consultation with senior management, our general compensation philosophy, strategy, 

policies and programs. 

4.  Review and approve, in consultation with senior management, our executive compensation programs including 
the  establishment  of  salaries  and  other  compensation  for  our  CEO,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  the  other 
executive officers, including those named in the Summary Compensation Table. 

5.  Review and approve our management incentive compensation plans, and equity-based plans, including, without 

limitation, our STIP, LTIP and SERP plans. 

6.  Review and recommend to the Board of Directors for approval grants of restricted units under the LTIP or other 

awards pursuant to such plan and any other equity-based plans, if applicable.  

7.  Periodically review senior management’s recommendations with respect to our ERISA-qualified benefit plans 

and retirement programs. 

114

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.  Review perquisites, such as club membership fees and tax preparation expenses, or other personal benefits to 
our executive officers and directors, such as charitable matching contributions, and recommend any changes to 
our Board of Directors. 

9.  Review expense statements of executive officers. 

10.  To the extent we have any employment agreements or any of the following arrangements, review and approve 
any employment agreements or severance, termination or change of control arrangements to be made with any 
executive officer (We currently do not have any employment agreements or severance, termination or change of 
control arrangements). 

11.  Approve  a  policy  regarding  director  compensation  and  recommend  to  our  Board  of  Directors  annual  retainer 

amounts consistent with the director compensation policy. 

12.  In connection with our Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable SEC filing: 

(a)  review  and discuss  with  management  the  CD&A  required  by  SEC  Regulation  S-K,  Item  402.    Based  on 
such  review  and  discussion,  recommend  to  our  Board  of  Directors  that  the  CD&A  be  included  in  our 
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable SEC filing. 

(b)  prepare the Compensation Committee report in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the 
SEC for inclusion above the names of the members of the Compensation Committee in our Annual Report 
on  Form  10-K.    This  report  shall  state  the  Compensation  Committee  (i)  reviewed  and  discussed  with 
management  the  CD&A  and  (ii)  based  on  such  review  and  discussion,  recommended  to  our  Board  of 
Directors that the CD&A be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable SEC filing. 

13.  In  its  sole  discretion,  have  the  ability  to  retain  experts,  consultants  and  other  advisors,  including  without 
limitation, independent counsel, compensation consulting firms and legal or other advisors as the Compensation 
Committee deems necessary, to aid in the Compensation Committee’s discharge of its duties. 

14.  Perform such other activities consistent with the Compensation Committee’s charter, our partnership agreement, 
our  Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership,  governing  law,  the  rules  and  regulations  of  NASDAQ  Stock  Market, 
LLC and such other requirements applicable to us as the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors 
deem necessary or appropriate. 

15.  Review  and  reassess  the  adequacy  of  the  Compensation  Committee’s  charter  annually  and  submit 

recommended changes, if any, to our Board of Directors for its consideration and approval. 

16.  Annually perform an evaluation of itself. 

The Compensation Committee has a charter, which is filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The charter may 
be  revised  with  the  approval  of  the  Compensation  Committee  and  our  Board  of  Directors.    The  charter  is  reviewed 
annually by the Compensation Committee. 

In  performing  its  duties,  the  Compensation  Committee  receives  and  considers  information  and  recommendations 
from  the  CEO,  Mr.  Joseph  W.  Craft  III.    The  Compensation  Committee  shall  have  the  resources  and  authority 
appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the 
fees  and  other  retention  terms  of  special  counsel  or  other  experts,  advisers  or  consultants,  as  it  deems  appropriate, 
without seeking approval of our Board of Directors or management.  With respect to consultants retained to assist in the 
determination or evaluation of director, CEO or senior executive compensation, this authority shall be vested solely in 
the Compensation Committee. 

The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties and responsibilities to a 
subcommittee of the Compensation Committee.  In particular, the Compensation Committee may delegate the approval 
of  certain  transactions  to  a  subcommittee  composed  solely  of  one  or  more  members  of  the  Compensation  Committee 
who are (i) "Non-Employee Directors" for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, as in effect from time to 
time, and (ii) "outside directors" for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as in effect from time 
to time. 

115

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr.  Robinson,  as  chairperson  of  the  Compensation  Committee,  is  in  charge  of  the  Compensation  Committee’s 
meeting agendas.  The Compensation Committee shall meet in person or telephonically at least once a year at a time and 
place determined by the Compensation Committee chairperson, with further meetings to occur, or actions to be taken by 
unanimous written consent, when deemed necessary or desirable by the Compensation Committee or its chairperson. 

The Compensation Committee may invite such members of management to its meetings, as it may deem desirable or 
appropriate, consistent with the maintenance of the confidentiality of compensation discussions.  Our President and CEO 
should not attend any meeting where the CEO’s performance or compensation is discussed, unless specifically invited by 
the Compensation Committee. 

Our  management  has  engaged  the  following  compensation  consultants  with  regards  to  the  respective  matters 
described  below  and  has  submitted  reports  from  such  compensation  consultants  to  the  Compensation  Committee  for 
review.  Our management has engaged Hewitt Associates, LLC as a compensation consultant to help advise on matters 
such  as  our  pension  plan  (which  does  not  apply  to  our  named  executive  officers)  and  the  appropriate  allocation  to 
participants under the SERP.  Our management has engaged Cammock’s Inc. to help survey coal industry salaries and 
benefits.  Our management has also engaged gregory.w.group and InTrust Bank, N.A. as compensation consultants to 
help advise on our profit sharing and savings plan and our pension plan, respectively. 

Compensation Committee Activity 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Compensation Committee met three times and primarily focused 

its activities on the following specific items: 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

review and approve corporate goals and objectives relative to our senior executive officers, including our named 
executive officers' compensation, evaluate our senior executive officers' performance in light of those goals and 
objectives, and to set the senior executive compensation levels based on this evaluation; 
the  annual  guidelines  for  the  LTIP  and  STIP  pertaining  to  eligibility,  minimum  thresholds,  target  objectives, 
target  results,  target  payout  groups,  the  respective  percentage  targets,  vesting,  grants,  the  payout  formula, 
payouts and performance payments; 
approve wage increases for certain executive officers; 
the participants and allocation percentages under the SERP; 
discussion of termination of employment agreements by executive officers in 2005; 
impact of SFAS No. 123R on LTIP; 
review and approve modifications to our profit sharing and savings plan; 
review and approve modifications to our pension plan; 
the Directors’ Annual Retainer and Deferred Compensation Plan; and 
the 2007 annual planned percent for merit increases for hourly and salary personnel. 

On January 8, 2007, Ms. Ayres was elected by the Board of Directors as a member of the Compensation Committee, 
and Mr. Robinson was appointed by the Board of Directors as chairperson of the Compensation Committee.  On January 
8, 2007, Mr. Miller resigned from the Compensation Committee. 

In  2007,  the  Compensation  Committee  reviewed  an  amendment  to  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Directors 
regarding  the  payment  date  of  deferrals  and  reviewed  amendments  to  the  STIP,  LTIP  and  SERP  with  respect  to  the 
transfer of the sponsorship of such plans from our managing general partner to Alliance Coal, one of our consolidated 
subsidiaries.  The Compensation Committee also approved the STIP aggregate performance pay-out pool for 2006 and 
performance targets for 2007 and reviewed the Compensation Committee charter. 

Compensation Committee Report 

The compensation committee of our managing general partner (collectively, our or the "Committee") has submitted 

the following report for inclusion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K: 

Our  Committee  has  reviewed  and  discussed  the  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis  contained  in  this  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K with management.  Based on our Committee’s review of and the discussions with management 
with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that 

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the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2006. 

The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute all the members of the Committee: 

 Members of the Compensation Committee: 

Merribel S. Ayres 
John P. Neafsey 
John H. Robinson, Chairman 

Notwithstanding  anything  to  the  contrary  set  forth  in  any  of  our  previous  filings  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as 
amended (the Securities Act), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), that incorporate 
future filings, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in whole or in part, the foregoing Compensation Committee 
Report shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or incorporated by reference into 
any  filing  under  the  Securities  Act  or  the  Exchange  Act,  except  to  the  extent  that  we  specifically  incorporate  it  by 
reference. 

Administrative Services 

Prior to May 15, 2006, substantially all of our executive officers were employees of record of our managing general 
partner.  During this time, our managing general partner did not receive any management fee or other compensation in 
connection with its management of us.  However, our managing general partner and its affiliates performed services for 
us  and  were  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.    Specifically,  our  partnership  agreement  provides  that  our 
managing general partner and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct and indirect expenses they incur or payments they 
make  on  our  behalf,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  management's  salaries  and  related  benefits  (including  incentive 
compensation),  and  accounting,  budget,  planning,  treasury,  public  relations,  land  administration,  environmental, 
permitting, payroll, benefits, disability, workers' compensation management, legal and information technology services.  
Our managing general partner determined in its sole discretion the expenses that were allocable to us.  Total costs billed 
by our managing general partner and its affiliates to us were approximately $4,181,000, $14,069,000 and $28,536,000 
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  On May 15, 2006, our executive officers became 
employees of record of Alliance Coal.  Thus, we no longer reimburse our managing general partner for compensation 
expenses associated with our executive officers.   

The  decrease  in  compensation  accruals  in  2005  compared  to  2004  was  primarily  attributable  to  fewer  ARLP 
common units outstanding under the LTIP for 2005 as compared to 2004.  The amounts billed by the managing general 
partner for the LTIP, STIP and SERP include $2,934,000, $10,559,000 and $24,242,000 for the years ended December 
31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.   

Administrative Services Agreement with Alliance Holdings GP, L.P. 

In  connection  with  the  closing  of  AHGP’s  initial  public  offering,  we  entered  into  an  administrative  services 
agreement between our managing general partner, Alliance Coal, AGP, AHGP and ARH II.  Under the administrative 
services  agreement,  certain  personnel,  including  our  executive  officers,  will  perform  administrative  and  commercial 
services for us and for AHGP and ARH II and their respective affiliates.  The services performed by these personnel will 
include  but  not  be  limited  to  day-to-day  operations,  human  resources,  information  technology  and  financial  and 
accounting  services.    This  administrative  services  agreement  includes  policies  and  procedures  to  protect  and  prevent 
inappropriate disclosure by shared personnel of commercial and other non-public information relation to us, AHGP and 
ARH II. 

In accordance with this administrative services agreement, on or about December 1 of each year, Alliance Coal is 
required  to  submit  for  approval  (1)  the  proposed  allocation  of  costs  and  expenses  for  administrative  service  fees 
associated  with  personnel  that  perform  administrative  and  commercial  services  for  us,  AHGP  and  ARH  II  and  their 
respective  affiliates  and  (2)  a  new  estimate  of  certain  shared  fixed  costs  (e.g.,  office  lease,  telephone  and  office 
equipment  lease),  which  was established  at  a  fixed  annual  aggregate  amount  of $75,000,  to  the  Board  of Directors  of 
each  of  our  managing  general  partner,  AGP,  the  general  partner  of  AHGP,  and  ARH  II.    This  proposed  allocation  of 

117

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
costs  and  expenses  for  administrative  service  fees  associated  with  personnel  reflects  any  changes  in  personnel  of 
Alliance Coal, changes in each employee’s compensation and Alliance Coal’s good faith estimate of the time each such 
employee  will  spend performing  services  on behalf  of  each of  the  entities  mentioned  above,  taking  into  account  prior 
performance and future expectations.  The proposed estimate of certain shared fixed costs reflects Alliance Coal’s good 
faith  estimate  of  the  amount  of  fixed  costs  allocable  to  each  of  the  entities  mentioned  above.    Once  approved  by  the 
Board of Directors of each of the entities, the proposed allocation of costs and expenses for administrative service fees 
associated  with  personnel  and  the  proposed  estimate  of  shared  fixed  costs  become  part  of  the  administrative  services 
agreement, and AHGP and ARH II and their respective affiliates pay the corresponding administrative service fees to us 
or  Alliance  Coal.    In  addition,  Alliance  Coal  is  required  to  prepare  a  schedule  detailing  the  variance  between  the 
estimated allocation of time spent by its personnel on behalf of each of the entities mentioned above in the past year and 
submit  such  schedule  for  approval  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  each  of  the  entities.    Upon  approval,  the  difference 
between  the  administrative  service  fee  paid  and  the  adjusted  administrative  service  fee  as  determined  by  the  variance 
schedule is paid or reimbursed by each entity to us or Alliance Coal within 60 days after the fiscal year end. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

With  the  exception  of  AHGP,  none  of  our  executive  officers  serves  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  or 
Compensation Committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Board 
of Directors or Compensation Committee of our managing general partner. 

ITEM 12. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 
AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS 

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  as  of  February  15,  2007,  regarding  the  beneficial  ownership  of 
common  units  held  by  (a)  each  director  of  our  managing  general  partner,  (b)  each  executive  officer  of  our  managing 
general  partner  identified  in  the  Summary  Compensation  Table  included  in  Item  11  above,  (c)  all  such  directors  and 
executive officers as a group, and (d) each person known by our managing general partner to be the beneficial owner of 
5%  or  more  of  our  common  units.    Our  managing  general  partner  is  owned  by  AHGP  (which  is  reflected  as  a  5% 
common  unit  holder  in  the  table  below),  and  approximately  80%  of  the  equity  of  AHGP  is  owned  by  members  of 
management and certain former members of management.  Our special general partner is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 
ARH, which is indirectly wholly-owned by Joseph W. Craft III.  The address of each of AHGP, ARH, our managing 
general partner, our special general partner, and unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table below, each of 
the  directors  and  executive  officers  reflected  in  the  table  below  is  1717  South  Boulder  Avenue,  Suite  400,  Tulsa, 
Oklahoma 74119.  Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table below, the common units reflected as being 
beneficially owned by our managing general partner’s directors and executive officers are held directly by such directors 
and officers.  The percentage of common units beneficially owned is based on 36,550,659 common units outstanding as 
of February 15, 2007. 

Name of Beneficial Owner 

Directors and Executive Officers 
Joseph W. Craft III (1) 
Merribel S. Ayres 
Michael J. Hall  
John P. Neafsey (2) 
John H. Robinson (3) 
Wilson M. Torrence (4) 
Brian L. Cantrell (5) 
Thomas L. Pearson ** (6) 
Gary J. Rathburn ** (7) 
Robert G. Sachse 
Charles R. Wesley III (8) 
All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) 

5% Common Unit Holders 
Alliance Holdings GP, L.P. (9) 
M&G Investment Funds 1 (10) 

*  Less than one percent. 
**  Former executive officer 

118

Common Units 
Beneficially Owned 

Percentage of Common Units 
Beneficially Owned 

15,927,330 
- 
26,601 
47,951 
22,264 
668 
11,605 
39,126 
32,424 
19,330 
121,376 
16,248,675 

15,544,169 
1,840,000 

43.58% 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
44.46% 

42.53% 
5.03% 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Mr. Craft’s common units consist of (i) 337,599 common units held directly by him, (ii) 1,000 common units 
held by his son, (iii) 44,562 vested common units issuable to him under our SERP, and (iv) 15,544,169 common 
units held by AHGP.  Mr. Craft is a director, and through his ownership of C-Holdings, LLC, the sole owner of 
AGP, the general partner of AHGP, and he holds, directly or indirectly, or may be deemed to be the beneficial 
owner of, a majority of the outstanding common units of AHGP.  AHGP owns 42.53% of our common units.  
Mr.  Craft  disclaims  beneficial  ownership  of  the  common  units  held  by  AHGP  except  to  the  extent  of  his 
pecuniary interest therein. 

(2)  Mr.  Neafsey’s  common  units  consist of  (i)  33,850  common units  held directly  by  him  and  (ii)  14,101 vested 

common units issuable to him under our Directors Plan.   

(3)  Mr.  Robinson's  common  units  consist  of  (i)  6,450  common  units  held  directly  by  him  and  (ii)  15,814  vested 

common units issuable to him under the Directors Plan. 

(4)  The 668 common units reflected as beneficially owned by Mr. Torrence are vested common units issuable to 

him under the Directors Plan.   

(5)  Mr.  Cantrell’s  common  units  consist  of  (i)  10,619  common  units  held  directly  by  him  and  (ii)  986  vested 

common units issuable to him under the SERP.   

(6)  Mr. Pearson’s common units consist of 39,126 common units held directly by him.  Mr. Pearson was the former 
Senior  Vice  President  –  Law  and  Administration,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of  our  managing  general 
partners, and he resigned effective February 2, 2007.  

(7)  Mr.  Rathburn’s  common  units  consist  of  32,424  common  units  held  directly  by  him.    Mr.  Rathburn  was  the 
former Senior Vice President – Marketing of our managing general partner, and he resigned effective December 
31, 2006.  The address for Mr. Rathburn is 5405 E. 119th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137.  

(8)  Mr. Wesley’s common units consist of (i) 100,108 common units held directly by him and (ii) 21,268 vested 

common units issuable to him under the SERP.   

(9)  See footnote (1) above and the paragraph preceding the above table for explanation of the relationship between 

AHGP, Joseph W. Craft III and us.    

(10) The information in the above table with respect to M&G Investment Funds 1 is based on a Schedule 13G filing 
made  by  it  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.    The  address  for  M&G  Investment  Funds  1  is 
Governor’s House, Laurence Pountney Hill, London, EC4R 0HH.   

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

Plan Category 

Equity compensation plans approved by 
unitholders: 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (1) 

Equity compensation plans not approved 
by unitholders: 

Supplemental Executive Retirement 

Plan 

Deferred Compensation Plan for 

Directors 

Number of units to be issued upon 
exercise/vesting of outstanding 
options, warrants and rights 
as of December 31, 2006 

Weighted-average exercise 
price of outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Number of units remaining 
available for future issuance 
under equity compensation 
plans as of December 31, 2006 

198,980 

114,358 

33,956 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

242,530 

45,642 

66,044 

(1)  On December 7, 2006, our Compensation Committee determined that the vesting requirements for the 2004 LTIP grants had 
been  satisfied  as  of  December  31,  2006.    The  ARLP  common  units  associated  with  the  2004  LTIP  grants  were  issued 
January  8,  2007.    However,  since  the  2004  LTIP  grants  had  vested  on  December  31,  2006,  they  are  excluded  from  the 
"Number of units to be issued upon exercise/vesting of outstanding options, warrants and rights as of December 31, 2006" 
above. 

119

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  a  description  of  our  SERP  and  our  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Directors,  please  read  "Supplemental 

Executive Retirement Plan" and "Compensation of Directors" under "Item 11. Executive Compensation." 

ITEM 13. 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  

As of February 15, 2007, AHGP owned 15,544,169 common units representing 42.5% of our common units and our 
incentive distribution rights. In addition, our general partners own, on a combined basis, an aggregate 2% general partner 
interest  in  us,  the  Intermediate  Partnership  and  the  subsidiaries.    Our  managing  general  partner's  ability,  as  managing 
general  partner,  to  control  us  together  with  AHGP's  ownership  of  15,544,169  common  units,  effectively  gives  our 
general partners the ability to veto some of our actions and to control our management. 

Certain of our officers and directors are also officers and/or directors of AHGP, including Joseph W. Craft III, our 
President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Michael  J.  Hall,  a  Director  and  Chairman  of  our  Audit  Committee,  Brian  L. 
Cantrell,  our  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  and  R.  Eberley  Davis,  our  Senior  Vice  President, 
General Counsel and Secretary. 

Transactions Between Us, SGP, SGP Land, ARH, ARH II and AHGP 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  our  managing  general  partner  and  its  Conflicts  Committee  review  each  of  our  related-
party transactions to determine that each such transaction reflects market-clearing terms and conditions customary in the 
coal industry.  As a result of these reviews, the Board of Directors and the Conflicts Committee approved each of the 
transactions described below as fair and reasonable to us and our limited partners.   

River View Coal, LLC Acquisition 

In April 2006, we acquired 100% of the membership interest in River View for approximately $1.65 million from 
ARH.    At  the  time,  River  View  had  the  right  to  purchase  certain  assets,  including  additional  coal  reserves,  surface 
properties, facilities and permits from an unrelated party, for $4.15 million plus an overriding royalty on all coal mined 
and  sold  by  River  View  from  certain  of  the  leased  properties  included  in  the  assets.    In  April  2006,  River  View 
purchased such assets and assumed reclamation liabilities of $2.9 million.  River View controls, through coal leases or 
direct  ownership,  approximately  110.0  million  tons  of  high-sulfur  coal  reserves  in  the  No.  7,  No.  9  and  No.  11  coal 
seams located in Union County, Kentucky.   

Tunnel Ridge, LLC Acquisition 

In  January  2005,  we  acquired  100%  of  the  limited  liability  company  member  interests  of  Tunnel  Ridge  for 
approximately $500,000 and the assumption of reclamation liabilities from ARH.  Tunnel Ridge controls, through a coal 
lease agreement with our special general partner, an estimated 70 million tons of high-sulfur coal in the Pittsburgh No. 8 
coal seam underlying approximately 9,400 acres of land located in Ohio County, West Virginia and Washington County, 
Pennsylvania.  Under the terms of the coal lease, beginning on January 1, 2005, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue 
to pay our special general partner an advance minimum royalty of $3.0 million per year.  The advance royalty payments 
are fully recoupable against earned royalties.   

Because  the  River  View  and  Tunnel  Ridge  acquisitions  were  between  entities  under  common  control,  they  have 

been accounted for at historical cost. 

Administrative Services 

In connection with the closing of the AHGP IPO, we entered into an Administrative Services Agreement between 
our managing general partner, our Intermediate Partnership, AHGP and its general partner AGP and ARH II, the indirect 
parent  of  SGP.  Under  the  Administrative  Services  Agreement,  certain  employees  including  executive  officers  are 
providing administrative services to our managing general partner, AHGP, AGP, ARH II and their respective affiliates.  
We  will  be  reimbursed  for  services  rendered  by  our  employees  on  behalf  of  these  affiliates  as  provided  under  the 
Administrative Services Agreement.  We billed and recognized administrative service revenue under this agreement of 

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$315,000, for the period from May 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006 from AHGP and $620,000 from ARH for the year 
ended December 31, 2006.  This administrative service revenue is included in other sales and operating revenues in the 
consolidated statements of income.  Concurrently, AHGP and AGP joined as parties to our Omnibus Agreement, which 
addresses areas of non-competition between us and ARH, ARH II, SGP and our managing general partner.   

Our partnership agreement provides that our managing general partner and its affiliates be reimbursed for all direct 
and indirect expenses incurred or payments made on behalf of us, including, but not limited to, management’s salaries 
and related benefits (including incentive compensation), and accounting, budgeting, planning, treasury, public relations, 
land  administration,  environmental,  permitting, payroll,  benefits, disability,  workers’  compensation management,  legal 
and  information  technology  services.  Our  managing  general  partner  may  determine  in  its  sole  discretion  the  expenses 
that are allocable to us. Total costs billed by our managing general partner and its affiliates to us were approximately 
$4,181,000, $14,069,000 and $28,536,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The 
decrease  from  2005  to  2006  was  attributable  to  certain  employees  and  the  sponsorship  of  the  LTIP,  STIP  and  SERP, 
being transferred to Alliance Coal effective May 15, 2006.  The decrease from 2004 to 2005 was primarily attributable to 
lower  compensation  accruals  for  the  LTIP,  STIP  and  SERP.    The  amounts  billed  by  our  managing  general  partner 
include $2,934,000, $10,559,000 and $24,242,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, 
for the LTIP, STIP and SERP. 

SGP Land, LLC 

Webster County Coal has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land, a subsidiary of the SGP, requiring annual 
minimum royalty payments of $2.7 million, payable in advance through 2013 or until $37.8 million of cumulative annual 
minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    Webster  County  Coal  paid  royalties  of  $3,005,000, 
$3,449,000, and $4,611,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  As of December 31, 
2006,  Webster  County  Coal  has  recouped,  against  earned  royalties  otherwise  due,  all  but  $2,629,000  of  the  advance 
minimum royalty payments made under the lease.   

Warrior has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land.  Under the terms of the lease, Warrior paid in arrears an 
annual  minimum  royalty  of  $2,270,000  until  $15,890,000  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty 
payments were paid.  The annual minimum royalty periods extend from  October 1st through the end of the following 
September 30, expiring September 30, 2007.  In 2006, Warrior's cumulative total of annual minimum royalties and/or 
earned  royalty  payments  exceeded  $15,890,000,  therefore  the  annual  minimum  royalty  payment  of  $2,270,000  is  no 
longer required.  Warrior paid royalties of $5,061,000, $3,627,000, and $2,561,000 for the years ended December 31, 
2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.  As of December 31, 2006, Warrior has recouped, against earned royalties otherwise 
due, all advance minimum royalty payments made in accordance with these lease terms.  

Hopkins County Coal has a mineral lease and sublease with SGP Land encompassing the Elk Creek reserves, and 
the  parties  also  entered  into  a  Royalty  Agreement  (collectively,  the  Coal  Lease  Agreements)  in  connection  therewith.  
The Coal Lease Agreements extend through December 2015, with the right to renew for successive one-year periods for 
as long as Hopkins County Coal is mining within the coal field, as such term is defined in the Coal Lease Agreements.  
The  Coal  Lease  Agreements  provide  for  five  annual  minimum  royalty  payments  of  $684,000  beginning  in  December 
2005. The annual minimum royalty payments, together with cumulative option fees of $3.4 million previously paid prior 
to  December  2005  by  Hopkins  County  Coal,  are  fully  recoupable  against  future  earned  royalty  payments.    Hopkins 
County Coal paid advance minimum royalties and/or option fees of $684,000 during each of the years ended December 
31, 2006  and 2005, respectively.   As  of December 31, 2006,  $4,369,000 of  advance minimum  royalties  and/or option 
fees paid under the Coal Lease Agreements is available for recoupment, and management expects that it will be recouped 
against future production. 

Under the terms of the mineral lease and sublease agreements described above, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins  County  Coal  also  reimburse  SGP  Land  for  its  base  lease  obligations.  We  reimbursed  SGP  Land  $5,038,000, 
$6,379,000  and  $5,428,000  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2006,  2005,  and  2004,  respectively,  for  the  base  lease 
obligations. As of December 31, 2006, Webster County Coal, Warrior, and Hopkins County Coal have recouped, against 
earned royalties otherwise due base lessors by SGP Land, all advance minimum royalty payments paid by SGP Land to 
the base lessors in accordance with the terms of the base leases (and reimbursed by Webster County Coal, Warrior, and 
Hopkins County Coal), except for $323,000. 

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In  2001,  SGP  Land,  as  successor  in  interest  to  an  unaffiliated  third-party,  entered  into  an  amended  mineral  lease 
with MC Mining. Under the terms of the lease, MC Mining has paid and will continue to pay an annual minimum royalty 
of  $300,000  until  $6.0  million  of  cumulative  annual  minimum  and/or  earned  royalty  payments  have  been  paid.    MC 
Mining paid royalties of $300,000 and $600,000 during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively (the 
2004 annual minimum royalty obligation of $300,000 was paid in January 2005 rather than in December 2004).  As of 
December 31,  2006,  $900,000  of  advance  minimum  royalties  paid  under  the  lease  is  available  for  recoupment,  and 
management expects that it will be recouped against future production. 

SGP 

As noted above, in January 2005, we acquired Tunnel Ridge from ARH.  In connection with this acquisition, we 
assumed a coal lease with the SGP.  Under the terms of the lease, Tunnel Ridge has paid and will continue to pay an 
annual minimum royalty obligation of $3.0 million until the earlier of January 1, 2033 or the exhaustion of the mineable 
and merchantable leased coal.  We paid advance minimum royalties of $3.0 million during each of 2006 and 2005, which 
management expects will be recouped against future production.   

Tunnel Ridge also controls surface land and other tangible assets under a separate lease agreement with the SGP.  
Under  the  terms  of  the  lease  agreement,  Tunnel  Ridge  has  paid  and  will  continue  to  pay  the  SGP  an  annual  lease 
payment of $240,000.  The lease agreement has an initial term of four years, which may be extended to be coextensive 
with the term of the coal lease.  Lease expense was $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

We  have  a  noncancelable  operating  lease  arrangement  with  the  SGP  for  the  coal  preparation  plant  and  ancillary 
facilities at the Gibson mining complex. Under the terms of the lease, we will make monthly payments of approximately 
$216,000 through January 2011. Lease expense incurred for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2006 was $2,595,000. 

We  previously  entered  into  and  have  maintained  agreements  with  two  banks  to  provide  letters  of  credit  in  an 
aggregate amount of $31.0 million. At December 31, 2006, we had $26.6 million in outstanding letters of credit under 
these  agreements.    The  SGP  guarantees  $5.0  million  of  these  outstanding  letters  of  credit.    Historically,  we  have 
compensated  the  SGP  for  a  guarantee  fee  equal  to  0.30%  per  annum  of  the  face  amount  of  the  letters  of  credit 
outstanding.  During  2003,  the  SGP  agreed  to  waive  the  guarantee  fee  in  exchange  for  a  parent  guarantee  from  the 
Intermediate Partnership and Alliance Coal on the mineral leases and subleases with Webster County Coal and Warrior 
described above. Since the guarantee is made on behalf of entities within the consolidated partnership, the guarantee has 
no  fair  value  under  FIN  No. 45,  Guarantor's  Accounting  and  Disclosure  Requirements  for  Guarantees,  including 
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and does not impact our consolidated financial statements.   

Omnibus Agreement  

Concurrent  with  the  closing  of  our  initial  public  offering,  we  entered  into  an  omnibus  agreement  with  Alliance 
Resource Holdings, Inc. and our general partners, which govern potential competition among us and the other parties to 
this  agreement.  The  omnibus  agreement  was  amended  in  May  2002.    Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  amended  omnibus 
agreement, Alliance Resource Holdings agreed, and caused its controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as management 
controls  our  managing  general  partner,  not  to  engage  in  the  business  of  mining,  marketing  or  transporting  coal  in  the 
U.S.,  unless  it  first  offers  us  the  opportunity  to  engage  in  a  potential  activity  or  acquire  a  potential  business,  and  the 
Board of Directors of our managing general partner, with the concurrence of its Conflicts Committee, elects to cause us 
not  to  pursue  such  opportunity  or  acquisition.  In  addition,  Alliance  Resource  Holdings  has  the  ability  to  purchase 
businesses,  the  majority  value  of  which  is  not  mining,  marketing  or  transporting  coal,  provided  Alliance  Resource 
Holdings offers us the opportunity to purchase the coal assets following their acquisition. The restriction does not apply 
to the assets retained and business conducted by Alliance Resource Holdings at the closing of our initial public offering. 
Except  as  provided  above,  Alliance  Resource  Holdings  and  its  controlled  affiliates  are  prohibited  from  engaging  in 
activities wherein they compete directly with us.  In addition to its non-competition provisions, this agreement contains 
provisions  which  indemnify  us  against  liabilities  associated  with  certain  assets  and  businesses  of  Alliance  Resource 
Holdings  which  were  disposed  of  or  liquidated  prior  to  consummating  our  initial  public  offering.    In  May  2006,  in 
connection  with  the  closing  of  the  AHGP  IPO,  the  omnibus  agreement  was  amended  to  include  AHGP  and  AGP  as 
parties to the agreement. 

122

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director Independence 

As a publicly traded limited partnership listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we are required to maintain a 
sufficient number of independent directors on the board of our managing general partner to satisfy the Audit Committee 
requirement set forth in NASDAQ Rule 4350(d)(2).  Rule 4350(d)(2) requires us to maintain an Audit Committee of at 
least three members, each of whom must, among other requirements, be independent as defined under NASDAQ Rule 
4200(a)(15) and meet the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (subject to the 
exemptions provided in Rule 10A-3(c)).  

In 2006, the Board of Directors of our managing general partner affirmatively determined that the members of the 
Audit Committee of our managing general partner—Messrs. Hall, Neafsey and Robinson—are independent directors as 
defined under applicable NASDAQ  and  Exchange Act  rules.    Please  see  "Item  10.    Directors,  Executive  Officers  and 
Corporate Governance of the Managing General Partner—Audit Committee." 

ITEM 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

The firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP is our independent registered public accounting firm.  Fees paid to Deloitte & 

Touche LLP during the last two fiscal years were as follows: 

Audit Services.  Fees for audit services provided during the years ended December 31, 2006 
and 2005, were $655,000 and $784,000, respectively.  Audit services consist primarily of the audit 
and quarterly reviews of the consolidated financial statements, but can also be related to statutory 
audits of subsidiaries required by governmental or regulatory bodies, attestation services required 
by statute or regulation, comfort letters, consents, assistance with and review of documents filed 
with  the  SEC,  work  performed  by  tax  professionals  in  connection  with  the  audit  and  quarterly 
reviews,  and  accounting  and  financial  reporting  consultations  and  research  work  necessary  to 
comply with generally accepted accounting principles. 

Audit-Related  Services.    Fees  for  audit-related  services  provided  during  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2006  and  2005,  were  $95,000  and  $44,000,  respectively.    Audit-related  services 
consist  primarily  of  audits  of  employee  benefit  plans,  consultations  concerning  financial 
accounting  and  reporting  standards,  and  attestation  services  associated  with  third-party 
compliance. 

Tax Services.  Fees for tax services provided during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 
2005, were $275,000 and $134,000, respectively.  Tax services relate primarily to the preparation 
of  federal  and  state  tax  returns  but  can  also  be  related  to  tax  advice,  exclusive  of  tax  services 
rendered in conjunction with the audit. 

All Other Fees.  There were no other fees for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, 

respectively.  

The charter of the Audit Committee provides that the committee is responsible for the pre-approval of all auditing 
services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm, 
subject to the requirements of applicable law.  In accordance with such charter, the Audit Committee may delegate the 
authority  to  grant  such  pre-approvals  to  the  Audit  Committee  chairman  or  a  sub-committee  of  the  Audit  Committee, 
which pre-approvals are then reviewed by the full Audit Committee at its next regular meeting.  Typically, however, the 
Audit  Committee  itself  reviews  the  matters  to  be  approved.    The  Audit  Committee  periodically  monitors  the  services 
rendered by  and  actual fees paid  to  the  independent  registered public  accounting firm  to  ensure  that such  services are 
within the parameters approved by the Audit Committee. 

123

  
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15. 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  

(a) (1) 

Financial Statements.  

PART IV 

The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section herein under Part II, Item 8. - 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

(a)(2) 

Financial Statement Schedules.  

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts – Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, 
is set forth under Part II Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. All other schedules 
are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is shown in the financial statements or 
notes thereto. 

(a)(3) and (c) 

The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this annual report.  

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

3.5 

3.6 

3.7  

3.8 

3.9 

4.1 

Second  Amended  and  Restated  Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource 
Partners, L.P.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
with the Commission on October 27, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

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, File No. 000-26823). 

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 (Reg. No. 333-78845)). 

Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership  of  Alliance  Resource  Operating  Partners,  L.P.  
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 
S-1/A filed with the Commission on July 20, 1999 (Reg. No. 333-78845)). 

Certificate  of  Formation  of  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 3.7 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with 
the Commission on July 23, 1999 (Reg. No. 333-78845)). 

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 
S-3 filed with the Commission on April 1, 2002 (Reg. No. 333-85282)). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  Amended  and  Restated  Operating  Agreement  of  Alliance  Resource 
Management  GP,  LLC  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.5  of  the  Registrant’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on April 1, 2002 (Reg. No. 
333-85282)). 

Amendment  No.  2  to  Amended  and  Restated  Operating  Agreement  of  Alliance  Resource 
Management  GP,  LLC  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.6  of  the  Registrant’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on April 1, 2002 (Reg. No. 
333-85282)). 

Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of 
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's 
Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 1, 2006, File No. 000-26823). 

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

124

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  August  22,  2003,  among  Alliance  Resource  Operating 
Partners, L.P., JPMorgan Chase Bank (as paying agent), Citicorp USA, Inc. and JPMorgan 
Chase  Bank  (as  co-administrative  agents)  and  lenders  named  therein.    (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.41 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2003, File No. 000-26823).  

Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, among Alliance Resource GP, LLC 
and  the  purchasers  named  therein.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.20  of  the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, File No. 
000-26823). 

Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of August 30, 2001, between Alliance Resource 
Partners,  L.P.  and  Fifth  Third  Bank.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.23  of  the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, File 
No. 000-26823). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  Letter  of  Credit  Facility  Agreement  between  Alliance  Resource 
Partners,  L.P.  and  Fifth  Third  Bank.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.9  of  the 
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 
000-26823). 

Guarantee  Agreement,  dated  as  of  August  30,  2001,  between  Alliance  Resource  GP,  LLC 
and  Fifth  Third  Bank.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.24  of  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2001,  File  No.  000-
26823). 

Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 2, 2001, between Alliance Resource 
Partners,  L.P.  and  Bank  of  the  Lakes,  National  Association.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit  10.25  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2001, File No. 000-26823). 

First  Amendment  to  the  Letter  of  Credit  Facility  Agreement  between  Alliance  Resource 
Partners,  L.P.  and  Bank  of  the  Lakes,  National  Association.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit  10.32  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2002, File No. 000-26823). 

Promissory  Note  Agreement  dated  as  of  October  2,  2001,  between  Alliance  Resource 
Partners, L.P. and Bank of the Lakes, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of 
the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, 
File No. 000-26823). 

Guarantee  Agreement,  dated  as  of  October  2,  2001,  between  Alliance  Resource  GP,  LLC 
and Bank of the Lakes, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Registrant’s 
Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2001,  File  No.  000-
26823). 

Guaranty  Fee  Agreement  dated  as  of  July  31,  2001,  between  Alliance  Resource  Partners, 
L.P.  and  Alliance  Resource  GP,  LLC.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.28  of  the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, File 
No. 000-26823). 

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, File No. 000-26823). 

125

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.12 

10.13(1) 

10.14(1) 

10.15(1) 

10.16(1) 

10.17 

10.18 

10.19 

10.20 

10.21 

10.22 

10.23 

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, File No. 000-26823). 

Amended  and  Restated  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  2000  Long-Term 
Incentive  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.17  of  the  Registrant's  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 000-26823). 

First  Amendment  to  the  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  2000  Long-Term 
Incentive  Plan.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.18  of  the  Registrant's  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 000-26823). 

Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Short-Term  Incentive  Plan.    (Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.12  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 1999, File No. 000-26823). 

Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Supplemental  Executive  Retirement  Plan. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.2  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on 
Form S-8 filed with the Commission on April 1, 2002 (Reg. No. 333-85258)). 

Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  for  Directors. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.3  of  the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on 
Form S-8 filed with the Commission on April 1, 2002 (Reg. No. 333-85258)). 

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  (Reg.  No.  333-
78845)). 

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, File No. 000-26823). 

Amendment No. 3 to the Restated and Amended Coal Supply Agreement effective January 
1,  2003  between  Webster  County  Coal,  LLC,  White  County  Coal,  LLC,  Alliance  Coal, 
LLC, and Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 
of  the  Registrant's  Quarterly Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2003, 
File No. 000-26823). 

Amendment No. 4 dated October 25, 2005, between Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. and 
Webster  County  Coal,  LLC  (successor-in-interest  to  Webster  County  Coal  Corporation), 
White  County  Coal,  LLC  (successor-in-interest  to  White  County  Coal  Corporation),  and 
Alliance  Coal,  LLC,  as  successor-in-interest  to  Mapco  Coal,  Inc.  and  agent  for  Webster 
County  Coal,  LLC  and  White  County  Coal,  LLC,  to  the  Coal  Supply  Agreement. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  of  the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
Commission on October 26, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Guaranty  by  Alliance  Coal,  LLC  dated  October  25,  2005.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.28 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on 
March 16, 2006, File No. 000-26823). 

Financial Covenants Agreement dated October 25, 2005 by and between Seminole Electric 
Corporation, Inc. and Alliance  Coal,  LLC.    (Portions of this  agreement  have been omitted 
based  upon  a  request  for  confidential  treatment.    Those  omitted  portions  have  been  filed 
with the SEC). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Registrant's Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 16, 2006, File No. 000-26823). 

126

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.24 

10.25 

10.26 

10.27 

10.28 

10.29 

10.30 

10.31 

10.32 

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). 

Agreement  for  the  Supply  of  Coal  to  the  Mt.  Storm  Power  Station,  dated  June  22,  2005, 
between  Virginia  Electric  and  Power  Company  and  Alliance  Coal,  LLC.  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 
27, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Agreement  for  the  supply  of  coal  to  Mt.  Storm  Power  Station, 
made  effective  January  1,  2007,  between  Virginia  Electric  and  Power  Company  and 
Alliance Coal, LLC.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-
K filed with the Commission on February 20, 2007, File No. 000-26823). 

Ancillary  Services  Agreement,  dated  June 22,  2005,  between  Virginia  Electric  and  Power 
Company  and  Alliance  Coal,  LLC.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the 
Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 27, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Amended  and  Restated  Lease  Agreement,  dated  June  22,  2005,  between  Virginia  Electric 
and Power Company and Mettiki Coal, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of 
the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Commission  on  June  27,  2005,  File  No.  000-
26823). 

Amended  and  Restated  Equipment  Lease  Agreement  (Existing  Truck  Unloading  Facility), 
dated June 22, 2005, between Virginia Electric and Power Company and Mettiki Coal, LLC. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  of  the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
Commission on June 27, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding dated as of June 22, 2005, among 
Virginia  Electric  and  Power  Company,  Alliance  Coal,  LLC  and  Mettiki  Coal,  LLC. 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5  of  the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
Commission on June 27, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Feedstock  Agreement  No.  2,  dated  as  of  July  1,  2005,  between  Alliance  Coal,  LLC  and 
Mount  Storm  Coal  Supply,  LLC.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the 
Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 5, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Memorandum  of  Understanding  dated  January  17,  2005  between  VEPCO  and  Mettiki.  
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrants  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
Commission on January 19, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

*10.33(2) 

Memorandum of Understanding, made effective January 1, 2007, between Virginia Electric 
and Power Company, and Alliance Coal, LLC, Mettiki Coal (WV), LLC and Mettiki Coal, 
LLC. 

10.34 

10.35 

10.36 

Amendment No. 1 dated January 17, 2005 between VEPCO and Mettiki to the Coal Supply 
Agreement.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrants  Form  8-K  filed 
with the Commission on January 19, 2005, File No. 000-26823). 

Coal  Feedstock  Supply  Agreement  dated  October  26,  2001,  between  Synfuel  Solutions 
Operating LLC and Hopkins County Coal, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 
of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, File 
No. 000-26823). 

First Amendment to Coal Feedstock Supply Agreement dated February 28, 2002, between 
Synfuel  Solutions  Operating  LLC  and  Hopkins  County  Coal,  LLC    (Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.28  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2001, File No. 000-26823). 

127

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.37 

10.38 

10.39 

10.40(1) 

10.41(1) 

10.42 

10.43 

10.44 

10.45 

10.46 

10.47 

Second  Amendment  to  Coal  Feedstock  Supply  Agreement  dated  April  1,  2003,  between 
Synfuel  Solutions  Operating  LLC  and  Warrior  Coal,  LLC.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.40 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 
30, 2003, File No. 000-26823). 

Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement  dated  April  1,  2003  between  Synfuel  Solutions 
Operating  LLC,  Hopkins  County  Coal,  LLC,  and  Warrior  Coal,  LLC.    (Incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.31  of  the  Registrant's  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2003, File No. 000-26823). 

Letter  Agreement  dated  January  31,  2003  between  ARH  Warrior  Holdings,  Inc.  and 
Alliance  Resource  Partners,  L.P.    (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.34  of  the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 File No. 
000-26823). 

Consulting Agreement for Mr. Sachse dated January 1, 2001.  (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.18 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2000, File No. 000-26823). 

Extension  of  Consulting  Agreement  with  Mr.  Sachse,  dated  September  30,  2003.  
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.42  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, File No. 000-26823). 

Amended  and  Restated  Charter  for  the  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  dated 
March 10, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 of the Registrant's Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 15, 2005). 

Amended  and  Restated  Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April 13,  2006,  among  Alliance 
Resource Operating Partners, L.P. as Borrower and the Initial Lenders, Initial Issuing Banks 
and Swing Line Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Paying Agent and Citicorp USA, 
Inc. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Co-Administrative Agents and Citigroup Global 
Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners 
(Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.1  of  the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the 
Commission on April 18, 2006, File No. 000-26823) 

Amendment  No.  2  to  Letter  of  Credit  Facility  Agreement  between  Alliance  Resource 
Partners,  L.P.  and  Fifth  Third  Bank  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the 
Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 16, 2006, File No. 000-26823). 

The  termination  of  Guarantee  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April  24,  2006,  between  Alliance 
Resource GP, LLC and Fifth Third Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the 
Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 16, 2006, File No. 000-26823). 

Second Amendment to the Omnibus Agreement dated May 15, 2006 by and among Alliance 
Resource Partners, L.P., Alliance Resource GP, LLC, Alliance Resource Management GP, 
LLC, Alliance Resource Holdings, Inc., Alliance Resource Holdings II, Inc., AMH-II, LLC, 
Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., Alliance GP, LLC and Alliance Management Holdings, LLC. 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 000-26823) 

Administrative Services Agreement dated May 15, 2006 among Alliance Resource Partners, 
L.P.,  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  Alliance  Resource  Holdings  II,  Inc., 
Alliance  Holdings  GP,  L.P.  and  Alliance  GP,  LLC.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 
10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, 
File No. 000-26823) 

128

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.48 

Restated and Amended Feedstock Agreement No. 2, dated June 1, 2006, between Alliance 
Coal, LLC and Mount Storm Coal Supply, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
of  the  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  Commission  on  July  13,  2006,  File  No.  000-
26823) 

* 10.49 

Charter for the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors dated February 28, 2007. 

* 10.50(1) 

* 10.51(1) 

* 10.52(1) 

* 10.53 

18.1 

First  Amendment  to  the  Amended  and  Restated  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP, LLC 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 

Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 

First  Amendment  to  the  Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC  Short-Term  Incentive 
Plan 

First Amendment to the Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC Deferred Compensation 
Plan for Directors. 

Preferability Letter on Accounting Change. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18.1 of the 
Registrant’s  Amended  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q/A  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31, 
2001, File No. 000-26823). 

* 21.1 

List of Subsidiaries. 

* 23.1 

* 31.1 

* 31.2 

* 32.1 

* 32.2 

Consent  of  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  regarding  Form  S-3  and  Form  S-8,  Registration 
Statements No. 333-85282 and 333-85258, respectively. 

Certification  of  Joseph  W.  Craft  III,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Alliance 
Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  the  managing  general  partner  of  Alliance  Resource 
Partners, L.P., dated March 1, 2007, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002 furnished herewith. 

Certification  of  Brian  L.  Cantrell,  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of 
Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  the  managing  general  partner  of  Alliance 
Resource  Partners,  L.P.,  dated  March  1,  2007,  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith. 

Certification  of  Joseph  W.  Craft  III,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Alliance 
Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  the  managing  general  partner  of  Alliance  Resource 
Partners, L.P., dated March 1, 2007, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002 furnished herewith. 

Certification  of  Brian  L.  Cantrell,  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of 
Alliance  Resource  Management  GP,  LLC,  the  managing  general  partner  of  Alliance 
Resource  Partners,  L.P.,  dated  March  1,  2007,  pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith. 

* Filed herewith. 

(1)   Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 
(2)  Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 
24b-2  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended,  and  the  omitted  material  has  been 
separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

129

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 1, 2007. 

Signatures 

  ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P.  

By:  Alliance Resource Management GP, LLC  

its managing general partner 

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

/s/ Brian L. Cantrell 
Brian L. Cantrell 
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Financial 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 

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

/s/ Brian L. Cantrell 
Brian L. Cantrell 

/s/Merribel S. Ayres 
Merribel S. Ayres 

/s/ Michael J. Hall 
Michael J. Hall 

/s/ John P. Neafsey 
John P. Neafsey 

/s/ John H. Robinson 
John H. Robinson 

/s/ Wilson M. Torrence 
Wilson M. Torrence 

Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Date 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

March 1, 2007 

130

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unitholder Information.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. is a publicly traded master limited partnership.
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. common units began trading on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market under the symbol “ARLP” in August 1999. As of December 31, 
2006, there were 36,419,847 common units outstanding.

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS  

• Unitholders of record will receive Schedule K-1 packages that 

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. expects to make Quarterly 

summarize  their allocated share of the Partnership’s reportable 

Distributions within 45 days after the end of each March, June, 

September and December to unitholders of record on the 

distributions received should not be reported as taxable income. 

applicable record dates.

Only the amounts provided on the Schedule K-1 should be 

PARTNERSHIP TAX DETAILS

• Should you have questions regarding the Schedule K-1 

entered on each unitholder’s tax return.

• Unitholders are partners in the Partnership and receive cash 

contact:

distributions. The cash distributions are generally not taxable  

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

as long as the unitholder’s tax basis remains above zero.

K-1 Support

• A partnership is generally not subject to federal or state income 

P.O. Box 799060

tax. The annual income, gains, losses, deductions or credits of 

Dallas, TX 75379-9060 

to report their allocated share of these amounts  

on their individual tax returns, as though the unitholder had 

incurred these items directly.

(800) 485-6875

Fax: (972) 428-5395

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

PARTNERSHIP OFFICES

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Unitholder requests regarding transfer of

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

1717 South Boulder Avenue, Suite 400

checks or changes of address should be

Tulsa, OK 74119

directed to:

American Stock Transfer

and Trust Company

Attn: Shareholder Services

59 Maiden Lane-Plaza Level

New York, NY 10038

(800) 937-5449

(918) 295-7600

PARTNERSHIP MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 22027

Tulsa, OK 74121-2027

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION

Two Warren Place

Additional information about Alliance

6120 South Yale Suite 1700

Resource Partners, L.P. can be obtained

Tulsa, OK 74136

by contacting Investor Relations by

e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com,

CONTACT

telephone at (918) 295-7674, or by visiting 

Brian L. Cantrell

the Partnership’s offices.

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(918) 295-7674

brian.cantrell@arlp.com

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

Robert G. Sachse
Executive Vice President and Marketing

Brian L. Cantrell
Senior Vice President  
and Chief Financial Officer 

R. Eberley Davis
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

Charles R. Wesley
Senior Vice President and Operations

Merribel S. Ayres
Director

Michael J. Hall
Director

John P. Neafsey
Chairman of the Board

John H. Robinson
Director

Wilson M. (Mack) Torrence
Director

ALLIANCE RESOURCE PARTNERS, L.P. common units are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “ARLP.”

Fundamentally Strong.

ALLIANCE RESOuRCE PARTNERS, L.P.

2006 AnnuAl RepoRt And foRm 10-k

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MILLIOnS ExCEPT PER UnIT AnD PER TOn AMOUnTS 

2006 

2005

OPERATING DATA

TOnS SOLD 

TOnS PRODUCED 

REvEnUES PER TOn SOLD 

COST PER TOn SOLD 

FINANCIAL DATA

REvEnUES 

InCOME FROM OPERATIOnS 

nET InCOME 

24.4 

23.7 

$  38.02 

$  27.78 

$  967.6 

$  183.3 

$  172.9 

$  3.06 

$  3.03 

$  635.0 

$  144.0 

22.8

22.3

$  35.07

$  25.00

$  838.7

$  173.9

$  160.0

$  4.07

$  3.99

$  2.89

$  2.84

$  532.7

$  162.0

ADjUSTED BASIC nET InCOME PER LP UnIT(2)(3) 

ADjUSTED DILUTED nET InCOME PER LP UnIT(2)(3) 

$  4.07 

$  4.03 

BASIC nET InCOME PER LP UnIT(2) 

DILUTED nET InCOME PER LP UnIT(2) 

TOTAL ASSETS 

TOTAL DEBT 

nET CASh PROvIDED By OPERATIng ACTIvITIES 

$  250.9 

$  193.6

(2)  The weighted average basic units outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, were 36,425,350  

  and 36,288,527, respectively, and on a fully diluted basis, were 36,810,383 and 36,977,061, respectively.

(3)  See page 16 of the 2006 Annual Report for Adjusted Basic and Diluted net Income per LP unit definition, a  

reconciliation of Adjusted Basic and Diluted net Income per LP unit to Basic and Diluted net Income per LP unit and  

  Management’s reason why disclosure of Adjusted Basic and Diluted net Income per LP unit is useful to investors.

Fundamentally Strong

To Our Fellow Unitholders.

There are four words from the Chief Executive Officer of a publicly-held entity that never 
grow old: “We’re pleased to report.” While some would consider those four words a 
cliché, they are appropriate when the reporting involves the sixth consecutive record 
year for Alliance Resource Partners. 

Indeed, we again delivered on our promise of growth, 
and we’re pleased to report: 

n  Record revenues of $967.6 million up 15.4%  

from 2005 revenues of $838.7 million.

n  Record net income of $172.9 million up 8.1%  

from 2005 net income of $160.0 million.

n  Record EBITDA(1) (net income before net interest  
  expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion  
  and amortization, minority interest and cumulative  
  effect of accounting change) of $250.8 million up  
  9.0% from 2005 EBITDA(1) of $230.1 million. 
n  Current quarterly distribution to unitholders of $0.54  
  per unit, an annualized rate of $2.16 per unit,  
  compared to an annualized rate of $1.84 at the  
  end of 2005. This represents an increase in cash  
  distributions to unitholders of 17.4% over the  
  past twelve months.
n  Record tons sold of 24.4 million up 7.0% from 22.8  
  million in 2005.
n  Record average coal sales prices per ton of $36.79  
  up 9.3% from 2005. 

We are proud of the outstanding financial and operating  
performance delivered by the Partnership during 2006, 
and that our management, which cumulatively owns 
approximately 44% of Alliance Resource Partners, 
clearly shares with you the goals of every investor in  
the Partnership. Stated simply the goals are two-fold:  
1. return on one’s investment, and  2. appreciation of 
that investment—i.e., a higher price per unit. 

The first goal is one that Alliance Resource Partners  
is proud to have fulfilled. Over the past four years, for 
example, we have increased quarterly cash distributions 
to our unitholders by 106%, an annual compounded 
growth rate of nearly 20%. 

The second goal, at least during this past fiscal year, 
was not attained. Why? The coal sector was, to put it 
mildly, out of favor with the equity market this past year.  

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P.O. Box 22027  |  Tulsa, Oklahoma 74121-2027  |  www.arlp.com

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

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