[Bob Seger]

Once again let me try to explain the situation. In the past coal companies maintained mining permits two to five years in advance of their current operations, only one or two companies have received new mining permits since Barry and crew took office. The permits that were being held are now being mined, and companies are unable to project future mine plans or obtain financing for future projects.

Also, coal companies normally sign contracts (some long term, some short term) to supply their coal in advance, sometimes these contracts are signed one or two years in advance. Couple that with a 3,000 ton per miner/year drop in tonnage production, companies have to hire more workers to maintain production to supply the necessary contracts.

Now let’s review
1) Most coal companies were permitted ahead 2-5 years as late as 2008.
2) Companies are mining these permits now.
3) No new permits in last three years (Obama adm.)
4) Many long term contracts signed two years ago are still in force and have to be fulfilled.
5) Production is down 3,000 tons per miner/year.
Does that make sense now, because that’s about as simple as I can make it.

That's about as simple of an explanation as it can get IMO Old School.:Thumbs: