Virginia, US-based metallurgical coal producer Alpha Natural Resources has announced that, based upon a strategic analysis concluded in early 2010, Alpha remains positive with respect to the global metallurgical coal market over the next several years based on its belief that the market is structurally undersupplied with high quality, hard coking coal.
Alpha also believes that substantial opportunity exists for seaborne thermal coal production sources strategically placed to serve the growth markets of the world, given that global demand is forecast to increase by more than 2 billion tons annually between now and 2030.
The company statement said that, following the successful merger with Foundation Coal in 2009, Alpha has consistently stated its intention to continue to successfully grow the company in a strategically sound and thoughtful manner, both in the US and abroad. To that end, Alpha has engaged in commercial and strategic discussions with various parties throughout the world. The company has not disclosed the name of these parties.