For the quarter ended March 31, coal revenues came in at $US519.7 million, a 9% jump quarter-for-quarter from $475.7 million last year. Massey cited the ending of some below-market contracts as well as increased sales for the numbers.

Up even more off the bat was the company’s net income, which rose to $32.6 million over 2006’s $5.6 million. The positive result had much to do with increases in the company’s utility and metallurgical coal prices, which realised an average of $45.01 and $73.68 per ton respectively, over $41.18/t and $62.44/t in last year’s first quarter.

Continued learning and stability are the words of the time for the company, according to chief Don Blankenship: “With a more stable workforce, we are building on the skill and experience levels of our members. Our focus in 2007 remains on increasing productivity that will allow us to further lower our production costs and widen our cost advantage in Central Appalachia.”

Offshore delivery of its output has also left Massey on a high note.

“Strong global demand for metallurgical coal has allowed Massey to shift volumes from the domestic steam market into the export metallurgical market, helping to increase margins," Blankenship said.

The company also noted that many domestic stockpiles, notably in the Central Appalachian region, have been brought back to healthy levels after the region’s mild winter and thanks to improved rail service.

As it moves into its second quarter of the year, Massey said it will continue to focus on the changing faces of state and federal regulations for miner health and safety, something it notes is a constant priority company-wide.

“The industry must not allow this regulatory compliance effort to distract it from focusing on accident prevention,” said Blankenship.

“Rigorous training, employing best practices and implementing accident prevention technologies are the most effective means of keeping our members safe."