NRP chief Nick Carter said these factors, combined with lessees reporting increased sales prices on both metallurgical and steam coal, would add to increased revenues and distributable cash flow this year.

Total revenues are also forecasted to increase over 20% from the current 2007 guidance to $242-277 million.

About 75% of total revenues will be generated from coal royalties, ranging from $187 million to $207 million based on royalties of between $3.09 and $3.27 per ton.

Production volumes are expected to be 57-67 million tons and are more heavily weighted towards the second half of the year, as new mines ramp up production.

Transportation fees are forecast to nearly triple in 2008 to $14-16 million.

About 23% of NRP's production and 30% of its coal royalty revenues should be derived from metallurgical coal, with the increased percentage in anticipated revenues resulting from improved pricing.