Patriot Coal to Close Bluegrass Mine Complex at End of 2012

Patriot Coal Corporation

today announced the Bluegrass Mine Complex will be closed by the end of 2012.  The Bluegrass Complex currently employs approximately 89 people and includes the Patriot Surface Mine, which is expected to produce approximately 1.2 million tons of thermal coal in 2012, and the Grand Eagle Preparation Plant, both located near Henderson, Kentucky.  Reclamation work will continue as the site is restored to meet regulatory requirements.