Welcome to Patriot Coal, a leading producer of coal in the eastern United States and a leading U.S. producer of metallurgical coal.

Patriot has operations and assets in Central Appalachia, Northern Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. Patriot Coal sold more than 28.5 million tons of coal in 2008. With our acquisition of Magnum Coal Company in July 2008, we have nearly doubled our production base. Patriot controls more than 1.8 billion tons of proven and probable reserves to serve the needs of electricity generators and steel producers.

Patriot's three core strategies are to:

• Maintain and enhance our operational performance through a continued emphasis on safety, productivity, cost control and environmental stewardship;
• Maximize customer satisfaction while also optimizing profitability; and
• Pursue value-enhancing growth opportunities through organic growth, acquisitions and joint ventures.

We believe our diversified product line and sourcing capabilities, along with our well-trained, experienced and dedicated work force, position us to execute on these strategies and to be a best-in-class coal producer.

I thank you for your interest in Patriot Coal and look forward to continuing to communicate our progress.

Richard M. Whiting
Chief Executive Officer
Patriot Coal