Powder River Basin: bright light in the west

Annual production of coal from the Powder River Basin, USA has increased by 31% during the past five years. The coal has low sulphur content and a low price. In 1990 utility coal shipments from the PRB exceeded 194 million tons and are expected to increase to 40 million tpy by the year 2000. Coal prices for utility deliveries are expected to increase only marginally during the next few years. The market for PRB coal is discussed. Utility market price indicators for the Illinois Basin are tabulated. The information was extracted from Resource Data International Inc.'s studies. 2 figs., 2 tabs