ARCH COAL INC
10-Q, 1998-08-14
BITUMINOUS COAL & LIGNITE SURFACE MINING
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MARK-UP 8/13/98


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    Form 10-Q

     [ X ]     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1998

                                       OR

     [   ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   For the transition period from ____ to ____
                         Commission file number 1-13105

                                 ARCH COAL, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


               Delaware                                      43-0921172
    (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)                       Identification No.)

   CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri                63141
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri                   63141
           (Mailing Address)                                 (Zip Code)


        Registrant's telephone number, including area code (314) 994-2700

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / X /     No /   /

At August 12, 1998,  there were  39,699,781  shares of the  registrant's  common
stock outstanding.


<PAGE>
                                      INDEX


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE

     Item 1.Financial Statements

     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1998 and
     December 31, 1997.........................................................1

     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months 
     Ended  June 30,  1998 and 1997 and the Six Months  Ended 
     June 30, 1998 and 1997....................................................2

     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
     Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997...................................3

     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements......................4

     Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                Financial Condition and Results of Operations .................9

     Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
                Market Risk...................................................23

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 1.   Legal Proceedings..............................................24

     Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............24

     Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...............................25



                                       i
<PAGE>
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)

                                                         June 30,     December 31,
                                                           1998           1997
                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                        (Unaudited)
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>   
ASSETS
  CURRENT ASSETS
    Cash and cash equivalents                          $   26,518     $    9,177
    Trade accounts receivable                             180,229        133,810
    Other receivables                                      40,653         14,046
    Inventories                                            89,218         50,419
    Prepaid royalties                                      13,458         17,745
    Deferred income taxes                                   8,506          8,506
    Other                                                   9,058          9,475
                                                       ----------     ----------
               Total current assets                       367,640        243,178
                                                       ----------     ----------

  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET                    1,953,042      1,149,926
                                                       ----------     ----------

  OTHER ASSETS
    Prepaid royalties                                      35,357         20,826
    Coal supply agreements                                194,742        185,306
    Deferred income taxes                                  48,655         44,023
    Investment in Canyon Fuel                             285,606           --
    Other                                                  35,223         13,065
                                                       ----------     ----------
               Total other assets                         599,583        263,220
                                                       ----------     ----------
                          Total assets                 $2,920,265     $1,656,324
                                                       ==========     ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  CURRENT LIABILITIES
    Accounts payable                                   $  119,811     $   84,692
    Accrued expenses                                      135,573         88,082
    Current portion of long-term debt                     103,000         29,500
                                                       ----------     ----------
               Total current liabilities                  358,384        202,274
  Long-term debt                                        1,227,386        248,425
  Accrued postretirement benefits other
   than pension                                           356,802        323,115
  Accrued reclamation and mine closure                    154,777        116,199
  Accrued workers' compensation                           110,170         97,759
  Accrued pension cost                                     25,045         21,730
  Other noncurrent liabilities                             55,673         35,324
                                                       ----------     ----------
               Total liabilities                        2,288,237      1,044,826
                                                       ----------     ----------

  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Common stock                                              397            397
    Paid-in capital                                       472,741        472,425
    Retained earnings                                     158,890        138,676
                                                       ----------     ----------
       Total stockholders' equity                         632,028        611,498
                                                       ----------     ----------
           Total liabilities and
                    stockholders' equity               $2,920,265     $1,656,324
                                                       ==========     ==========

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


                                       1
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                          JUNE 30,                 JUNE 30,
                                   ----------------------  ------------------------
                                       1998       1997          1998        1997
                                     --------   --------      --------    -------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
REVENUES
  Coal sales                      $ 342,315    $ 190,957    $ 641,178    $ 383,386
  Income from equity investment       2,416         --          2,416         --
  Other revenues                      8,607        5,468       22,396       11,601
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                    353,238      196,425      665,990      394,887
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
  Cost of coal sales                305,266      168,893      576,516      340,433
  Selling, general and                9,235        3,302       16,744        8,200
  administrative expenses
  Amortization of coal supply
    agreements                        7,302        2,084       13,664        4,200
  Other expenses                      3,985        5,850        9,258        9,445
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                    325,788      180,129      616,182      362,278
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
   Income from operations            27,450       16,296       49,808       32,609

Interest expense, net:
  Interest expense                  (10,366)      (3,240)     (14,170)      (6,792)
  Interest income                       115          276          181          535
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

                                    (10,251)      (2,964)     (13,989)      (6,257)
                                  ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

   Income before income taxes
     and extraordinary item          17,199       13,332      35,819        26,352
Provision for income taxes            2,200        1,600       5,000         4,200
                                  ---------    ---------    --------      --------
  Net income before
     extraordinary item              14,999       11,732      30,819        22,152
Extraordinary item from the
  extinguishment of debt             (1,488)        --        (1,488)          --
                                   --------     --------    --------      --------

   NET INCOME                      $ 13,511     $ 11,732   $  29,331      $ 22,152
                                   ========     ========   =========      ========
Basic and diluted earnings
  per common share before
  extraordinary item               $   0.38     $   0.56   $    0.78      $   1.06
                                   ========     ========   =========      ========

Basic and diluted earnings per
  common share                     $   0.34     $   0.56   $    0.74      $   1.06
                                   ========     ========   =========      ========

Weighted average shares
  outstanding                        39,668       20,948      39,664        20,948
                                   ========     ========   =========      ========

Dividends declared per share       $  0.115     $  0.108   $   0.230      $  0.216
                                   ========     ========   =========      ========


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>




                                       2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1998          1997
                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                          $    29,331     $    22,152
Adjustments to reconcile to cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization               85,619          57,852
  Prepaid royalties expensed                              9,819           2,005
  Net gain on disposition of assets                     (10,123)           (409)
  Income from equity investment                          (2,416)           --
  Changes in:
      Receivables                                       (20,715)          2,326
      Inventories                                       (13,019)         (6,560)
      Accounts payable and accrued
        expenses                                          8,064          12,513
      Income taxes                                           87         (11,313)
      Accrued postretirement benefits
       other than pensions                                5,722           2,480
      Accrued reclamation and mine
       closure                                            1,520          (1,388)
      Accrued workers' compensation                       1,969          (7,394)
      Other                                              (7,946)          2,767
                                                    -----------     -----------
    Cash provided by operating activities                87,912          75,031
                                                    -----------     -----------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash paid for acquisitions                           (1,090,000)        (16,990)
Additions to property, plant
  and equipment                                         (40,050)        (18,486)
Proceeds from dispositions of
 property, plant and equipment                           10,449             784
Additions to prepaid royalties                          (20,063)         (2,718)
                                                    -----------     -----------
    Cash used in investing activities                (1,139,664)        (37,410)
                                                    -----------     -----------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from (payments on)
 revolver and lines of credit                           100,713         (15,363)
Payments on senior notes                                (42,860)        (15,140)
Proceeds from term loans                                974,599            --
Proceeds from sale and leaseback
  of equipment                                           45,442            --
Dividends paid                                           (9,117)         (4,512)
Proceeds from sale of common stock                          316            --
                                                    -----------     -----------
    Cash (used in) provided by
     financing activities                             1,069,093         (35,015)
                                                    -----------     -----------

Increase in cash and cash equivalents                    17,341           2,606
Cash and cash equivalents,
  beginning of period                                     9,177          13,716
                                                    -----------     -----------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period            $    26,518     $    16,322
                                                    ===========     ===========

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>
Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 1998
(Unaudited)

Note A - General

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations,  but are
subject to any year-end  adjustments  which may be necessary.  In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Results of operations for
the periods ended June 30, 1998, are not necessarily indicative of results to be
expected for the year ending  December 31, 1998. The Company  produces steam and
metallurgical coal from surface and deep mines in Central Appalachian,  Western,
and Midwestern  coal fields for sale to utility,  industrial and export markets.
Significant  intercompany  transactions  and accounts  have been  eliminated  in
consolidation.  Certain  amounts  in the 1997  financial  statements  have  been
reclassified  to  conform  with  the   classifications  in  the  1998  financial
statements  with no effect on  previously  reported net income or  stockholders'
equity.

Note B - Acquisitions

On June 1, 1998,  Arch Coal  acquired the Colorado and Utah coal  operations  of
Atlantic  Richfield  Company ("ARCO") and  simultaneously  combined the acquired
ARCO  operations  and the  Company's  Wyoming  operations  with  ARCO's  Wyoming
operations  in a new joint  venture  named Arch  Western  Resources,  LLC ("Arch
Western").  The principal operating units of Arch Western are Thunder Basin Coal
Company, L.L.C., owned 100% by Arch Western, that operates two coal mines in the
Southern  Powder River Basin in Wyoming;  Mountain Coal Company,  L.L.C.,  owned
100% by Arch  Western,  that  operates  a coal  mine in  Colorado;  Canyon  Fuel
Company,  LLC ("Canyon Fuel"), 65% owned by Arch Western and 35% by ITOCHU Coal,
Inc., a subsidiary  of ITOCHU  Corporation,  that  operates  three coal mines in
Utah; and Arch of Wyoming,  LLC,  owned 100% by Arch Western,  that operates two
coal mines in the Hanna Basin of Wyoming.

Arch Western is 99% owned by Arch Coal and 1% owned by ARCO. The  transaction is
valued at  approximately  $1.14 billion and Arch Coal is the managing  member of
Arch Western.  The  transaction has been accounted for under the purchase method
of accounting.  Accordingly, the cost to acquire ARCO's U.S. coal operations has
been  preliminarily  allocated to the assets  acquired and  liabilities  assumed
according  to  their   respective   estimated  fair  values.   Arch  Western  is
consolidated  into the Company's  financial  statements.  As a result of certain
super-majority  voting  rights,  Arch  Western's 65% ownership of Canyon Fuel is
accounted  for under the equity method of  accounting.  Results of operations of
the acquired operations are included in the condensed consolidated statements of
income  effective  June 1, 1998. As was the case prior to the  acquisition,  the
acquired ARCO operations  will produce  low-sulfur  coal,  primarily for sale to
domestic utility customers.

Summarized  below are the unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.  These results  reflect the July 1,
1997 merger with Ashland Coal, Inc. as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997 and
the June 1, 1998 Arch  Western  transaction  as if it had occurred on January 1,
1998 and 1997.



                                       4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                   1998          1997
                                                  ------        ------
                                                     (in thousands)

<S>                                             <C>            <C>      
Revenues                                        $ 827,983      $ 938,688
Income before extraordinary item                $  20,696      $  67,287
Net income                                      $  19,208      $  67,287

Earnings per share before
     extraordinary item                            $  .52        $  1.70
Earnings per share                                 $  .48        $  1.70
</TABLE>

In the opinion of the management of the Company,  all  adjustments  necessary to
present pro forma results of operations  have been made. The unaudited pro forma
results of  operations do not purport to be indicative of the results that would
have occurred had these  transactions  occurred at the beginning of the relevant
periods or of the results of operations that may be achieved in the future.


Note C - Investment in Canyon Fuel

The following  table presents  unaudited  summarized  financial  information for
Canyon  Fuel  which,  on June 1,  1998,  as  part  of Arch  Western  transaction
(described  in Note B), was acquired by the Company and is accounted  for on the
equity method:

                                                  One Month
                                             Ended June 30, 1998
                                             -------------------
                                               (in thousands)
                                       
      Revenues                                  $     17,593
      Total costs and expenses                        14,256
                                                -------------
                                       
                  Net income                    $      3,337
                                                =============
                                     

Note D - Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

                                         June 30, 1998    December 31, 1997
                                         -------------    -----------------
                                                 (In thousands)

      Coal                                  $42,620           $25,359
      Repair parts and supplies              46,598            25,060
                                           --------          --------
                                            $89,218           $50,419
                                           ========          ========





                                       5
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Note E - Debt

Debt consists of the following:
                                             June 30, 1998     December 31, 1997
                                             -------------     -----------------              
                                                      (In thousands)

  <S>                                          <C>                <C>
  Indebtedness to banks under 
    lines of credit                            $   3,192          $  36,302                            
  Indebtedness to banks under revolving
    credit agreement, expiring May 31, 2003      325,000                  -
  Variable rate term loan payable quarterly      
    through May 31, 2003                         300,000                  -
  Variable  rate  term loan  payable        
    May 31, 2003                                 675,000                  -
  Indebtedness to banks under the 1997
    revolving credit agreement                         -            190,000
  7.79% senior unsecured notes                         -             42,860
  Other                                           27,194              8,763
                                               ---------          ---------
                                               1,330,386            277,925
  Less current portion                           103,000             29,500
                                              ----------          ---------
  Long-term debt                              $1,227,386           $248,425
                                              ==========          =========
</TABLE>

On July 1, 1997,  concurrently with the Company's combination with Ashland Coal,
the Company entered into a $500 million  revolving  credit  agreement.  The $500
million  revolving  credit  agreement  had a  five-year  term,  and the  rate of
interest on borrowings  under this  agreement  was, at the Company's  option,  a
money-market  rate  determined by a competitive  bid process,  the PNC Bank base
rate or a rate based on LIBOR.  Indebtedness  under this  facility was repaid in
its entirety and the facility terminated  effective June 1, 1998, using proceeds
from a new Company  revolving  credit  facility  entered into  effective June 1,
1998.

In  connection  with the Arch Western  transaction  (referred to in Note B), the
Company  entered  into three new  five-year  credit  facilities:  a $675 million
non-amortizing  term loan to Arch Western,  a $300 million fully amortizing term
loan to Arch Coal, and a $600 million  revolver to Arch Coal.  Borrowings  under
the new Arch Coal  credit  facilities  were used to finance the  acquisition  of
ARCO's Colorado and Utah coal operations,  to pay related fees and expenses,  to
refinance  existing  corporate  debt and for  general  corporate  purposes.  The
Company recognized an extraordinary charge, net of tax benefits, of $1.5 million
from the  refinancing  of existing  corporate  debt.  Borrowings  under the Arch
Western  credit  facility  were used to fund a portion  of a $700  million  cash
distribution by Arch Western to ARCO, which distribution occurred simultaneously
with  ARCO's  contribution  of its Wyoming  coal  operations  and certain  other
insignificant  assets to Arch Western.  The Arch Western credit  facility is not
guaranteed  by the  Company.  The rate of interest on the  borrowings  under the
agreements is, at the Company's  option,  the PNC Bank base rate or a rate based
on LIBOR. On a historical  basis, at December 31, 1997, Arch Coal's debt was 31%
of capital  employed.  At June 30, 1998 Arch Coal's debt is approximately 68% of
capital employed.

Terms of the Company's credit  facilities and leases contain financial and other
restrictive  covenants  that limit the ability of the  Company  to,  among other
things, pay dividends, effect acquisitions or dispositions and borrow additional
funds,  and  require  the  Company to,  among  other  things,  maintain  various
financial ratios and comply with various other financial  covenants.  Failure by
the Company to comply with such  covenants  could  result in an event of default
which,  if not cured or  waived,  could have a  material  adverse  effect on the
Company.


                                       6
<PAGE>

Note F - Contingencies

The Company is a party to numerous  claims and lawsuits  with respect to various
matters.  The Company  provides for costs  related to  contingencies,  including
environmental  matters,  when a loss is  probable  and the amount is  reasonably
determinable. The Company estimates that its probable aggregate loss as a result
of  such  claims  as of  June  30,  1998  is $4.8  million  (included  in  Other
Nonconcurrent  Liabilities) and believes that probable  insurance  recoveries of
$.7 million (included in Other Assets) related to these claims will be realized.
The Company  estimates that its reasonably  possible  aggregate  losses from all
material  currently  pending  litigation could be as much as $.5 million (before
taxes) in excess of the probable loss previously  recognized.  After  conferring
with counsel,  it is the opinion of management  that the ultimate  resolution of
these  claims,  to the  extent  not  previously  provided  for,  will not have a
material  adverse  effect on the  consolidated  financial  position,  results of
operations or liquidity of the Company.

A customer of the Company has  informed the Company that one of its power plants
will no longer provide baseload capacity to a public utility and instead will be
used to provide  peak  demand  only and,  as a result,  the plant  will  require
substantially less coal under the customer's existing above-market contract with
the Company.  The Company has filed a civil action in Federal  District Court in
the Southern  District of West  Virginia  alleging  breach of contract and other
causes of action  against the customer in respect of the  customer's  failure to
comply with the terms of this  contract.  On July 17, 1998 the court granted the
customer's  motion to stay the lawsuit  pending  arbitration.  In addition,  the
Company and the  customer  continue to explore a  commercial  resolution  of the
underlying  dispute.  As of June 30, 1998,  the carrying  amount of  acquisition
costs allocated to this coal supply contract is approximately $15.4 million. The
Company's  current  estimates of  undiscounted  cash flows indicate the carrying
amount of this asset is expected to be recovered.

Note G - Change in Estimate and Other Non-Recurring Revenues and Expenses

The Company's  operating  results for the six months and three months ended June
30, 1998 reflect pre-tax gains on the sale of surplus land totaling $9.9 million
and $1.4  million,  respectively.  The  operating  results for the first six and
three  months  ended June 30, 1998 also  reflect a $6.7 million and $1.4 million
operating  loss,  respectively  (including  termination  benefits  totaling $1.3
million),  at the  Company's  Mine No. 37 in eastern  Kentucky  which  closed in
January 1998.  The first six months and three months ended June 30, 1997 include
a $3.3 million  reduction  in the  reclamation  and mine closure  reserve at the
Company's  Illinois operation due to a change in permit  requirements  offset by
$3.1 million in costs  associated with the October 1996  impoundment  failure at
Lone Mountain  Processing,  Inc. The second quarter of 1997 also includes a $4.2
million  reduction  in  workers'   compensation  reserves  due  to  better  than
anticipated safety performance recorded in the second quarter of 1997.

Note H - Sale and Leaseback

On January 29, 1998, the Company sold mining equipment for  approximately  $74.2
million and leased back the  equipment  under an operating  lease with a term of
three years.  This included the sale and leaseback of equipment  purchased under
an existing  operating  lease that  expired on the same day. The proceeds of the
sale were used to  purchase  the  equipment  under the  expired  lease for $28.3
million,  pay related  transaction fees of $.4 million and to pay down debt. The
lease provides for annual rental payments of approximately  $9.1 million,  $11.6
million,  $11.2  million  and  $2.7  million  in  1998,  1999,  2000  and  2001,
respectively.  At the end of the lease term, the Company has the option to renew
the lease for two  additional  one year  periods or purchase the  equipment  for
approximately $51.1 million. Alternatively, the equipment may be sold to a third
party. In the event of such a sale, the Company will be required to make payment
to the lessor in the event,  and to the extent,  that the sale proceeds are less
than $40.0 million. The gain on the sale and 

                                       7
<PAGE>

leaseback of $10.7  million has been  deferred and is being  amortized  over the
base term of the lease as a reduction of rental expense.

Note I - Computation of Earnings Per Share

In 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 128 (FAS 128),  Earnings per Share." FAS 128 replaced
the previously  reported primary and fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) with
basic and diluted  EPS.  Unlike  primary  EPS,  basic EPS  excludes any dilutive
effects of options and  convertible  securities.  Diluted EPS is very similar to
the previously  reported  fully diluted EPS. The following  table sets forth the
computation of basic and diluted EPS from continuing operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Three months ended        Six months ended
                                                  June 30,                 June 30,
                                              1998        1997         1998        1997
                                             ------      ------       ------      ------
                                                          (in thousands)       
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>  
Numerator:                                                                     
  Income before extraordinary item         $14,999      $11,732       $30,819     $22,152
  Extraordinary item                        (1,488)           -        (1,488)          -
                                           -------      -------       -------     -------
  Net income                               $13,511      $11,732       $29,331     $22,152
                                           =======      =======       =======     =======
Dominator:                                                                     
  Weighted average shares -                                                    
    denominator for basis                   39,668        20,948       39,664      20,948
  Dilutive effect of employee                                                  
    stock options                               39             -           44           -
                                           -------       -------      -------     -------
  Adjusted weighted average                                                    
    shares - denominator for diluted        39,707        20,948       39,708      20,948
                                           =======       =======      =======     =======
                                                                               
Basic and diluted  earnings per common                                         
  share before extraordinary item             $.38          $.56         $.78       $1.06
                                           =======       =======      =======     =======
                                                                              
Basic and diluted earnings per             
  common share                                $.34          $.56         $.74       $1.06
                                           =======       =======      =======     =======
</TABLE>
                                         





                                       8
<PAGE>


ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
            RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Reference is made to the  "Contingencies,"  "Certain Risk  Factors,"  "Impact of
Year 2000" and "Factors  Routinely  Affecting  Results of  Operations"  sections
below for a  discussion  of  factors  that may cause  actual  results  to differ
materially from the  forward-looking  statements  (within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of  1934)  herein,  including  in  the  "Outlook"  and  "Liquidity  and  Capital
Resources" sections below.

Acquisition of ARCO Coal Operations

On June 1, 1998,  Arch Coal  acquired the Colorado and Utah coal  operations  of
ARCO and simultaneously  combined the acquired ARCO operations and the Company's
Wyoming  operations with ARCO's Wyoming  operations in a new joint venture named
Arch Western.  The principal  operating  units of Arch Western are Thunder Basin
Coal  Company,  L.L.C.  ("Thunder  Basin"),  owned  100% by Arch  Western,  that
operates two coal mines in the Southern Powder River Basin in Wyoming;  Mountain
Coal Company,  L.L.C.  ("Mountain Coal"), that operates a coal mine in Colorado;
Canyon Fuel Company,  LLC ("Canyon Fuel"),  65% owned by Arch Western and 35% by
ITOCHU Coal, Inc., a subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation,  that operates three coal
mines in Utah; and Arch of Wyoming, LLC ("Arch of Wyoming"),  owned 100% by Arch
Western, that operates two coal mines in the Hanna Basin of Wyoming.

Arch Western is 99% owned by Arch Coal and 1% owned by ARCO. The  transaction is
valued at  approximately  $1.14 billion and Arch Coal is the managing  member of
Arch Western.  The  transaction has been accounted for under the purchase method
of accounting.  Accordingly, the cost to acquire ARCO's U.S. coal operations has
been  preliminarily  allocated to the assets  acquired and  liabilities  assumed
according to their  respective  estimated fair values.  Results of operations of
the acquired operations are included in the condensed consolidated statements of
income  effective  June 1, 1998. As was the case prior to the  acquisition,  the
acquired ARCO operations  will produce  low-sulfur  coal,  primarily for sale to
domestic utility customers.

In connection with the acquisition of ARCO's U.S. coal  operations,  the Company
entered   into  three  new   five-year   credit   facilities:   a  $675  million
non-amortizing  term loan to Arch Western,  a $300 million fully amortizing term
loan to Arch Coal, and a $600 million  revolver to Arch Coal.  Borrowings  under
the new Arch Coal  revolving  facility were used to finance the  acquisition  of
ARCO's Colorado and Utah coal operations,  to pay related fees and expenses,  to
refinance  existing  corporate  debt and for  general  corporate  purposes.  The
Company recognized an extraordinary charge, net of tax benefits, of $1.5 million
from the  refinancing  of existing  corporate  debt.  Borrowings  under the Arch
Western  credit  facility  were used to fund a portion  of a $700  million  cash
distribution by Arch Western to ARCO, which distribution occurred simultaneously
with ARCO's  contribution  of its Wyoming coal  operations to Arch Western.  The
Arch Western credit  facility is not guaranteed by the Company.  On a historical
basis,  at December 31, 1997, Arch Coal's debt was 31% of capital  employed.  At
June 30, 1998, Arch Coal's debt is approximately 68% of capital employed.

Merger With Ashland Coal

On July 1, 1997,  Ashland  Coal merged with a  subsidiary  of the  Company,  and
18,660,054 shares of Company common stock were issued in the merger.  The merger
was accounted for as a purchase.

At the time of the merger,  Ashland  Coal was engaged in the mining,  processing
and  marketing of low-sulfur  bituminous  coal  primarily in the eastern  United
States, and Ashland Inc. ("Ashland") owned stock 


                                       9
<PAGE>

representing  approximately  57% of the voting  power of Ashland Coal and 50% of
the voting power of the Company. Ashland currently owns approximately 55% of the
Company's outstanding common stock.

Results of Operations

Results of  operations  for the 1997 second  quarter and six month  period ended
June 30, 1997 did not include  results of  operations  of Ashland  Coal or those
attributable to ARCO's U.S. coal operations.  Results of operations for the 1998
second  quarter  and six month  period  ended June 30, 1998  include  results of
operations  of Ashland  Coal for the  entirety  of each  period  and  results of
operations  attributable to ARCO's U.S. coal operations commencing June 1, 1998.
Accordingly, the Company's results of operations for the second quarters and six
month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 are not directly comparable.

Quarter Ended June 30, 1998, Compared
  to Quarter Ended June 30, 1997

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, was $13.5  million,  compared to
$11.7 million for the quarter  ended June 30, 1997.  The results for the current
quarter of 1998 were impacted by the previously announced expiration of the high
margin  contract  with Georgia Power at the end of 1997 and the depletion of the
longwall  reserves at the Company's Mine No. 37 in eastern Kentucky in September
1997. The current quarter's results were also adversely  affected by the January
closing of Mine No. 37 which had an operating loss of approximately $1.4 million
during the quarter.  The Company decided to close the mine primarily due to poor
geologic conditions.  In addition, the current quarter's results were negatively
affected  by  reduced  shipments  on  a  high  margin  contract  and  production
shortfalls at the Hobet 21 Mine in West Virginia.  The reduced  shipments on the
high  margin  contract  occurred  upon  the  previously  announced  change  of a
customer's plant from a baseload to a peak demand plant. This adversely affected
net income by approximately $1.0 million for the quarter. Offsetting these items
during the quarter were a continued  strong  performance at the Company's  Mingo
Logan mining complex  (where a longwall mine  accomplished  record  production),
pre-tax  gains of $2.0  million  on sales of surplus  land,  and  settlement  of
litigation as a result of which Arch Coal realized a $2.4 million pre-tax gain.

Other  items  affecting  the June  30,  1997  quarter  included  a $4.2  million
favorable  adjustment  to  workers'  compensation  reserves  due to better  than
anticipated safety performance,  offset by non-recurring charges of $1.5 million
associated with the impoundment discharge at Lone Mountain which occurred in the
fourth  quarter  of 1996,  and $1.5  million  for the  settlement  of the  Trail
Mountain lawsuit.

Gross profit on coal sales (selling price less cost of sales) on a per ton basis
decreased $.70 from the second  quarter of 1997.  The average  selling price and
cost of sales per ton decreased by $4.79 and $4.09 per ton,  respectively,  from
the second  quarter of 1997.  The price and cost of sales per ton  decreases are
primarily  attributable  to the  inclusion  of one  month of the  acquired  ARCO
operations in the 1998 period. Western coal has a lower sales price than eastern
coal and western coal  operations  have a lower cost structure than eastern coal
operations.  Other  factors  affecting  the  per  ton  information  include  the
expiration of the Georgia Power contract, the closing of Mine No. 37 referred to
above, a $4.2 million favorable adjustment to workers' compensation of which $.7
million  affected  selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  and the 1997
completion  of  amortization  of  a  1993   unrecognized  net  gain  related  to
pneumoconiosis (black lung) liabilities.

As a  result  of  certain  super-majority  voting  rights,  Arch  Western's  65%
ownership of Canyon Fuel is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Income  from equity  investment  represents  Arch  Coal's  share (65%) of Canyon
Fuel's net income since the date of acquisition (June 1, 1998).


                                       10
<PAGE>

Other  revenues were $3.1 million  higher in the second quarter of 1998 than the
same period in 1997, primarily as a result of the $2.0 million pre-tax gain from
the sale of surplus land.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased $5.9 million from the
comparable  period in 1997  primarily  due to the  effects of the  Ashland  Coal
merger,  the Arch  Western  transaction  and a favorable  workers'  compensation
adjustment of $.7 million during the second quarter of 1997 described above.

Amortization of coal supply  agreements  increased $5.2 million from the quarter
ended June 30, 1997. This increase was  attributable to the  amortization of the
carrying value of sales  contracts  acquired in the Ashland Coal merger and Arch
Western transaction.

Other expenses  decreased  $1.9 million from the comparable  period in the prior
year  primarily as a result of the  settlement  of litigation in which Arch Coal
realized a $2.4 million gain, and the $1.5 million final settlement of the Trail
Mountain lawsuit during the second quarter of 1997. These factors were offset by
higher expenses at the Company's Ark Land  subsidiary.  These expenses rose as a
result of the Ashland Coal merger and the Arch Western transaction.

Second quarter  interest expense was $7.1 million higher than the second quarter
1997. The increase is  attributable  to the debt incurred in connection with the
Arch Western transaction effective June 1, 1998.

The estimated annual effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 1998 is
approximately 1% higher than the second quarter of 1997. Changes in estimates of
annual  profitability and percentage depletion are generally the primary factors
affecting the Company's effective income tax rate.

During the second quarter,  Arch Coal incurred an  extraordinary  charge of $1.5
million net of a tax benefit of $.9 million related to the early  extinguishment
of debt in connection with the Arch Western transaction.

EBITDA  (income  from  operations  before the  effect of  changes in  accounting
principles  and  extraordinary  items,  net  interest  expense,   income  taxes,
depreciation,  depletion and  amortization  for Arch Coal, its  subsidiaries and
equity  investments)  was $77.6  million  for the  quarter  ended June 30,  1998
compared  to $45.9  million  for the same  quarter a year ago.  The  increase in
EBITDA is primarily  attributable to the additional sales that resulted from the
Ashland  Coal  merger  and the  Arch  Western  transaction.  EBITDA  is a widely
accepted  financial  indicator of a company's ability to incur and service debt,
but EBITDA  should not be considered  in isolation or as an  alternative  to net
income,  operating income,  or cash flows from operations,  or as a measure of a
company's  profitability,  liquidity or  performance  under  generally  accepted
accounting principles.  The Company's method of computing EBITDA also may not be
the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies, or
may be computed  differently by the Company in different contexts (i.e.,  public
reporting versus computations under financing agreements).




                                       11
<PAGE>


Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared
  to Six Months Ended June 30, 1997

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 1998, was $29.3  million,  compared
to $22.2  million for the six months  ended June 30,  1997.  The results for the
first six months of 1998 were impacted by the previously announced expiration of
the high margin contract with Georgia Power at the end of 1997 and the depletion
of the longwall  reserves at the  Company's  Mine No. 37 in eastern  Kentucky in
September 1997. The most recent six months' results were also adversely affected
by the  January  closing  of  Mine  No.  37  which  had  an  operating  loss  of
approximately  $6.7  million  during the first six months of 1998.  The  Company
decided  to  close  the  mine  primarily  due to poor  geologic  conditions.  In
addition,  the results were negatively  affected by reduced  shipments on a high
margin  contract,  production  shortfalls at the Hobet 21 Mine in West Virginia,
and by severe snow storms in West Virginia during the first quarter. The reduced
shipments on the high margin  contract  occurred upon the  previously  announced
change of a  customer's  plant  from a baseload  to a peak  demand  plant.  This
adversely  affected net income by approximately  $2.0 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1998.  Offsetting these items was a continued strong  performance
at the Company's Mingo Logan mining complex (where a longwall mine  accomplished
record  production),  by pre-tax  gains of $9.9 million on sales of surplus land
during the period, and by the settlement of litigation as a result of which Arch
Coal realized a $2.4 million pre-tax gain.

Other items  occurring in the first six months of 1997  affecting the comparison
with the first six months of 1998,  include a $4.2 million favorable  adjustment
to  workers'  compensation  reserves  due  to  better  than  anticipated  safety
performance and a $3.3 million  decrease in the accrual for reclamation and mine
closure at its Illinois operations due to a change in permit requirements. These
items were offset by non-recurring  charges of $4.6 million  associated with the
impoundment  discharge at Lone Mountain  which occurred in the fourth quarter of
1996, and $1.5 million for the settlement of the Trail Mountain lawsuit.

Gross profit on coal sales (selling price less cost of sales) on a per ton basis
decreased $.58 from the first six months of 1997. The average  selling price and
cost of sales per ton decreased by $2.95 and $2.37 per ton,  respectively,  from
the first six months of 1997.  The price and cost of sales per ton decreases are
primarily  attributable  to the  inclusion  of one  month of the  acquired  ARCO
operations in the 1998 period. Western coal has a lower sales price than eastern
coal and western coal  operations  have a lower cost structure than eastern coal
operations.  Other  factors  affecting  the  per  ton  information  include  the
expiration of the Georgia Power  contract,  the closing of Mine No. 37, referred
to above, a $4.2 million favorable adjustment to workers'  compensation of which
$.7 million affected selling,  general and administrative  expenses and the 1997
completion  of  amortization  on  a  1993   unrecognized  net  gain  related  to
pneumoconiosis (black lung) liabilities.

As a  result  of  certain  super-majority  voting  rights,  Arch  Western's  65%
ownership of Canyon Fuel is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Income  from equity  investments  represents  Arch Coal's  share (65%) of Canyon
Fuel's net income since the date of acquisition, June 1, 1998.

Other  revenues were $10.8  million  higher in the first six months of 1998 than
the same period in 1997,  primarily as a result of the $9.9 million pre-tax gain
from the sale of surplus land.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased $8.5 million from the
comparable  period in 1997,  primarily  due to the effects of the  Ashland  Coal
merger,  the Arch  Western  transaction  and a favorable  workers'  compensation
adjustment of $.7 million during the second quarter of 1997 described above.


                                       12
<PAGE>

Amortization  of coal supply  agreements  increased  $9.5  million  from the six
months ended June 30, 1997. This increase was  attributable to the  amortization
of the carrying value of the sales contracts acquired in the Ashland Coal merger
and Arch Western transaction.

Other  expenses  decreased  $.2  million  from  the  comparable  period  in 1997
primarily  as a result  of the  settlement  of  litigation  in which  Arch  Coal
realized a $2.4 million gain and the $1.5 million final  settlement of the Trail
Mountain  lawsuit during the second quarter of 1997. This decrease was offset by
higher expenses at the Company's Ark Land  subsidiary.  These expenses rose as a
result of the Ashland Coal merger and the Arch Western transaction

Interest  expense for the first six months of 1998 was $7.4 million  higher than
the same period in 1997.  The increase is  attributable  to the debt incurred in
connection with the Arch Western transaction effective June 1, 1998.

The estimated  annual effective income tax rate for the first six months of 1998
is approximately 2% lower than the same period in 1997.  Changes in estimates of
annual  profitability and percentage depletion are generally the primary factors
affecting the Company's effective income tax rate.

During the first six months of 1998, Arch Coal incurred an extraordinary  charge
of $1.5  million  net of a tax  benefit  of $.9  million  related  to the  early
extinguishment of debt in conjunction with the Arch Western transaction.

EBITDA  (income  from  operations  before the  effect of  changes in  accounting
principles  and  extraordinary  items,  net  interest  expense,   income  taxes,
depreciation,  depletion and  amortization  for Arch Coal, its  subsidiaries and
equity  investments)  was $138.9  million for the six months ended June 30, 1998
compared to $90.5 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in EBITDA
is primarily attributable to the additional sales that resulted from the Ashland
Coal merger and the Arch Western transaction.

Outlook

With the  acquisition  of  ARCO's  U.S.  coal  operations,  Arch Coal is now the
nation's  second  largest coal  producer with annual sales of nearly 110 million
tons, or roughly 10% of the nation's  total annual coal sales.  In 1997,  ARCO's
U.S.  coal  operations,  including  its 65% interest in Canyon  Fuel,  generated
revenues of $537 million and  after-tax  operating  income of $51 million on the
sale of 53.2 million tons of low-sulfur coal. On a pro forma basis, after giving
effect to the Arch Western  transaction  as of January 1, 1997,  Arch Coal would
have had total 1997  revenues of  approximately  $1.8  billion,  total assets at
December 31, 1997 of $2.8 billion and debt at December 31, 1997 of approximately
$1.4 billion.  Arch Western's  domestic measured and indicated coal reserves are
currently  estimated  to be  approximately  1.3 billion tons which when added to
Arch Coal's existing  reserve base gives the Company  approximately  3.4 billion
tons of  measured  and  indicated  coal  reserves.  The  Company  believes  this
acquisition places Arch Coal in a strategic position to serve the changing needs
of Arch Coal's  primary  customers - the nation's  electric  utilities - as they
prepare for more  stringent  clean air  requirements  and a  deregulated  market
place.

All of the  domestic  coal  reserves  acquired  from ARCO are  compliance  coal,
meaning that it meets the sulfur dioxide  emissions  requirements of Phase II of
the Clean Air Act. Arch Western's  Thunder Basin  subsidiary  operates the Black
Thunder and Coal Creek mines in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. Black Thunder
is one of the nation's  largest coal mines with 1997  production of 37.7 million
tons of low-sulfur compliance coal. Coal Creek produced 2.9 million tons of coal
in 1997. Arch Western's  Mountain Coal subsidiary  operates the West Elk Mine in
Colorado.  With 1997  production  of 5.6 million tons of  low-sulfur  


                                       13
<PAGE>

compliance  coal, West Elk is a highly  productive  longwall mine.  During 1997,
Canyon Fuel produced  10.6 million tons of  low-sulfur  coal from three mines in
Utah.

With  respect  to other  Arch  Western  operations,  management  has  decided to
substantially  scale back coal mining  operations  during 1998 at the Seminoe II
and Medicine Bow mines in Wyoming as a result of oversupply  of competing  coals
in this market. In addition,  the Hobet 07 Complex in West Virginia and the Arch
of Illinois  surface mine were closed due to the  depletion of their  economical
dedicated reserves. Production losses as a result of mine closures,  scaled-back
production  and  depletion  are expected to be offset by  production  from Mingo
Logan's new surface mine in the Phoenix reserves,  which commenced production in
the second quarter of 1998.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The  following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated
types of activities during the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997:


                                                  1998          1997
                                                 ------        ------
      Cash provided by (used in):                   (In thousands)
         Operating activities               $    87,912       $ 75,031
         Investing activities                (1,139,664)       (37,410)
         Financing activities                 1,069,093        (35,015)

Cash provided by operating  activities increased in the first six months of 1998
from the level in the same period of 1997,  due  primarily  to the Ashland  Coal
merger and the Arch Western transaction.

The increase in cash used for  investing  activities  in the first six months of
1998  primarily  resulted  from the payment of $1.1  billion in cash in the Arch
Western  transaction.  In addition,  the Company had higher capital expenditures
associated with the start up of a new surface mine in the Phoenix reserves and a
$16 million annual royalty payment on a lease acquired in 1992.

Cash provided by financing activities reflects an increase in borrowings of $1.1
billion  associated  with the Arch Western  transaction  net of associated  debt
repayment.  Arch Coal repaid  approximately  $35.7  million of senior notes as a
result of refinancing its debt for the Arch Western transaction.  The previously
announced January 1998 sale and leaseback of equipment  resulted in net proceeds
of $45.4 million.

The Company's  capital  expenditures  in the six months ended June 30, 1998 were
$40.0 million.  Approximately  $3.9 million of these  expenditures were to add a
third section to the Darby Fork mine. Equipment upgrades at the Conant mine, the
Hobet 21 mine Beth Station  preparation plant, and the Mingo Logan longwall mine
accounted  for $2.8  million,  $2.0  million,  and $3.9  million,  respectively.
Equipment   purchased  to  start  up  the  new  Phoenix   surface  mine  totaled
approximately  $6.8 million during the period. The Company estimates that during
the remainder of 1998,  capital  expenditures will be approximately $60 million,
assuming no acquisition of coal properties.

A significant  portion of the Company's  indebtedness bears interest at variable
rates that are linked to short-term  interest rates. If interest rates rise, the
Company's costs relative to those obligations would also rise.

Terms of the Company's credit  facilities and leases contain financial and other
restrictive  covenants  that limit the ability of the  Company  to,  among other
things, pay dividends, effect acquisitions or dispositions and borrow additional
funds,  and  require  the  Company to,  among  other  things,  maintain  various
financial 


                                       14
<PAGE>

ratios and comply with various other financial covenants. Failure by the Company
to comply with such covenants  could result in an event of default which, if not
cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

In connection  with the Arch Western  transaction,  Arch Coal retired its senior
notes of $35.7  million and paid off  amounts  borrowed  under the $500  million
credit  facility and entered into three new five-year  credit  facilities with a
group of banks. As a result,  the Company  incurred an  extraordinary  charge of
$1.5 million net of tax for the early  retirement of debt.  The rate of interest
on the borrowings under the agreements is, at the Company's option, the PNC Bank
base rate or a rate based on LIBOR.

The Company  periodically  establishes  uncommitted  lines of credit with banks.
These agreements generally provide for short-term borrowings at market rates. At
June 30, 1998,  there were $20 million of such agreements and borrowings of $3.2
million outstanding under these agreements.

The Company's ability to satisfy its debt service and lease payment  obligations
will depend upon the future  operating  performance of its  subsidiaries,  which
will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the markets they serve and
financial,  business  and  other  factors,  certain  of which are  beyond  their
control. Based upon current levels of operations, the Company believes that cash
flow from  operations and available  cash,  together with  available  borrowings
under the Company's  credit  facilities,  will be adequate to meet the Company's
future liquidity needs for at least the next several years.  However,  there can
be no assurance that the Company's  business will generate  sufficient cash flow
from  operations  or that  future  borrowings  will be  available  in an  amount
sufficient  to enable the  Company to fund its debt  service  and lease  payment
obligations or its other liquidity needs.

Contingencies

Reclamation

The Federal  Surface  Mining Control and  Reclamation  Act of 1977 ("SMCRA") and
similar state statutes require that mine property be restored in accordance with
specified  standards and an approved  reclamation  plan. The Company accrues for
the costs of final mine closure  reclamation  over the  estimated  useful mining
life of the  property.  These  costs  relate to  reclaiming  the pit and support
acreage at surface mines and sealing portals at deep mines. Other costs of final
mine closure common to both types of mining are related to reclaiming refuse and
slurry  ponds.  The Company also  accrues for  significant  reclamation  that is
completed   during  the  mining  process  prior  to  final  mine  closure.   The
establishment  of the final mine  closure  reclamation  liability  and the other
ongoing  reclamation  liability is based upon permit  requirements  and requires
various  estimates  and  assumptions,  principally  associated  with  costs  and
productivities.

The  Company  reviews  its entire  environmental  liability  annually  and makes
necessary  adjustments,  including  permit  changes and  revisions  to costs and
productivities to reflect current  experience.  These recosting  adjustments are
recorded to cost of coal sales.  No adjustments  were recorded in the six months
ended June 30, 1998. A favorable  adjustment of $3.3 million was recorded in the
first six months of 1997 at the Company's  Illinois operation due to a change in
permit  requirements.  The Company's  management  believes it is making adequate
provisions for all expected reclamation and other associated costs.




                                       15
<PAGE>

Legal Contingencies

The Company is a party to numerous  claims and lawsuits  with respect to various
matters, including those discussed below. The Company provides for costs related
to contingencies,  including  environmental matters, when a loss is probable and
the amount is reasonably  determinable.  The Company  estimates that at June 30,
1998 its  probable  aggregate  loss as a result of such  claims is $4.8  million
(included in Other Noncurrent  Liabilities) and believes that probable insurance
recoveries  of $.7 million  (included in Other  Assets)  related to these claims
will be realized.  The Company estimates that its reasonably  possible aggregate
losses from all material  currently  pending  litigation could be as much as $.5
million  (before  taxes) in excess of the probable loss  previously  recognized.
After conferring with counsel, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate
resolution of these claims, to the extent not previously  provided for, will not
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated  financial position,  results
of operations, or liquidity of the Company.

Disputes exist with customers under two  above-market,  large volume,  long-term
Coal  Supply  Agreements  acquired  in  the  acquisition  of  ARCO's  U.S.  coal
operations. The customer under one contract being supplied by Canyon Fuel claims
that a gross inequity exists under the contract  because the price at which coal
is being sold under the  contract  significantly  exceeds  the market  price for
similar quality coal. The customer under another  contract,  supplied by Thunder
Basin,  principally  alleges it is entitled  to relief  because the price of the
coal being sold under the contract was intended to track the  producer's  actual
cost rather than being  determined by reference to the specific price adjustment
provisions set forth in the contract.

Another  customer of the Company has  informed the Company that one of its power
plants will no longer provide baseload  capacity to a public utility and instead
will be used to provide  peak demand only.  As a result,  the plant will require
substantially less coal under the customer's existing above-market contract with
the Company.  The Company filed a civil action in Federal  District court in the
Southern  District of West Virginia alleging breach of contract and other causes
of action  against the customer in respect of the  customer's  failure to comply
with the  terms of this  contract.  On July 17,  1998,  the  court  granted  the
customer's  motion to stay the lawsuit  pending  arbitration.  In addition,  the
Company and the  customer  continue to explore a  commercial  resolution  of the
underlying  dispute.  As of June 30, 1998,  the carrying  amount of  acquisition
costs allocated to this coal supply contract is approximately $15.4 million. The
Company's  current  estimates of  undiscounted  cash flows indicate the carrying
amount of this asset is expected to be recovered.

On October 24, 1996, the rock strata  overlaying an old,  abandoned  underground
mine adjacent to the coal-refuse  impoundment used by an Arch Coal  subsidiary's
preparation plant failed,  resulting in an accidental discharge of approximately
6.3 million gallons of water and fine coal slurry into a tributary of the Powell
River in Lee County,  Virginia.  Certain civil actions  regarding  this incident
were  resolved  in 1997.  At the  request of the U.S.  Environmental  Protection
Agency and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,  the United States Attorney for the
Western  District of Virginia  has opened a criminal  investigation  of the 1996
incident. Arch Coal is cooperating with the investigation,  the results of which
are not expected until sometime later this year.

On July 16, 1998, 10  individuals  and The West Virginia  Highlands  Conservancy
filed  suit in U. S.  District  Court  in  Charleston,  West  Virginia  alleging
violations  of SMCRA and the federal  Clean Water Act.  The director of the West
Virginia Division of Environmental  Protection ("DEP") and officials of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers  (the "Corps") are named as defendants in the suit.  The
complaint alleges that the DEP has violated its duties under SMCRA and the Clean
Water Act by approving surface mining permits that authorize the construction of
"valley fills", the large, engineered works into which 


                                       16
<PAGE>

the excess  earth and rock  extracted  during  surface  mining is placed.  DEP's
approval  of such  permits is alleged to "result in  unpermitted  discharges  of
pollutants  into state  waters,  violations  of state water  quality  standards,
disturbance to the 100-foot  buffer zone around  streams,  [and]  destruction to
riparian  vegetation."  The  complaint  also  alleges that the DEP has failed to
require that lands mined be restored to "Approximate  Original Contour" and that
approved post-mining land uses be enforced following reclamation.

The complaint also alleges that the Corps has  unlawfully  failed to require the
preparation of  environmental  impact  statements prior to issuing a Clean Water
Act permits  for valley  fills,  that the Corps does not  possess the  statutory
authority to permit  valley fills under the Clean Water Act, and that even if it
does possess the authority to permit such fills,  the  regulatory  structure the
Corps has utilized since 1988 is inappropriate for this purpose. Declaratory and
injunctive  relief  is  sought  against  the DEP and the  Corps  on all of these
counts,  and specifically  seeks to enjoin the Corps, "from granting any permits
under ss.404 of the Clean Water Act for any valley fills."

Four indirect,  wholly-owned  subsidiaries of the Company currently hold a total
of nine  permits that are  identified  in the  complaint as violating  the legal
standards that the plaintiffs have requested the district court to interpret. In
addition,  a pending permit  application for the Company's  Dal-Tex operation is
specifically  identified as a permit whose  issuance  should be enjoined.  Three
subsidiaries  of the Company  intervened  in the lawsuit in support of the Corps
and the DEP on August 6, 1998. The Company will seek dismissal of several of the
claims on  procedural  grounds  and  vigorously  oppose  the  remaining  claims.
Modification  of existing or pending permits to restrict the use of valley fills
would have an  adverse  effect on the  affected  subsidiaries  and the  Company.
Depending  upon the  nature  of such  restrictions,  the  adverse  effect on the
affected  subsidiaries and the Company could be material.  Elimination of valley
fills altogether as an engineering  alternative for disposal of soil and rock in
large scale surface  mining would have a material  adverse effect on the results
of operations of the affected subsidiaries and the Company.

In a related matter, on August 4, 1998, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
("EPA") filed specific objections to the surface mining application filed by the
Company's Dal-Tex operation  mentioned above. Under the system of permitting for
a large surface coal mine, the DEP is responsible for issuing the surface mining
permit  which  includes  as  a  component  the  National   Pollutant   Discharge
Elimination  System  ("NPDES")  permit.  The  NPDES  program,  which the EPA has
delegated to the DEP pursuant to the Clean Water Act,  covers all  discharges of
water from  sedimentation  ponds  constructed at the mine as well as other water
treatment  which may arise in the  course of coal  mining.  Notwithstanding  the
delegation  of this  authority  to the  DEP,  EPA  retains  the  right  to issue
objections to a draft NPDES permit which the state has proposed.

The Company has provided EPA with substantial information regarding the proposed
mining  operation  described in the Dal-Tex surface mining  application,  and it
will  continue  to  cooperate  with EPA in an effort to secure  issuance  of the
permit on a timely  basis.  There can be no  assurance,  however,  that EPA will
withdraw  it  objections  to the  NPDES  permit  or that the DEP will  issue the
surface  mining  permit,  or if  issued,  that  such  issuance  will be  timely.
Substantial  delay or failure to issue the permit,  or the  issuance of an NPDES
permit which restricts the use of valley fills,  would have an adverse effect on
the Dal-Tex  operations and the Company's results of operations.  Depending upon
the nature of any  restrictions  imposed on the use of valley  fills by EPA, the
adverse effect could be material.

Canyon Fuel is in litigation with the Skyline  Partners,  the lessor of the coal
reserves which  comprise  Canyon Fuel's Skyline Mine. The coal lease in question
was entered into between the Coastal Coal 

                                       17
<PAGE>

Corporation,  Canyon Fuel's  predecessor in interest,  and the Skyline Partners.
The coal lease  requires  the  lessee,  Canyon  Fuel,  to pay an annual  advance
minimum  royalty of $5 million.  The last annual advance minimum royalty payment
was to be paid in September,  1997. The lease also includes a production royalty
that is to be paid on each ton of coal  mined and sold from the  leasehold.  The
lease  further  provides  that the advance  minimum  royalty  payments are fully
recoupable by Canyon Fuel.

In 1997,  Canyon Fuel  conducted a study to determine the amount of  recoverable
tons remaining under the lease. The study concluded that a number of recoverable
tons which  remain are  insufficient  to allow  Canyon Fuel to fully  recoup the
total amount of advance  royalties that have been paid to the Skyline  Partners.
In  November,  1997,  Canyon  Fuel filed suit in Utah State  Court  against  the
Skyline  Partners  seeking  a ruling  from the  court  that  Canyon  Fuel is not
required to make the final minimum advance royalty payment of $5 million. In the
suit, Canyon Fuel also seeks a refund from the Skyline Partners of $2.1 million,
which Canyon Fuel contends is the amount of advance  minimum  royalties  paid to
the Skyline  Partners that Canyon Fuel will not be able to recoup based upon the
estimated number of recoverable tons under the lease.

In  November,  1997,  the Skyline  Partners  filed a  companion  case in federal
district court in Colorado,  in which it seeks an order requiring Canyon Fuel to
pay the last $5 million  advance  minimum  royalty  payment,  and seeks an order
declaring  Canyon  Fuel in default  under the lease.  To date,  these cases have
principally involved procedural disputes concerning proper venue for the case.

Certain Risk Factors

Credit risk - The Company markets its coal principally to electric  utilities in
the United States. As a group,  electric  utilities  generally are stable,  well
capitalized entities with favorable credit ratings.  Credit is extended based on
an evaluation  of each  customers  financial  condition,  and  collateral is not
generally required. Historically, the Company's credit losses have been minimal.

Price  risk - Selling  prices  for the  Company's  products  are  determined  by
long-term contracts and the spot market. Selling prices in many of the Company's
long-term  contracts are subject to adjustment,  including for changes in market
conditions. Falling market prices raise the risk of price redeterminations under
these contracts.  Spot prices fluctuate  primarily  because of changes in demand
for and supply of coal. Demand for coal in the short term is primarily driven by
changes  in demand  for  electricity  in the  areas  serviced  by the  utilities
purchasing  the Company's  coal.  Demand for  electricity in turn depends on the
level of economic  activity  and other  factors  such as  prolonged  temperature
extremes.  The  supply of coal in the spot  market  has  historically  been most
affected  by  excess   productive   capacity  in  the  industry  and  short-term
disruptions,  sometimes labor-related.  The coal industry is highly competitive,
and Arch Coal competes with a large number of other coal producers. Factors such
as the availability of sulfur dioxide  emissions  allowances  issued by the EPA,
utility  deregulation,  and the prospect of Clean Air Act Phase II  requirements
have  had,  or  are  expected  to  have,  the  effect  of  further  intensifying
competition  among producers.  Some competing  producers,  because of geological
conditions,  local labor costs, or access to inexpensive  transportation  modes,
are able to produce and deliver  coal into some markets at a lower cost than the
Company.  These  competitive  factors have an impact on the Company's results of
operations.

Arch Coals' operating  subsidiaries purchase substantial amounts of power, fuel,
and  supplies,  generally  under  purchase  orders at current  market  prices or
purchase agreements of relatively short duration.

The Company's Apogee Coal Company  ("Apogee") and Hobet Mining,  Inc.  ("Hobet")
subsidiaries are covered by the National  Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement of 1998
("Wage  Agreement"),  which  provides  for  certain  wage  rates  and  benefits.
Employees of two other operating  subsidiaries  are covered by other  

                                       18
<PAGE>

collective  bargaining  organizations,  and  employees  at the  Company's  other
operating  subsidiaries  are not covered by a union contract but are compensated
at rates  representative  of  prevailing  wage  rates in the local  area.  Among
factors  influencing  such wage  rates are the wage  rates  paid  under the Wage
Agreement.

Although the Company cannot predict  changes in its costs of production and coal
prices  with  certainty,  Arch  Coal  believes  that  in  the  current  economic
environment of low to moderate inflation, the price adjustment provisions in its
older long-term  contracts will largely offset changes in the costs of providing
coal  under  those  contracts,  except  for those  costs  related  to changes in
productivity. However, the increasingly shorter terms of sales contracts and the
consequent  absence of price  adjustment  provisions  in such shorter  long-term
contracts  also make it more likely that  increases  in mining  costs during the
contract  term  will not be  recovered  by the  Company  through  a later  price
adjustment.  Further,  because  levels of general  price  inflation  are closely
linked to levels of economic  activity,  it is expected that changes in costs of
producing coal for the spot market may be offset in part by changes in spot coal
prices.  The Company  attempts to limit exposure to depressed spot market prices
which result from industry  overcapacity  by entering into long-term coal supply
agreements, which ordinarily provide for prices in excess of spot market prices.
In the event of a  disruption  of supply,  the Company  could,  depending on the
level of its sales commitments, benefit from higher spot prices if its own mines
were not affected by the disruption.

Interest rate risk - Arch Coal has significant  debt which is linked to variable
interest  rates.  If interest  rates rise,  Arch Coal's costs  relative to those
obligations would also rise. Because an increase in interest rates is usually an
outgrowth of a higher level of economic activity and because increased  economic
activity would likely lead to a higher demand for electricity  and  consequently
to higher spot prices for coal, Arch Coal believes that the negative  effects of
higher  interest  rates  on Arch  Coal's  earnings  could be  partially  offset,
depending  on the level of its sales  commitments  at the time,  by higher  spot
prices.

The Company  enters into  interest-rate  swap  agreements to modify the interest
characteristics of outstanding Arch Coal debt. At June 30, 1998, the Company had
two interest-rate  swap agreements having a total notional value of $50 million.
These  agreements were used to convert  variable-rate  debt to fixed-rate  debt.
Under these agreements, the Company pays a weighted average fixed rate of 6.005%
and is receiving a weighted  average  variable rate based upon 30-day LIBOR. The
remaining  life on the swaps at June 30,  1998,  was  approximately  52  months.
Subsequent  to  June  30,  1998,   Arch  Western   Resources   entered  into  an
interest-rate  swap  agreement for a period of six years having a total notional
value of $100 million.  The agreement was used to convert  variable-rate debt to
fixed rate debt.  The Company  will pay a fixed rate of 5.81% and is receiving a
weighted average variable rate based on 30 day LIBOR.

Impact of Year 2000

At the time of the merger of Ashland  Coal into the Company and the Arch Western
transaction,  the entities  utilized  different  computer  systems.  In order to
standardize key financial,  informational and operational  computer systems, the
Company is  currently  in the  process of  replacing  its key  systems.  The new
systems,  including associated software, will be Year 2000 compliant. The system
replacement  project  is  estimated  to be  completed  not later  than the third
quarter of 1999,  which is prior to any  anticipated  impact of year 2000 on the
Company's  operating  systems.  The Company believes that with  modifications to
existing software and conversions to new software,  the Year 2000 issue will not
pose significant operational problems for its computer systems. However, if such
modifications  and  conversions  at the Company's  principal  operations are not
made, or are not completed on a timely basis, the current system's  inability to
properly  process  year 2000 data could have a  material  adverse  effect on the
operations of the Company.

The  cost  of  implementing  these  new  systems is  estimated at  approximately
$7 million,  which includes the purchase of new software and consulting services
used to implement this software. The majority of such


                                       19
<PAGE>

costs  will be  capitalized.  As of June 30,  1998,  the  Company  has  incurred
approximately  $3.4  million in  software  and  consulting  costs.  The  Company
believes  that the total costs  associated  with  replacing  and  modifying  its
current  systems  will not have a  material  adverse  effect on its  results  of
operations.  Additional  systematic  efforts  are  being  made to  identify  and
evaluate Year 2000 risks with respect to the Company's vendors,  suppliers,  and
other entities with which it exchanges electronic information,  and evaluate the
need for procedures to eliminate such risk at a reasonable cost.

The costs of the  project  and the date on which the  Company  believes  it will
complete the Year 2000  modifications  are based on management's best estimates,
which were derived utilizing  numerous  assumptions of future events,  including
the continued  availability  of certain  resources and other  factors.  However,
there can be no guarantee  that these  estimates  will be  achieved,  and actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated.

Factors Routinely Affecting Results of Operations

The  Company  sells a  substantial  portion of its coal  production  pursuant to
long-term  coal  supply   agreements,   and  as  a  consequence  may  experience
fluctuations in operating results in the future, both on an annual and quarterly
basis,   as  a  result  of  expiration  or   termination   of,  or  sales  price
redeterminations   or  suspensions  of  deliveries   under,   such  coal  supply
agreements.  Other short and long-term contracts define base or optional tonnage
requirements  by reference to the customers  requirements,  which are subject to
change as a result of factors beyond the Company's (and in certain instances the
customers')  control,   including  utility  deregulation.   In  addition,  price
adjustment  provisions  permit a periodic  increase or decrease in the  contract
price to  reflect  increases  and  decreases  in  production  costs,  changes in
specified  price  indices or items such as taxes or  royalties.  Price  reopener
provisions  provide for an upward or downward  adjustment in the contract  price
based on market  factors,  and from time to time the  Company  has  renegotiated
contracts  after  execution to extend  contract term or to accommodate  changing
market  conditions.  The contracts also typically  include stringent minimum and
maximum coal quality  specifications  and penalty or termination  provisions for
failure  to  meet  such   specifications,   force  majeure  provisions  allowing
suspension of  performance  or termination by the parties during the duration of
certain  events  beyond the  control of the  affected  party,  and  occasionally
include  provisions that permit the utility to terminate the contract if changes
in the law  make it  illegal  or  uneconomic  for the  utility  to  consume  the
Company's  coal or if the utility has unexpected  difficulties  in utilizing the
Company's coal.  Imposition of new nitrous oxide emissions  limits in connection
with Phase II of the Clean Air Act in 2000 could result in price adjustments, or
in affected  utilities  seeking to  terminate or modify  long-term  contracts in
reliance  on  such  termination  provisions.  If the  parties  to any  long-term
contracts with the Company were to modify, suspend or terminate those contracts,
the Company could be adversely  affected to the extent that it is unable to find
alternative customers at the same or better level of profitability.

From time to time,  disputes with customers may arise under long-term  contracts
relating to, among other things, coal quality, pricing and quantity. The Company
may thus become  involved in  arbitration  and legal  proceedings  regarding its
long-term contracts.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
resolve such disputes in a satisfactory manner.

The Company's  customers  frequently  combine various qualities of coal, nuclear
power, natural gas and other energy sources in their generating operations, and,
accordingly,  their demand for coal of the kind  produced by the Company  varies
depending on price and transportation, regulatory, and other factors.

The Company's coal  production and sales are subject to a variety of regulatory,
operational,   geologic,   transportation,   and  weather-related  factors  that
routinely cause production to fluctuate.


                                       20
<PAGE>

Coal  mining is  subject  to strict  regulation  by  federal,  state,  and local
authorities.  The scope of the regulation includes  environmental and health and
safety matters, and permits are required to be obtained by mining companies, the
terms of which  permits  strictly  regulate  the  environmental  effects of coal
mining by the permittee.  Numerous  permits are required for mining  operations.
The Company believes all permits  required to conduct present mining  operations
have been obtained.  The Company  believes that, upon the filing of the required
information with the appropriate  regulatory agencies, all permits necessary for
continuing operations will be obtained. Nevertheless, the regulatory authorities
exercise considerable discretion in the timing of permit issuance.  Because both
private  individuals  and the public at large  possess  rights to comment on and
otherwise engage in the permitting  process,  including through  intervention in
the courts, no assurance can be made that all permits will be issued in a timely
manner or that permitting requirements will not be changed in a manner adversely
affecting  the  Company.  See  the  "Legal  Contingencies"   subsection  of  the
"Contingencies"  section of this report at page 16 for a  discussion  of pending
proceedings   that  could   adversely   affect  the  permits  of  the  Company's
subsidiaries.

Operational  factors affecting  production include anticipated and unanticipated
events. For example,  at Mingo Logan's  Mountaineer Mine, the longwall equipment
must be  dismantled  and  moved  to a new  area of the  mine  whenever  the coal
reserves in a segment of the mine, called a panel, are exhausted.  The size of a
panel varies, and therefore, the frequency of moves can also vary. Unanticipated
events,  such as the unavailability of essential  equipment because of breakdown
or unscheduled  maintenance,  could  adversely  affect  production.  Permits are
sometimes  delayed by unanticipated  regulatory  requests or processing  delays.
Timely completion of improvement  projects and equipment  relocation depend to a
large degree on availability of labor and equipment, timely issuance of permits,
and the weather.  Sales can be adversely  affected by fluctuations in production
and  by  transportation   delays  arising  from  equipment   unavailability  and
weather-related events, such as flooding.

Changes in  transportation  rates and service also  significantly  influence the
Company's results.  If lower costs are realized and freight rates are lowered as
a consequence of mergers among railroads,  operational changes or other factors,
the coal of some  producers  could  become less costly on a delivered  basis and
therefore  gain  competitive  advantage over the Company's coal in some markets.
Service disruptions and railcar shortages also may have an adverse effect on the
Company's sales and production.

Geologic  conditions  within  mines are not  uniform.  Overburden  ratios at the
surface mines vary, as do roof and floor conditions, seam thickness and geologic
anomalies in  underground  mines.  These  variations  can be either  positive or
negative for production.

Weather  conditions  can  also  have  a  significant  effect  on  the  Company's
production,  depending  on the  severity  and  duration  of the  condition.  For
example,   extremely  cold  weather  combined  with  substantial  snow  and  ice
accumulations  may  impede  surface  operations   directly  and  all  operations
indirectly  by making it difficult  for workers and  suppliers to reach the mine
sites.

The results of the third quarter of each year are normally adversely affected by
lower  production  and  resultant  higher costs  because of  scheduled  vacation
periods.  In addition,  costs are  typically  somewhat  higher  during  vacation
periods because of maintenance  activity carried on during those periods.  These
adverse  effects on the third quarter may make the third quarter not  comparable
to the other  quarters and not indicative of results to be expected for the full
year.

Apogee and Hobet operations are parties to the Wage Agreement. From time to time
in the past,  strikes and work stoppages have adversely  affected  production at
Apogee's and Hobet's mining  complexes.  Any future strike or work stoppage that
affected these  operations for a prolonged  period could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.


                                       21
<PAGE>

Any  one or a  combination  of  changing  demand;  fluctuating  selling  prices;
contract  terminations;   routine  operational,   geologic,  transportation  and
weather-related  factors;  unexpected regulatory changes; results of litigation;
or labor  disruptions  may occur at times or in a manner that causes current and
projected  results of operations to deviate from  projections and  expectations.
Any  event  disrupting  substantially  all  production  at any of the  Company's
principal mines for a prolonged  period would have a significant  adverse effect
on the  Company's  current and  projected  results of  operations.  Decreases in
production from  anticipated  levels usually lead to increased  mining costs and
decreased net income.










                                       22
<PAGE>


ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The quantitative and qualitative disclosures of market risk under SEC Regulation
S-K, Item 305, will be provided, in accordance with the SEC's requirements,  for
the Company's fiscal years ending after June 15, 1998.  Reference is made to the
second  paragraph  under the Interest  Rate Risk  subsection of the Certain Risk
Factors  discussion of this report for information  about the Company's  current
derivatives positions.  The Company accrues amounts to be paid or received under
its interest  rate swap  agreements  over the lives of the  agreements,  thereby
adjusting the  effective  interest  rate on the  Company's  debt.  The Company's
accounting  policies  with respect to its current  derivatives  positions do not
materially affect the Company's  determination of financial position, cash flows
or results of operations.



                                       23
<PAGE>


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  seventh,  eighth and ninth  paragraphs of the Legal
Contingencies subsection of the Contingencies section of Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report are
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 The information  required under this item with respect to the Company's  Annual
Meeting of  Stockholders  held on April 22, 1998, is  incorporated  by reference
herein from Part II, Item 4, of the Company's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter  ended March 31, 1998,  filed May 15, 1998 with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission.




                                       24
<PAGE>


ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)
     2.1  Purchase and Sale Agreement  dated as of March 22, 1998 among Atlantic
          Richfield Company,  ARCO Uinta Coal Company,  Arch Coal, Inc. and Arch
          Western Acquisition Corporation*  (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15,
          1998, with the SEC (the "8-K)).

     2.2  Contribution  Agreement  among Arch Coal,  Inc.,  Arch  Western,  Arch
          Western  Acquisition  Corporation,  Atlantic Richfield Company,  Delta
          Housing,  Inc., and Arch Western  Resources LLC, dated as of March 22,
          1998* (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the 8-K).

     3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated
          herein by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1 to the  Company's  registration
          statement on Form S-4, registration number 333-28149 (the "S-4")).

     3.2  Restated and  Amended By-Laws  of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated herein
          by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the S-4).

     4.1  Stockholders  Agreement,  dated  as of April 4,  1997,  among  Carboex
          International,   Ltd.,  Ashland  Inc.  and  Arch  Mineral  Corporation
          (incorporated herein as reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the S-4).

     4.2  Registration  Rights Agreement,  dated as of April 4, 1997, among Arch
          Mineral Corporation, Ashland Inc., Carboex International, Ltd. and the
          entities listed on Schedules I and II thereto  (incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the S-4).

     4.3  Agreement  Relating  to  Nonvoting  Observer,  executed as of April 4,
          1997, among Carboex  International,  Ltd., Ashland Inc., Ashland Coal,
          Inc. and Arch Mineral Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).

     4.4  Agreement  for  Termination  of the Arch  Mineral  Corporation  Voting
          Agreement and for Nomination of Directors,  dated as of April 4, 1997,
          among  Hunt  Coal  Corporation,  Petro-Hunt  Corporation,  each of the
          trusts  listed on Schedule I thereto,  Ashland  Inc.  and Arch Mineral
          Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
          4.4 to the S-4).

     4.5  $600,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility,  $300,000,000 Term Loan Credit
          Agreement by and among Arch Coal,  Inc.,  the Lender's  party thereto,
          PNC  Bank,  National  Association,  as  Administrative  Agent,  Morgan
          Guaranty  Trust Company of New York, as Syndication  Agent,  and First
          Union National Bank, as Documentation  Agent, dated as of June 1, 1998
          (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in the 8-K).

     4.6  $675,000,000  Term Loan  Credit  Agreement  by and among Arch  Western
          Resources,   LLC,  the  Bank's  party  thereto,   PNC  Bank,  National
          Association, as Administrative Agent, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
          New York, as Syndication Agent, and NationsBank N.A., as Documentation
          Agent dated as of June 1, 1998  (incorporated  herein by  reference to
          Exhibit 4.2 to the 8-K).

- --------
*  Portions  of  the  exhibit  have  been  omitted  pursuant  to a  request  for
confidential request.

Certain  exhibits and schedules to the Exhibits filed herewith have been omitted
in accordance  with Item 601(b)(2) of the Regulation  S-K. A copy of any omitted
exhibit or schedule will be furnished to the Commission upon request. 

                                       25
<PAGE>

     4.7  Omnibus  Amendment  Agreement  dated as of June 1, 1998 in  respect to
          Arch Coal Trust No. 1998-1,  Parent Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement,
          Lease  Intended  as  Security,   Subsidiary  Guaranty  and  Suretyship
          Agreement,  each dated as of  January  15,  1998,  among  Apogee  Coal
          Company,  Catenary Coal Company.  Hobet Mining, Inc., Arch Coal, Inc.,
          Great-West  Life  &  Annuity  Insurance  Company,  Bank  of  Montreal,
          Barclays Bank,  PLC, First Union National Bank, BA Leasing and Capital
          Corporation,  First Security  Bank,  National  Association,  Arch Coal
          Sales Company,  Inc.,  Ark Land Company,  and Mingo Logan Coal Company
          (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 in the 8-K).

     27   Financial Data Schedule

(b)       Reports on Form 8-K

          Reports  on Form 8-K dated  June 1,  1998  (reporting  closing  of the
          acquisition of ARCO's U.S. coal operations),  June 15, 1998 (reporting
          the  acquisition  of  ARCO's  U.S.  coal  operations),  July 22,  1998
          (reporting that Ashland Inc., pursuant to its exercise of registration
          rights,  will register  approximately  2.1 million  Company shares for
          sale  in  an  underwritten   public  offering)  and  August  12,  1998
          (reporting  that Ashland Inc.  terminated its exercise of registration
          rights with respect to  approximately  2.1 million  Company shares and
          would not offer such shares in an underwritten  public offering) filed
          during the period  covered by this report and up to the date of filing
          of this report.



                                       26
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                        ARCH COAL, INC.
                                        ---------------
                                        (Registrant)


Date: August 14, 1998                   /s/Patrick A. Kriegshauser
                                        --------------------------------------
                                        Patrick A. Kriegshauser
                                        Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
                                        Officer and Treasurer
                                        (Principal Financial Officer)


Date: August 14, 1998                   /s/Jeffry N. Quinn
                                        --------------------------------------
                                        Jeffry N. Quinn
                                        Senior Vice President, General Counsel
                                        and Secretary
                                        (Duly Authorized Officer)



                                       27
<PAGE>


                                 Arch Coal, Inc.
                    Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended June 30, 1998


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


     2.1  Purchase and Sale Agreement  dated as of March 22, 1998 among Atlantic
          Richfield Company,  ARCO Uinta Coal Company,  Arch Coal, Inc. and Arch
          Western Acquisition Corporation*  (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15,
          1998, with the SEC (the "8-K"))

     2.2  Contribution  Agreement  among Arch Coal,  Inc.,  Arch  Western,  Arch
          Western  Acquisition  Corporation,  Atlantic Richfield Company,  Delta
          Housing,  Inc., and Arch Western  Resources LLC, dated as of March 22,
          1998* (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the 8-K).

     3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated
          herein by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1 to the  Company's  registration
          statement on Form S-4, registration number 333-28149 (the "S-4")).

     3.2  Restated and Amended By Laws of Arch  Coal, Inc. (incorporated  herein
          by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the S-4).

     4.1  Stockholders  Agreement,  dated  as of April 4,  1997,  among  Carboex
          International,   Ltd.,  Ashland  Inc.  and  Arch  Mineral  Corporation
          (incorporated herein as reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the S-4).

     4.2  Registration  Rights Agreement,  dated as of April 4, 1997, among Arch
          Mineral Corporation, Ashland Inc., Carboex International, Ltd. and the
          entities listed on Schedules I and II thereto  (incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the S-4).

     4.3  Agreement  Relating  to  Nonvoting  Observer,  executed as of April 4,
          1997, among Carboex  International,  Ltd., Ashland Inc., Ashland Coal,
          Inc. and Arch Mineral Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to
          Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).

     4.4  Agreement  for  Termination  of the Arch  Mineral  Corporation  Voting
          Agreement and for Nomination of Directors,  dated as of April 4, 1997,
          among  Hunt  Coal  Corporation,  Petro-Hunt  Corporation,  each of the
          trusts  listed on Schedule I thereto,  Ashland  Inc.  and Arch Mineral
          Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
          4.4 to the S-4).

     4.5  $600,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility,  $300,000,000 Term Loan Credit
          Agreement by and among Arch Coal,  Inc.,  the Lender's  party thereto,
          PNC  Bank,  National  Association,  as  Administrative  Agent,  Morgan
          Guaranty  Trust Company of New York, as Syndication  Agent,  

- --------
*  Portions  of  the  exhibit  have  been  omitted  pursuant  to a  request  for
confidential request.

Certain  exhibits and schedules to the Exhibits filed herewith have been omitted
in accordance  with Item 601(b)(2) of the Regulation  S-K. A copy of any omitted
exhibit or schedule will be furnished to the Commission upon request.

                                       28
<PAGE>

          and First Union National  Bank, as  Documentation  Agent,  dated as of
          June 1, 1998  (incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in the
          8-K).

     4.6  $675,000,000  Term Loan  Credit  Agreement  by and among Arch  Western
          Resources,   LLC,  the  Bank's  party  thereto,   PNC  Bank,  National
          Association, as Administrative Agent, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
          New York, as Syndication Agent, and NationsBank N.A., as Documentation
          Agent dated as of June 1, 1998  (incorporated  herein by  reference to
          Exhibit 4.2 to the 8-K).

     4.7  Omnibus  Amendment  Agreement  dated as of June 1, 1998 in  respect to
          Arch Coal Trust No. 1998-1,  Parent Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement,
          Lease  Intended  as  Security,   Subsidiary  Guaranty  and  Suretyship
          Agreement,  each dated as of  January  15,  1998,  among  Apogee  Coal
          Company,  Catenary Coal Company.  Hobet Mining, Inc., Arch Coal, Inc.,
          Great-West  Life  &  Annuity  Insurance  Company,  Bank  of  Montreal,
          Barclays Bank,  PLC, First Union National Bank, BA Leasing and Capital
          Corporation,  First Security  Bank,  National  Association,  Arch Coal
          Sales Company,  Inc.,  Ark Land Company,  and Mingo Logan Coal Company
          (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 in the 8-K).

     27   Financial Data Schedule



                                       29
<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE  CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0001037676
<NAME>                        ARCH COAL, INC.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                         26,518
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  220,882
<ALLOWANCES>                                   0
<INVENTORY>                                    89,218
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               367,640
<PP&E>                                         2,688,217
<DEPRECIATION>                                 735,173
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2,920,265
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          358,384
<BONDS>                                        0
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       397
<OTHER-SE>                                     631,631
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2,920,265
<SALES>                                        641,178
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               665,990
<CGS>                                          576,516
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  616,182
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             14,170
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                35,819
<INCOME-TAX>                                   5,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            30,819
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                1,488
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   29,331
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  .74
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  .74
        


</TABLE>


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