<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> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 1,553
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 179,672
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 54,546
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 268,716
<PP&E> 2,210,359
<DEPRECIATION> 767,037
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,260,480
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 362,514
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 397
<OTHER-SE> 211,964
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,260,480
<SALES> 343,405
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 359,289
<CGS> 319,500
<TOTAL-COSTS> 343,438
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 22,749
<INCOME-PRETAX> (6,898)
<INCOME-TAX> 1,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (5,198)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (5,198)
<EPS-BASIC> (.14)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.14)
</TABLE>