SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
October 7, 1996
ASHLAND COAL, INC.
(Exact name or registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 1-9993 61-0880012
(State or other (Commission file number) (I.R.S.Employer
jurisdiction of Identification No.)
incorporation or
organization)
2205 FIFTH STREET ROAD, HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA 25701
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
P.O. BOX 6300, HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA 25771
(Mailing Address) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (304) 526-3333
<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events.
On October 7, 1996, Ashland Coal, Inc. (the "Company")
and Arch Mineral Corporation ("Arch") jointly announced their
intent to resume discussions of possible options for combining the
two coal companies. Arch is a St. Louis, Missouri-based producer,
marketer and transporter of bituminous coal in the domestic and
export steam and metallurgical coal markets. The Company and Arch
cautioned that there are no assurances that progress will be made
in these discussions, or that such discussions will result in a
combination.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
ASHLAND COAL, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Roy F. Layman
Administrative Vice
President and Secretary
Date: October 9, 1996
