In 2012, Alpha anticipates total shipment volumes of 100 million tons to 115 million tons, including 20 million tons to 23 million tons of Eastern metallurgical coal, 38 million tons to 44 million tons of Eastern steam coal, and 42 million tons to 48 million tons of Western steam coal.

During the second quarter of 2012, Alpha priced 2.4 million tons of metallurgical coal for delivery in 2012 at average per ton realizations of approximately USD 105.

As of July 18, 2012, based on the midpoint of guidance, 86 percent of Alpha's 2012 Eastern metallurgical coal shipment volume was committed and priced at an average per ton realization of USD 136.06, and 10% was committed and unpriced. Also based on the midpoint of guidance, Alpha's 2012 Eastern steam coal shipment volume was 100% committed and priced at an average per ton realization of USD 66.22 and 100% of Alpha's 2012 Western steam coal shipment volume was committed and priced at an average per ton realization of USD 12.89.

Adjusted cost of coal sales in 2012 are anticipated to range from USD 74.00 to USD 78.00 per ton in the East (metallurgical and steam), down from the previous range of USD 75.00 to USD 79.00 per ton, and in the West the range is unchanged from prior guidance at USD 10.50 to USD 11.50 per ton.

As of July 18, 2012, Alpha had 2.7 million tons of Eastern metallurgical coal committed and priced for 2013 at average per ton realizations of USD 125.24 and 11.0 million tons of Eastern metallurgical coal committed and unpriced. As of the same date, Alpha had 14.6 million tons of Eastern steam coal committed and priced at average per ton realizations of USD 68.48 and 4.9 million tons committed and unpriced, and in the West, Alpha had 36.8 million tons committed and priced at average realizations of USD 12.99 per ton.

Source - Alpha Natural Resources Inc

(www.coalguru.com)