Patriot Coal Corporation announced that its signatory subsidiaries have signed new agreements with the United Mine Workers of America effective July 1 2011 and extending through 2016.

The contracts are substantially the same as the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement negotiated earlier this year by the Bituminous Coal Operators Association with the UMWA.

Mr Bennett K Hatfield Patriot Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer said "We are pleased to sign these agreements well ahead of the expiration dates of our current contracts, ensuring a smooth transition and workforce continuity at our UMWA-represented mines."