Mr Mark N Schroeder VP and CFO of Patriot Coal said that "Looking forward to 2010, customer demand has stabilized. We have a solid base of 2010 booked business and are comfortable with our unpriced volumes remaining in each of our operating regions. Further, Patriot has flexibility with our diverse operating platform to selectively increase production as conditions warrant."

Average selling prices of currently priced tons for the remainder of 2009 and 2010 are as follows:

2009
Tonnes Price
Appalachia - thermal 5.3 56
Illinois Basin - thermal 1.9 38
Appalachia - met 1.5 97
Total 8.7
Price in USD per tonne

2010
Tonnes Price
Appalachia - thermal 15.9 59
Illinois Basin - thermal 7.0 39
Appalachia - met 2.0 .2 86
Total 25.1
Price in USD per tonne

Amounts above reflect recent contract restructuring arrangements, including the blending of lower quality metallurgical coal at lower prices to replace higher quality tons previously contracted. Unpriced volumes for 2010 will depend on the finalization of production plans, taking into account demand, pricing, the Company's cost structure and the availability of mining permits. Projected sales volumes and other guidance for 2010 are expected to be provided in conjunction with the Company's fourth quarter earnings report.