NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 09/03/12 -- Shares of companies in the coal industry have lagged in the market in 2012. The Market Vectors-Coal ETF (KOL) -- which replicates an index that provides exposure to publicly traded companies worldwide that derive greater than 50% of their revenues from the coal industry -- has fallen over 30 percent this year. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Coal Industry and provides equity research on Arch Coal Inc. (NYSE: ACI) and James River Coal Company (NASDAQ: JRCC).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.FiveStarEquities.com/ACI

www.FiveStarEquities.com/JRCC

Plummeting prices and strict environmental regulations have continued to plague the coal industry. Several miners have reduced production further this year as demand falls in the U.S. and China. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration domestic output will decline by 81 million tons in 2012.

The coal industry received a boost last week after a federal appeals court ruled against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's cross-state air pollution rule. The court stated that the EPA had overstepped their authority and imposed "massive emissions reduction requirements" that were too strict.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Coal Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

U.S.-based Arch Coal is a top five global coal producer and marketer, with 157 million tons of coal sold in 2011. The company reported a net loss of $436 million in the second quarter of 2012, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million in the second quarter of 2011.

James River Coal Company mines engaged in processing and selling of thermal and metallurgical coal through eight active mining complexes located throughout eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia and southern Indiana. The company reported that during the second quarter they have received five new surface mining permits form State and Federal regulatory agencies.

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