James River Coal Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in mining, processing, and selling bituminous, steam, and industrial-grade coal in eastern Kentucky and southern Indiana. It has six mining complexes, including 15 underground mines, 11 surface mines, and 10 preparation plants. As of December 31, 2006, the company controlled approximately 273 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in Central Appalachia and the Midwest. It sells its coal to electric utilities and industrial customers. James River Coal Company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.