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Equity Method Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

6. Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments include our 50% equity investment in Venture Fuels Partnership, a coal marketing company, and are included in other noncurrent assets and have a carrying amount of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

		2012			2011

Equity method investments		$	8,367		$	6,858

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recognized $2.4 million, $2.8 million, and $3.9 million in income and received $1.0 million, $5.3 million, and $0 million in distributions, respectively, related to our investment in Venture Fuels Partnership.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

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