Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the Common Stock on June 30, 2010, the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $3.2 billion.

Applicable portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held April 20, 2011 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

This report includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies. We have used the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, in this report to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere speaks only as of the date on which we make it. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere might not occur.

Anthracite coal. A hard natural coal containing little volatile hydrocarbons which burns slowly and gives intense heat almost without flame.

Ash. Impurities consisting of silica, iron, alumina and other incombustible matter that are contained in coal. Since ash increases the weight of coal, it adds to the cost of handling and can affect the burning characteristics of coal.

Assigned reserves. Coal that is planned to be mined at an operation that is currently operating, currently idled, or for which permits have been submitted and plans are eventually to develop the operation.

Bituminous coal. A common type of coal with moisture content less than 20% by weight and heating value of 10,500 to 14,000 Btus per pound. It is dense and black and often has well-defined bands of bright and dull material.

British thermal unit, or "Btu". A measure of the thermal energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of pure liquid water one degree Fahrenheit at the temperature at which water has its greatest density (39 degrees Fahrenheit).

Coke. A hard, dry carbon substance produced by heating coal to a very high temperature in the absence of air. Coke is used in the manufacture of iron and steel. Its production results in a number of useful by-products.

Compliance coal. Coal which, when burned, emits 1.2 pounds or less of sulfur dioxide per million Btus, as required by Phase II of the Clean Air Act.

Continuous miner. A machine used in underground mining to cut coal from the seam and load onto conveyers or shuttle cars in a continuous operation. In contrast, a conventional mining unit must stop extracting in order to begin loading.

Continuous mining. A form of underground mining that cuts the coal from the seam and loads continuously, thus eliminating the separate cycles of cutting, drilling, shooting and loading.

Hard coking coal. Hard coking coal is a type of metallurgical coal that is a necessary input in the production of strong coke. It is evaluated based on the strength, yield and size distribution of coke produced which is dependent on rank and plastic properties of the coal. Hard coking coals trade at a premium to other coals due to their importance in producing strong coke and as they are of limited resources.

Indicated (Probable) reserves. Reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.

Industrial coal. Coal generally used as a heat source in the production of lime, cement, or for other industrial uses and is not considered steam coal or metallurgical coal.

Longwall mining. A form of underground mining that employs two rotating drums pulled mechanically back and forth across a long surface of the coal. A hydraulic system supports the roof of the mine while the drum is mining the coal. Chain conveyors move the loosened coal to an

underground mine conveyor to transport to the surface. Longwall mining is the most efficient underground mining method in the United States.

Measured (Proven) reserves. Reserves for which: (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops (part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground), trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling; and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well-established.

Metallurgical coal. The various grades of coal suitable for carbonization to make coke for steel manufacture, including hard coking coal (see definition above), semi-soft coking coal (SSCC) and coal used for pulverized coal injection (PCI). Also known as "met" coal, its quality depends on four important criteria: (1) volatility, which affects coke yield; (2) the level of impurities including sulfur and ash, which affect coke quality; (2) composition, which affects coke strength; and (4) other basic characteristics that affect coke oven safety. Met coal typically has a particularly high Btu but low ash and sulfur content.

Nitrogen oxide (NOx). Produced as a gaseous by-product of coal combustion. It is a harmful pollutant that contributes to smog.

Overburden. Layers of earth and rock covering a coal seam. In surface mining operations, overburden is removed prior to coal extraction.

Preparation plant. Usually located on a mine site, although one plant may serve several mines. A preparation plant is a facility for crushing, sizing and washing coal to remove impurities and prepare it for use by a particular customer. The washing process has the added benefit of removing some of the coal's sulfur content.

Recoverable reserves. Tons of mineable coal which can be extracted and marketed after deduction for coal to be left in pillars, etc. and adjusted for reasonable preparation and handling losses.

Reclamation. The process of restoring land and the environment to their original state following mining activities. The process commonly includes "recontouring" or reshaping the land to its approximate original appearance, restoring topsoil and planting native grass and ground covers. Reclamation operations are usually underway before the mining of a particular site is completed. Reclamation is closely regulated by both state and federal law.

Reserve. That part of a mineral deposit that could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.

Roof. The stratum of rock or other mineral above a coal seam; the overhead surface of a coal working place.

Steam coal. Coal used by power plants and industrial steam boilers to produce electricity, steam or both. It generally is lower in Btu heat content and higher in volatile matter than metallurgical coal.

Sulfur. One of the elements present in varying quantities in coal that contributes to environmental degradation when coal is burned. Sulfur dioxide is produced as a gaseous by-product of coal combustion.

Surface mine. A mine in which the coal lies near the surface and can be extracted by removing the covering layer of soil (see "Overburden"). About 65% of total U.S. coal production comes from surface mines.

Tons. A "short" or net ton is equal to 2,000 pounds. A "long" or British ton is equal to 2,240 pounds; a "metric" ton is approximately 2,205 pounds. Unless otherwise indicated, the short ton is the unit of measure referred to in this document. The international standard for quoting price per ton is based on the U.S. dollar per metric ton.

Unassigned reserves. Coal that is likely to be mined in the future, but which is not considered Assigned reserves.

Underground mine. Also known as a "deep" mine. Usually located several hundred feet or more below the earth's surface, an underground mine's coal is removed mechanically and transferred by shuttle car and conveyor to the surface. Underground mines account for about 35% of annual U.S. coal production.

We are a leading producer and exporter of metallurgical coal for the global steel industry and also produce steam coal, coal bed methane gas ("natural gas"), metallurgical coke and other related products. We trace our roots back to 1946 when Jim Walter began a homebuilding business in Tampa, Florida. Although we were focused on Homebuilding during our early years, we later branched out into many different businesses, including the development, in 1972, of four underground coal mines in the Blue Creek coal seam near Brookwood, Alabama. In 1987 a group of investors formed a new company, subsequently named Walter Industries, Inc. and engineered a leveraged buyout, successfully completed in 1988. In 1997, Walter Industries, Inc. began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2009 we closed our Homebuilding business and spun off our Financing business. Our Homebuilding business was an on-your-lot homebuilder and our Financing business serviced non-conforming installment notes and loans that were secured by mortgages and liens. With all of our businesses now concentrated in coal and natural gas, we changed our name to Walter Energy, Inc. in April 2009.

Our primary business, the mining and exporting of hard coking coal for the steel industry, is included in our Underground Mining segment (comprised of Jim Walter Resources, Inc. or "JWR", Blue Creek Coal Sales, Inc., and Walter Black Warrior Basin, LLC). JWR, the country's southernmost Appalachian coal producer, mines high quality coal from Alabama's Blue Creek coal seam. JWR's mines are 1,500 to 2,200 feet underground, making them some of the deepest vertical shaft coal mines in North America. Metallurgical coal mined from the Blue Creek seam contains very low sulfur, has strong coking properties and high heat value making it ideally suited to the needs of steel makers as a coking coal. In 2010, the Underground Mining segment produced 6.7 million tons of high quality metallurgical coal. Underground Mining has convenient access to the port of Mobile, Alabama through barge and by railroad allowing us to minimize our transportation costs.

Underground Mining also extracts methane gas, principally from the Blue Creek coal seam. Our natural gas business represents one of the most extensive and comprehensive commercial programs for coal seam degasification in the country, producing approximately 38 million cubic feet of gas daily from over 1,700 wells.

Through our Walter Coke segment, we manufacture furnace and foundry coke, collectively referred to as "metallurgical coke." Foundry coke is marketed to iron pipe plants and foundries producing castings. Furnace coke is primarily sold to the domestic steel industry for producing steel in blast furnaces. Walter Coke delivers product to its customers via rail through an onsite rail, truck and barge.

In our Surface Mining segment, we also mine primarily steam coal for sale to industrial and electric utility customers through our Taft Coal Sales, Tuscaloosa Resources and Walter Minerals subsidiaries.

The financial results of our industry segments are included in Note 18 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in this Form 10-K.

Pending Acquisition of Western Coal Corp. On December 2, 2010 we entered into an arrangement agreement ("the Arrangement Agreement") with Western Coal Corp. ("Western Coal") to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal for, at the holder's election, CAD$11.50 per share in cash or 0.114 of a Walter Energy share, or for a combination thereof, all subject to proration, if the

total cash elections exceed 70% of the aggregate transaction consideration to be paid or the total share elections exceed 30% of the aggregate transaction consideration. The transaction will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under British Columbia law. The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors and is expected to be completed on or about April 1, 2011. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Canadian court approvals, Western Coal shareholder approval, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

In January 2011, as part of the Share Purchase Agreement, we purchased approximately 25.3 million common shares of Western Coal, or 9.15% of the outstanding shares, from funds advised by Audley Capital for CAD$11.50 per share or approximately $0.3 billion in cash, thereby reducing the amount of cash to be paid to the remaining Western Coal shareholders to approximately $2.1 billion. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, we will purchase the remaining 29.2 million shares from funds advised by Audley Capital upon the earlier of the completion of the acquisition of the common stock of Western Coal or April 30, 2011.

Western Coal is a producer of high quality metallurgical coal from mines in northeast British Columbia (Canada), high quality metallurgical coal and compliant thermal coal from mines located in West Virginia (U.S.), and high quality anthracite coal in South Wales (UK). Western Coal produced 4.7 million short tons of coal in the first nine months of their fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Western Coal is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The Acquisition will create the leading, publicly traded 'pure-play' metallurgical coal producer in the world with strategic access to high-growth steel-producing countries in both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Long term, we expect the combined company to produce more than 20 million tons of coal annually. We will have significant reserves available for future production, the majority of which is high-demand hard coking coal, and a diverse geographical footprint with operations in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

For a discussion of the risks relating to the Arrangement Agreement, see Item 1A. Risk Factors—"Risk Factors Relating to the Arrangement Agreement with Western."

Acquisition of HighMount Exploration and Production Alabama, LLC ("HighMount") On May 28, 2010 we acquired HighMount's coal bed methane business for a cash payment of approximately $210.0 million. The acquisition of HighMount's Alabama coal bed methane operations included approximately 1,300 existing conventional gas wells, pipeline infrastructure and related equipment located adjacent to our existing underground mining and coal bed methane business in Alabama. Current proven reserves are approximately 89 bcf (billion cubic feet), with annual coal bed methane production of approximately 8.0 bcf expected. The acquisition of HighMount's natural gas business, included in the Underground Mining segment, helps ensure that future coal production areas will be properly degasified, thereby improving safety and operating efficiency of our existing underground coking coal production.

Acquisition of Mobile, Alabama River Terminal On December 21, 2010 we acquired the assets of Mobile River Terminal Co. in Mobile, Alabama from a subsidiary of U.S. Steel. Currently, our plans are to upgrade the facility from an import terminal to an export terminal. The acquisition is intended to help ensure that we will have unconstrained shipping capacity to support our long-term coking coal production plans in Alabama. In addition, this facility should help maintain low mine-to-vessel costs and make us less reliant on third parties.

Pending Chevron Coal Lease and Mine Acquisition In April 2010 we signed a non-binding letter of intent to lease mineral rights associated with approximately 52.0 million tons of Blue Creek Coal reserves from Chevron Mining, Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. The non-binding letter of intent also includes the acquisition of the existing North River steam coal mine in Fayette County and Tuscaloosa County, AL, which has approximately 7.0 million tons of reserves remaining with expected annual production of 2.0 million to 3.0 million tons, all of which is under contract. Negotiations are continuing.

Coal is one of the most available and important energy sources in the world, providing approximately 27% of the world's primary energy needs according to the World Coal Institute ("WCI"). Per the WCI, the most significant uses for coal are for electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing and as a liquid fuel. According to the WCI, approximately 41% of the world's electricity is generated from coal and this level is expected to increase to 44% by 2030. During 2010, coal was used to generate approximately 49% of the electricity in the United States according to the International Energy Agency ("IEA").

Approximately 66% of global steel is produced in Basic Oxygen Furnaces according to the WCI. After metallurgical coal is converted to coke it is used in blast furnaces to smelt iron ore which is subsequently used to produce steel. Steel is critical to everyday life. For example, it is used in cars, buildings, trains, ships, bridges, medical equipment and refrigerators. Metallurgical coal is critical in making coke for steel manufacturing due to its characteristics: lower volatility, lower sulfur and ash content and favorable coking characteristics (higher coke strength). Additionally, metallurgical coal has a higher Btu value. A significant amount of steel is also produced in electric arc furnaces, a process in which a large percentage of the electricity is generated from coal-fired power stations.

Coal is mined in more than 50 countries in the world and used in more than 70 countries. Coal's appeal is that it is readily available from a wide variety of sources, its prices have been lower and more stable than oil and gas prices, and it is likely to remain the most affordable fuel for power generation in many developing and industrialized nations for several decades per the WCI. By contrast, at current production levels, proven coal reserves are estimated to last 119 years while oil and gas reserves are estimated to last approximately 46 and 63 years, respectively. The top five coal producing countries in the world are China, the United States, India, Australia and Indonesia. The largest exporters of coal in 2010 were Australia, Indonesia and Russia (the U.S. is 6^th) according to the WCI. The leading exporters of metallurgical coal for coking, per the WCI, are Australia, the United States and Indonesia. Because coking (metallurgical) coal is more expensive than steam coal, exporters are able to afford the high freight rates involved in exporting coking coal worldwide.

Coal is generally classified by end use as either metallurgical coal or steam coal. Sulfur, ash and moisture content as well as coking characteristics are key attributes in grading metallurgical coal while heat value, ash and sulfur content are important variables in rating steam coal. We currently mine, process, market and transport coal with the characteristics described below.

Sulfur Content (metallurgical and steam coal): Although sulfur content can differ from seam to seam, our metallurgical sulfur content ranges from 0.65% to 0.8%, a low value which is preferred by customers. Coal produces undesirable sulfur dioxide when it burns, the amount of which depends on the concentration of sulfur in the coal as well as the chemical composition.

Ash and Moisture (metallurgical and steam coal): Ash residue is what remains after the combustion of coal. Low ash is desirable because businesses must dispose of ash after the coal is used. High moisture content decreases the heat value of the coal which is undesirable and increases the coal's weight which is also negative because higher weight increases transportation charges. Our metallurgical coal has a 9% ash rating which is desirable.

Coking Characteristics (metallurgical coal): Two important coking characteristics are coke strength and volatility. Measuring the expansion and contraction of coal when heated determines the strength of coke that could be produced from the coal. When coal is heated in the absence of air, the loss in mass less moisture is volatility. Volatility of metallurgical coal is used to determine the percentage of coal that becomes coke. This measure is known as coke yield. A low volatility results in a higher coke yield. Our metallurgical coal has both a high rating for coke strength as well as a low measure of volatility.

We operate our business through three principal business segments-Underground Mining, Surface Mining and Walter Coke. Our business segment financial information is included in Note 18 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included herein. During 2010, we actively operated six mines. We operate two underground metallurgical coal mines in Southern Appalachia's Blue Creek coal seam, the No. 7 Mine (which includes No. 7 East) and the No. 4 Mine, both operated by Underground Mining, one metallurgical coal mine operated by Surface Mining, Taft's Reid School Mine, and three steam and industrial coal mines operated by Surface Mining, TRI's East Brookwood and Highway 59 Mines and Taft's Choctaw Mine. The following map provides our Underground Mining, Surface Mining and Walter Coke locations as of December 31, 2010. For a comprehensive summary of all of our coal properties and of our coal reserves and production levels, see the tables summarizing our coal reserves and production in "Item 2. Description of Property" in this Form 10-K.

Our principal business segment, comprising more than 85% of our revenue and operating income, is our Underground Mining segment. Underground Mining is headquartered in Brookwood, Alabama and currently has approximately 181.5 million tons of recoverable reserves from our mines and nearby reserves located in west central Alabama between the cities of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. We estimate that coking coal sales volumes will be at most 8.5 million tons in 2011. Of this amount, up to 500,000 tons are expected to result from purchased coal opportunities. Operating at about 2,000 feet below the surface, the No. 4 and No. 7 mines are some of the deepest underground coal mines in North America. We extract coal primarily from Alabama's Blue Creek and Mary Lee seams, which contain high-quality bituminous coal. Blue Creek coal offers high coking strength with low coking pressure, low sulfur and low-to-medium ash content with high Btu values that can be sold either as metallurgical coal (used to produce coke) or as compliance steam coal (used by electric utilities because it meets current environmental compliance specifications).

The coal from JWR's No. 4 and 7 mines is currently sold as a high quality low- and mid-vol metallurgical coal. JWR has more than 1,600 active employees. At forecasted production levels, we estimate the current reserves to have a 25 to 30 year life and have a strategic plan that, if fully achieved, could increase the life to 40 to 50 years through the potential acquisition of additional mineral rights near our existing mines. Mines No. 4 and No.7 are located near Brookwood, Alabama, and are serviced by CSX rail. Both mines have access to our barge load out facility on the Black Warrior River. Service via both rail and barge culminates in delivery to the Port of Mobile, whereby shipments are delivered to our international customers via ocean vessels. Approximately 93% of the metallurgical coal sales in our Underground Mining segment are sales to international customers.

The coal producer is responsible for transporting the coal from the mine to the export coal-loading facility. Export coal is usually sold at the loading port, with the buyer responsible for further transportation to their location. Since potential customers may choose a metallurgical coal supplier largely based on transportation costs, this is a critical issue. We have the advantage of having our mines conveniently located near both river barge load out facilities and railroad transportation (CSX rail) with direct access to the Port of Mobile, minimizing our transportation costs.

Approximately 80% of JWR's metallurgical coal is mined using longwall extraction technology with development support from continuous miners. Underground mining with longwall technology drives greater production efficiency, improved safety, higher coal recovery and lower production costs. JWR operates one longwall mining system at Mine No. 4 and two longwall mining systems at Mine No. 7 for primary production and four to six continuous miner sections in each mine for the development of mains and longwall panel entries. JWR's optimal operating plan is a longwall/continuous miner production ratio of approximately 80% / 20%. By utilizing longwall mining, our full year 2010 production costs for metallurgical coal averaged $60.28 per ton.

In longwall mining, mechanized shearers are used to cut and remove the coal from long rectangular blocks of medium or thick seams. After the coal is removed, it drops onto a chain conveyor, which moves it to a second conveyor that will ultimately take the coal to production shafts where it will be hoisted to the surface. Mobile hydraulic-powered roof supports hold up the roof throughout the extraction process. This method of mining has proven to be more efficient than other mining methods, with an extraction rate of nearly 100 percent, but the equipment is more expensive than other conventional mining methods and cannot be used in all geological circumstances. In longwall mining, only the gate entries are bolted. The longwall panel is allowed to collapse behind the shields which hold the roof as coal is excavated.

Included in Underground Mining are our natural gas operations which extract and sell natural gas from the coal seams owned or leased by JWR and others. Prior to May 2010, our natural gas operations solely consisted of Black Warrior Methane Corp., an equal ownership venture with El Paso

Production Co., a subsidiary of El Paso Corporation. There were approximately 378 joint venture wells producing natural gas in 2010. In May 2010, we acquired HighMount Exploration and Production Alabama, LLC's ("HighMount") coal bed methane business (renamed to Walter Black Warrior Basin, LLC). The acquisition of this business included approximately 1,300 conventional gas wells, pipeline infrastructure and related equipment located adjacent to our existing underground mining and coal bed methane business.

As of December 31, 2010, there were 1,770 wells that produced approximately 11.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2010. The degasification operations have improved mining operations and safety by reducing methane gas levels in the mines. We expect to sell approximately 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2011. For information regarding reserves, production, drilling activities, delivery commitments, wells and acreage associated with our natural gas operations, please refer to Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

We are currently operating four surface mines in Alabama with expected production and sales of between 1.6 million and 1.7 million tons of metallurgical, steam and industrial coal in 2011. Three of the mines produce steam and industrial coal principally for the industrial and electric utility markets. At the fourth mine, we mine metallurgical coal which is primarily sold to our Walter Coke and Underground Mining segments. Our coal mines are convenient to our barge load out facility as well as two rail load out facilities. Surface mining currently represents approximately 8% of our total revenues.

Taft's Choctaw and Reid School Mines The Choctaw Mine is located near Parrish in Walker County, Alabama and has an onsite rail facility serviced by Norfolk Southern rail. Access to Highway 269 provides delivery access to local customers via truck. The Choctaw Mine is a surface mine that primarily produces steam and industrial coal. Taft's Reid School Mine is located in Blount County, Alabama and primarily produces metallurgical coal. Access to Highway 79 provides delivery to local customers via truck.

TRI's East Brookwood and Highway 59 Mines TRI's East Brookwood and Highway 59 Mines are located in Tuscaloosa County near Brookwood, Alabama. They both have access to our barge load out facility on the Black Warrior River. The East Brookwood and Highway 59 Mines are surface mines that produce steam and industrial coal. Approximately half of TRI's coal is delivered to barges for shipment to a local power company. The remainder is delivered to customers via truck.

We also own Walter Minerals Flat Top Mine that is ready for operation and will be placed in service when market conditions permit. This mine is located in Adamsville, Alabama near Highway 78 where coal will be delivered to local customers via truck.

Our Walter Coke segment operates a coke plant headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama with planned 2011 production of 400,000 to 420,000 tons. Walter Coke's major product line is metallurgical coke, which includes coke for furnace and foundry applications. Foundry coke is marketed to ductile iron pipe plants and foundries producing castings, such as for the automotive and agricultural equipment industries. Furnace coke is sold primarily to the domestic steel industry for producing steel in blast furnaces. Walter Coke utilizes 120 coke ovens with a capacity to produce 420,000 tons of metallurgical coke and is the second largest merchant foundry coke producer in the United States. Walter Coke currently represents approximately 11% of our total revenues.

All of our coal mines are located in Alabama and we have coal preparation and blending facilities convenient to each of our mines. Using our facilities, we are able to efficiently blend our coal to meet our customers' specifications.

Coal prices are impacted by many factors and differ substantially by region, including the overall economy, the demand for electricity, the demand for steel, location, the market, quality and type of coal, mine operation costs and the cost of alternative fuels. The major factors influencing our business are the economy and the demand for steel. Our high quality Blue Creek coal is rated among the highest quality coals in the world and is preferred as a base coal in our customers' blends. Our marketing strategy is to focus on international markets mostly in Europe and South America where we have a significant transportation cost advantage and where our coal is in high demand.

During 2010, approximately 58% of our hard coking coal shipments were to customers in Europe and approximately 34% to South America. We are the largest U.S. supplier of hard coking coal into South America. Further, we focus on long-term customer relationships where we have a competitive advantage. We sell most of our metallurgical coal under fixed price supply contracts primarily with terms of three and six months. Some sales of metallurgical coal can, however, occur in the spot market as dictated by available supply and market demand.

During 2010, our Underground Mining segment's two largest customers represented approximately 15% and 12%, respectively, of the Underground Mining segment's sales. Even in this challenging economy we believe that the loss of these customers would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations as the loss of volume from these customers would be replaced with sales to other existing or new customers due to the demand for our metallurgical coal. Our outlook on the long-term prospects for growth and related demand for our product is very strong.

Our Surface Mining segment markets its steam and industrial coal to customers in the United States, generally under long term contracts.

The names of each of our subsidiaries are well established in the respective markets they serve. Management believes that customer recognition of such trade names is of significant importance. Our subsidiaries have numerous trademarks. Management does not believe, however, that any one such trademark is material to our individual segments or to the business as a whole.

Substantially all of our metallurgical coal sales are exported. Our major competitors are businesses that sell into our core business areas of Europe and South America. In both Europe and South America, we primarily compete with producers of premium coking coal from Australia, Canada and the United States. The principal areas in which we compete are coal prices at the port of shipment, coal quality and characteristics, customer relationships and the reliability of supply. The demand for our metallurgical coal is significantly dependent on the general economy and the worldwide demand for steel. Although there are significant challenges in this current difficult economy, we believe that we have competitive strengths in our business areas that provide us with distinct competitive advantages.

We have a premium product. Blue Creek coal is recognized to be among the highest quality coals in the world. Its characteristics are very low sulfur, low ash and low volatility. These strong coking

properties and high heat value make it ideally suited for steel makers as a coking coal and to utilities as a steam coal.

We have a significant transportation advantage in shipping to our customers. Our principal mines in Brookwood, Alabama are serviced by CSX rail. We also have access to our barge load out facility on the Black Warrior River. Service via rail or barge is a relatively short distance to the Port of Mobile. Since customers for our coal are primarily in Europe and South America, we are able to ship our coal quickly and at a relatively favorable cost.

We are a low-cost producer making our coal competitive on a delivered basis. We primarily use longwall mining for our metallurgical coal, recognized as the most efficient underground mining method in the United States. We have invested in expanded longwall mining in our Mine No. 7 East expansion, which has added to our annual production capacity. With the East expansion, Mine No. 7 is the largest producer of low-vol metallurgical coal in the United States. By increasing our longwall mining capabilities, the cost per ton to mine our metallurgical coal has been reduced.

We maintain excellent relationships with our customers. Customers want good products, delivered on a timely basis at a fair price. Having a premium product and with our production and transportation efficiencies, we are able to reliably deliver a premium product at a competitive price on a timely basis. As a result, we have maintained excellent relationships with our customers over many years.

We are able to purchase and blend coal to the customer's specifications. In order to provide the customer exactly what he needs at the lowest possible price, we are able to blend our high quality coal to meet the customer's energy needs at an affordable price.

Our businesses are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations with respect to matters such as permitting and licensing requirements, employee health and safety, reclamation and restoration of property and protection of the environment. Environmental laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the federal Clean Air Act ("CAA") and its state counterpart with respect to air emissions; the Clean Water Act ("CWA") and its state counterpart with respect to water discharges; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and its state counterparts with respect to solid and hazardous waste generation, treatment, storage and disposal; as well as the regulation of underground storage tanks; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and its state counterpart with respect to releases, threatened releases, and remediation of hazardous substances. Other environmental laws and regulations require reporting, even though the impact of that reporting is unknown. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration or production at our operations. These laws are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly stringent. The ultimate impact of complying with existing laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable due in part to the fact that certain implementing regulations for these environmental laws have not yet been promulgated and in certain instances are undergoing revision. These laws and regulations, particularly new legislative or administrative proposals (or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations) related to the protection of the environment, could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs and have a material adverse effect on our operations and/or our customers' ability to use our products.

investigation obligations. To the extent these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, operating results will be reduced. We believe that our major North American competitors are confronted by substantially similar conditions and thus do not believe that our relative position with regard to such competitors is materially affected by the impact of environmental laws and regulations. However, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to foreign producers and operators who may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in their operations. In addition, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, applicable state legislation and its production methods.

Numerous governmental permits and approvals are required for mining operations. We are required to prepare and present to federal, state or local authorities data pertaining to the effect or impact that any proposed exploration for or production of coal or gas may have upon the environment, the public and our employees. In addition, we must also submit a comprehensive plan for mining and restoring, upon the completion of mining operations, the mined property to its prior condition, productive use or other permitted condition. The requirements are costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration or production at our operations. Typically we submit our necessary mining permit applications several months, or even years, before we anticipate mining a new area.

Our coking operation is subject to numerous regulatory permits and approvals, including air and water permits. These permits subject us to monitoring and reporting requirements. We typically submit our necessary permit renewal applications several months prior to expiration.

Applications for permits or permit renewals at our mining and coking operations are subject to public comment and may be subject to litigation from third parties seeking to deny issuance of a permit or to overturn the agency's grant of the permit application, which may also delay commencement or continuation of our mining and coking operations. Further, regulations provide that applications for certain permits or permit modifications can be delayed, refused or revoked if an officer, director or a stockholder with a 10% or greater interest in the entity is affiliated with or is in a position to control another entity that has outstanding permit violations. In the current regulatory environment, we anticipate approvals will take even longer than previously experienced, and some permits may not be issued at all. Significant delays in obtaining, or denial of, permits could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, and the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (the "MINER Act"), as well as regulations adopted under these federal laws, impose rigorous safety and health standards on mining operations. Such standards are comprehensive and affect numerous aspects of mining operations, including but not limited to: training of mine personnel, mining procedures, ventilation, blasting, use of mining equipment, dust and noise control, communications, and emergency response. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") monitors compliance with these laws and standards by regularly inspecting mining operations and taking enforcement actions where MSHA believes there to be non-compliance. Maximum civil penalties for violations of these laws and standards are $70,000 per violation, unless the violation is deemed to be flagrant which can result in a maximum civil penalty of $220,000. These federal mine safety and health laws and regulations have a significant effect on our operating costs.

The MINER Act mandated increased regulations in some of the areas listed above, and some of those regulations are now effective. The MINER Act and other legislative and regulatory initiatives, such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act") passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on July 21, 2010 are still ongoing. While the Dodd-Frank Act is focused primarily on the regulation and oversight of financial institutions, it also provides for regulatory compliance related to mining safety and health matters. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the SEC to enact numerous rules and regulations, some of which could impact our business practices or place additional reporting burdens on us. It is not possible at this time to predict the full effect that the new or proposed regulations and policies will have on our operating costs, but it will likely increase our costs and those of our competitors.

We are self-insured for workers' compensation benefits for work-related injuries. Workers' compensation liabilities, including those related to claims incurred but not reported, are recorded principally using annual valuations based on discounted future expected payments using historical data of the division or combined insurance industry data when historical data is limited. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries are responsible for medical and disability benefits for black lung disease under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, and is self-insured against black lung related claims. We perform periodic evaluations of our black lung liability, using assumptions regarding rates of successful claims, discount factors, benefit increases and mortality rates, among others. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 ("SMCRA"), requires that comprehensive environmental protection and reclamation standards be met during the course of and following completion of mining activities. Permits for all mining operations must be obtained from the Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement or, where state regulatory agencies have adopted federally approved state programs under the Act, the appropriate state regulatory authority. In Alabama, the Alabama Surface Mining Commission reviews and approves SMCRA permits.

SMCRA permit provisions include requirements for coal prospecting, mine plan development, topsoil removal, storage and replacement, selective handling of overburden materials, mine pit backfilling and grading, subsidence control for underground mines, surface drainage control, mine drainage and mine discharge control and treatment and revegetation. These requirements seek to limit the adverse impacts of coal mining and more restrictive requirements may be adopted from time to time.

Before a SMCRA permit is issued, a mine operator must submit a bond or otherwise secure the performance of reclamation obligations. The Abandoned Mine Land Fund, which is part of SMCRA, requires a fee on all coal produced. The proceeds are used to reclaim mine lands closed or abandoned prior to 1977. On December 7, 2006, the Abandoned Mine Land Program was extended for 15 years.

SMCRA stipulates compliance with many other major environmental statutes, including: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

On December 12, 2008, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM), finalized a rulemaking regarding the interpretation of the stream buffer zone provisions of SMCRA which confirmed that excess spoil from mining and refuse from coal preparation could be placed in permitted areas of a mine site that constitute waters of the United States. On November 30, 2009, OSM announced another rulemaking

that would reinterpret the regulations finalized eleven months earlier. We cannot predict how the regulations may change or how they may affect coal production.

We accrue for the costs of final mine closure. Estimates of our total reclamation and mine-closing liabilities are based upon permit requirements and our experience. The amounts recorded are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proven reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates, and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates. Furthermore, these obligations are unfunded. If these accruals are insufficient or our liability in a particular year is greater than currently anticipated, our future operating results could be adversely affected. At December 31, 2010, we have accrued $25.3 million for our asset retirement obligations, most of which will be incurred at our underground mining operations at the end of the mines' lives.

We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. Federal and state laws require us to obtain surety bonds to secure payment of certain long-term obligations, including mine closure or reclamation costs and other miscellaneous obligations. The bonds are renewable on a yearly basis.

Surety bond costs have increased in recent years while the market terms of such bonds have generally become more unfavorable. In addition, the number of companies willing to issue surety bonds has decreased. Bonding companies also require posting of collateral, typically in the form of letters of credit, to secure the surety bonds. As of December 31, 2010, we had outstanding surety bonds and collateral with parties for post-mining reclamation totaling $42.9 million, plus $8.9 million for miscellaneous purposes. As of December 31, 2010, we maintained letters of credit totaling $30.4 million to secure surety bonds plus $6.9 million in other forms of collateral to satisfy reclamation obligations.

Global climate change continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention with widespread concern about the impacts of human activity, especially the emission of greenhouse gases ("GHGs"), such as carbon dioxide and methane. Combustion of fossil fuels, such as the coal and methane gas we produce, results in the creation of carbon dioxide that is currently emitted into the atmosphere by coal and gas end-users. Further, some of our operations, such as coal mining and coke production, directly emit GHGs. Laws and regulations governing emissions of GHGs have been adopted by foreign governments, including the European Union and member countries, individual states in the United States, and regional governmental authorities. Further, numerous proposals also have been made and are likely to continue to be made at the international, national, regional, and state levels of government that are intended to limit emissions of GHGs by enforceable requirements and voluntary measures. In addition, the United States and over 160 other nations are signatories to the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is intended to limit emissions of GHGs. In December 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, the signatories to the convention established a binding set of emission targets for developed nations. Although the specific emission targets vary from country to country, the United States would have been required to reduce emissions to 93% of 1990 levels from 2008 through 2012. During his campaign for office, President Obama pledged to implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce GHG emissions 80 percent by 2050 and pledged that he would cause the United States to be a world leader on GHG reduction and re-engage with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to develop a global GHG program. However, following the mid-term elections, President Obama has placed a greater emphasis on clean energy technology as a means to reduce GHG emissions.

In April 2009, in response to a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") proposed findings that emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles are contributing to air

pollution which, in turn, is endangering the public health and welfare. These proposed findings (which were made final in December 2009) set in motion the process for EPA to regulate GHGs from mobile sources, which in turn may result in regulation of GHGs from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act. EPA's findings focus on six GHGs, including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (which are emitted from coal combustion) and methane (which is emitted from coal beds). Although EPA has stated a preference that GHG reduction be based on new federal legislation rather than through agency regulation pursuant to the existing Clean Air Act, EPA is nonetheless taking steps to regulate many sources of GHGs without further legislation (see Clean Air Act below). It is difficult to predict reliably how such regulation will develop and when or whether it will take effect, as EPA's recently finalized findings that underpin such regulation are the subject of a number of lawsuits. Also, bills have been introduced in Congress that would, if enacted, prevent EPA from regulating GHGs under the Clean Air Act.

In June 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would regulate GHG emissions through a "cap and trade" system and related programs, which generally would require emitters of GHGs to purchase or otherwise obtain allowances to emit GHGs. However, the bill failed to make it through the U.S. Senate. Thus, it is uncertain whether Congress will enact "cap and trade" or other legislation to address climate change and, if it does, when it will occur and what it will require.

Coal bed methane must be expelled from our underground coal mines for mining safety reasons. Our gas operations extract coal bed methane from our underground coal mines prior to mining. With the exception of some coal bed methane which is vented into the atmosphere when the coal is mined, the methane is captured. If regulation of GHG emissions does not exempt the release of coal bed methane, we may have to curtail coal production, pay higher taxes, or incur costs to purchase credits that allow us to continue operations as they now exist at our underground coal mines. The amount of coal bed methane we capture is recorded, on a voluntary basis, with the U.S. Department of Energy. We have recorded the amounts we have captured since 1992. In 2009, JWR partnered with Biothermica Technologies to capture and mitigate the methane that is vented into the atmosphere as a result of the mining process. This project resulted in the listing of the project with the Climate Action Reserve on February 2, 2010, a national offsets program working to ensure integrity, transparency and financial value in the U.S. carbon market by establishing regulatory-quality standards for the development, quantification and verification of GHG emissions reduction projects in North America. If regulation of GHGs does not give us credit for capturing methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere at our coal mines, any value associated with our historical or future credits would be reduced or eliminated.

Depending on their requirements, additional laws or regulations regarding GHG emissions or other actions to limit GHG emissions could result in fuel switching, from coal or, to a lesser degree, natural gas to other fuel sources. Alternative fuels (non-fossil fuels) could become more attractive than coal or, to a lesser degree, natural gas in order to reduce GHG emissions. This could result in a reduction in the demand for our coal and, to a lesser degree, our natural gas, and, therefore, our revenues, as well as reduce the value of our reserves (although fuel switching could increase demand for our natural gas, which emits less GHG when burned than an equivalent quantity of coal). The anticipation of such requirements could also lead to reduced demand for some of our products. Additional GHG laws or regulations could also increase our costs, such as those to produce natural gas and manufacture coke. Although the potential impacts on us of additional climate change regulation are difficult to reliably quantify, they could be material.

The federal Clean Air Act ("CAA") and comparable state laws that regulate air emissions affect coal mining and coking operations both directly and indirectly. Direct impacts on coal mining may occur through permitting requirements and/or emission control requirements relating to particulate

matter, such as fugitive dust, or fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. The Clean Air Act indirectly affects our mining operations and directly affects our coking operations by extensively regulating the air emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and other compounds emitted by coal-fired utilities, steel manufacturers and coke ovens. As described below, proposed regulations would also subject GHG emissions to regulation under the Clean Air Act.

The CAA requires, among other things, the regulation of hazardous air pollutants through the development and promulgation of Maximum Achievable Control Technology ("MACT") Standards. The EPA has developed various industry-specific MACT standards pursuant to this requirement. The CAA requires EPA to promulgate regulations establishing emission standards for each category of Hazardous Air Pollutants. EPA must also conduct risk assessments on each source category that is already subject to MACT standards and determine if additional standards are needed to reduce residual risks.

Our coking facility is subject to certain MACT standards and NESHAPS (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). Relative to MACT, these standards apply to pushing, quenching, and under-firing stacks and went into effect in April 2006. The Boiler MACT is scheduled to be finalized by EPA in February 2011. Concerning NESHAPS, the standards include Coke Oven NESHAPS (1993), Benzene NESHAPS and Benzene Waste NESHAPS, which were also enacted in the early 1990's. The portion of NESHAP which applies to coke ovens addresses emissions from charging, coke oven battery tops, and coke oven doors. With regard to this standard, Walter Coke chose the LAER (Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate) track, and therefore is not required to comply with residual risk until 2020. Since the scope of future changes is relatively uncertain, the magnitude of the impact of these anticipated changes cannot be estimated at this time.

The CAA also requires EPA to develop and implement National Ambient Air Quality Standards or NAAQS for criteria pollutants, which include sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone. Areas that are not in compliance with these standards, referred to as non-attainment areas, must take steps to reduce emission levels. Individual states must identify the sources of emissions and develop emission reduction plans. These plans may be state-specific or regional in scope. It is anticipated that EPA's fine particle programs will affect many power plants, especially coal-fueled power plants and all plants in non-attainment areas and could result in significant costs; however, it is impossible to estimate the magnitude of these costs at this time as state and federal agencies are still developing regulations for the programs and implementation.

EPA announced on January 6, 2010 a proposal to adopt a new, more stringent primary ambient air quality standard for ground-level ozone and to change the way in which the secondary standard is calculated. A final decision was delayed until July 2011. Should these NAAQS withstand scrutiny, additional emission control expenditures will likely be required at coal-fueled power plants.

EPA intends to propose standards for all air toxic emissions, including mercury, for coal and oil-fired units by March 15, 2011 and make those new standards final by November 16, 2011. Regardless of how the EPA responds on reconsideration or how states implement their state-specific mercury rules, rules imposing stricter limitations on mercury emissions from power plants will likely be promulgated and implemented. Such promulgation and implementation may adversely affect the demand for coal.

On January 22, 2010, EPA set a new one-hour Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) standard and retained the annual average. The new standard must be taken into account when permitting new or modified major sources of NO2 emissions such as fossil-fueled power plants, boilers, and a variety of manufacturing operations. EPA expects to designate non-attainment areas within two years and based on additional monitoring, redesignate areas in 2016 or 2017. Additional emission control expenditure may be required at coal-fueled power plants and may adversely affect the demand for coal.

On June 2, 2010, EPA revised the NAAQS for Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) by establishing a new one-hour standard and revoking the existing 24-hour and annual standards. EPA intends to complete

non-attainment designation within two years and require state implementation plans by 2014 and standards to be met by August, 2017. Additional emission control expenditure may be required at coal-fueled power plants and may adversely affect the demand for coal.

The EPA has initiated a regional haze program designed to protect and improve visibility at and around national parks, national wilderness areas and international parks. This program may result in additional emissions restrictions from new coal-fired power plants whose operation may impair visibility at and around federally protected areas. This program may also require certain existing coal-fired power plants to install additional control measures designed to limit haze-causing emissions, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic chemicals and particulate matter. EPA's finding concerning GHG endangerment of public health and welfare (see the discussion on Climate Change) may lead to regulation of GHG emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act. In connection with that finding, EPA also finalized a tailoring rule which would set emission thresholds for GHG regulation under EPA's current Clean Air Act stationary source permitting requirements. Finalized on May 13, 2010 and effective January 2, 2011, this rule has already drawn legal challenges. Accordingly, the impact of such regulation on us cannot be reliably estimated at this time, although it could be material.

The federal Clean Water Act ("CWA") and corresponding state laws affect our operations by imposing restrictions on discharges of wastewater into creeks and streams. These restrictions, more often than not, require us to pre-treat the wastewater prior to discharging it. Permits requiring regular monitoring and compliance with effluent limitations and reporting requirements govern the discharge of pollutants into regulated waters. Our mining and coking operations maintain water discharge permits as required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program of the CWA, and conduct its operations to be in compliance with such permits. We believe we have obtained all permits required under the Clean Water Act and corresponding state laws and are in substantial compliance with such permits. However, new requirements under the Clean Water Act and corresponding state laws may cause us to incur significant additional costs that could adversely affect our operating results.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and corresponding state laws establish standards for the management of solid and hazardous wastes generated at our various facilities. Besides affecting current waste disposal practices, RCRA also addresses the environmental effects of certain past hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal. In addition, RCRA also requires certain of our facilities to evaluate and respond to any past release, or threatened release, of a hazardous substance that may pose a risk to human health or the environment.

RCRA may affect coal mining operations by establishing requirements for the proper management, handling, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Currently, certain coal mine wastes, such as earth and rock covering a mineral deposit (commonly referred to as overburden) and coal cleaning wastes, are exempted from hazardous waste management under RCRA. Any change or reclassification of this exemption could significantly increase our coal mining costs.

Our coking operation is in the study phase of a RCRA corrective action program. Until the studies are complete, we are unable to determine the final cleanup or remediation that may be required and are unable to estimate the total cost of any such remediation activities. For additional information regarding significant enforcement actions, capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and Environmental Matters under "Note 16- Commitments and Contingencies."

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, CERCLA or Superfund, and similar state laws affect our coal mining and coking operations by, among other things, imposing investigation and cleanup requirements for threatened or actual releases of hazardous substances. Under CERCLA, joint and several liability may be imposed on operators, generators, site owners, lessees and others regardless of fault or the legality of the original activity that caused or resulted in the release of the hazardous substances. Although the EPA excludes most wastes generated by coal mining and processing operations from the hazardous waste laws, the universe of materials/wastes governed by CERCLA is broader than "hazardous waste" and such even non-hazardous wastes can, in certain circumstances, contain hazardous substances which, if released into the environment, are governed by CERCLA. Alabama's version of CERCLA mirrors the federal version, with the important difference that there is no joint and several liability, liability is consistent with one's contribution to the contamination. In addition, the disposal, release or spilling of some products used by coal and coking companies in operations, such as chemicals, could trigger the liability provisions of CERCLA or similar state laws because, at that point, they are deemed to be waste and the activity, even though inadvertent, is deemed to constitute disposal or a covered CERCLA release. Thus, we may be subject to liability under CERCLA and similar state laws for properties that (1) we currently own, lease or operate or that (2) we, our predecessors, or former subsidiaries have previously owned, leased or operated, (3) sites to which we, our predecessors or former subsidiaries sent waste materials, or (4) sites at which hazardous substances from our facilities' operations have otherwise come to be located.

We are required to comply with numerous other federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations in addition to those previously discussed. These additional laws include, for example, the Endangered Species Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.

Our primary business is not materially impacted by seasonal fluctuations. Demand for coal is generally more heavily influenced by other factors such as the general economy, interest rates and commodity prices.

As of December 31, 2010, we employed approximately 2,100 people, of whom approximately 1,500 were hourly workers and 600 were salaried employees. Unions represented approximately 1,300 employees under collective bargaining agreements, of which approximately 1,100 were covered by one contract with the United Mine Workers of America that expires on December 31, 2011.

We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto available on our website at www.walterenergy.com without charge as soon as reasonably practical after filing or furnishing these reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Additionally, we will also provide, without charge, a copy of our Form 10-K to any shareholder by mail. Requests should be sent to Walter Energy, Inc., Attention: Shareholder Relations, 4211 W. Boy Scout Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33607. You may read and copy any document the Company files at the SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

The following risk factors relate to our acquisition of Western Coal Corp. ("Western") under the arrangement agreement entered into on December 2, 2010 (the "Arrangement Agreement").

Failure to complete the Arrangement with Western could negatively impact our stock price and future business and financial results.

The Arrangement Agreement contains a number of important conditions that must be satisfied before we can complete the acquisition of Western under the Arrangement Agreement, including, without limitation, certain conditions that may be outside of our control relating to (i) approval of the transaction by the Western Shareholders, (ii) receipt of required regulatory approvals, (iii) approval by the NYSE and the Toronto Stock Exchange of the listing of our common shares to be issued in the Arrangement, (iv) absence of certain actions, suits, proceedings or objection or opposition before any governmental or regulatory authority, and (v) obtaining a court approval under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and a declaration following a court hearing that the arrangement is fair to Western shareholders. There can be no certainty, nor can we provide any assurance, that these conditions will be satisfied or, if satisfied, when they will be satisfied. If the arrangement is not completed, the market price of our common shares may decline to the extent that the market price reflects a market assumption that the arrangement will be completed.

In addition, whether or not the transaction is completed, the pending transaction could adversely affect our operations because:

We cannot guarantee when, or whether, the transactionwill be completed, that there will not be a delay in the completion of the transactionor that all or any of the anticipated benefits of the transactionwill be obtained. If the transaction is not completed or is delayed, we may experience the risks discussed above which may adversely affect our business, financial results and share price.

The transaction will involve the integration of companies that previously operated independently. In particular, the necessity of coordinating geographically dispersed organizations and addressing possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies may increase the difficulties of integration. The integration will require the dedication of significant management resources, which may temporarily distract management's attention from the day-to-day operations of the businesses of the combined company. The process of integrating operations after the transaction could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of the combined company's businesses and the loss of key personnel. The difficulties management encounters in the transition and integration processes could have an adverse effect on the revenues, level of expenses and operating results of the combined company. As a result of these factors, it is possible that any benefits expected from the acquisition will not be realized.

Walter will incur significant transaction, combination-related and restructuring costs in connection with the transaction, some of which will be incurred even if the transaction is never completed.

We expect that we will be obligated to pay transaction fees and other expenses related to the transaction of approximately $35 million, including financial advisors' fees, filing fees, legal and accounting fees, regulatory fees and associated fees and costs. This amount is a preliminary estimate and the actual amount may be higher or lower but a significant portion of these fees and expenses will be incurred even if we do not complete the transaction.

The Arrangement Agreement may be terminated by Western in certain circumstances, including in the event of the occurrence of a Walter Material Adverse Effect.

Each of Walter and Western have the right to terminate the Arrangement Agreement and the arrangement in certain circumstances. Accordingly, there is no certainty, nor can we provide any assurance, that the Arrangement Agreement will not be terminated by either us or by Western before the completion of the arrangement. For example, Western has the right, in certain circumstances, to terminate the Arrangement Agreement if a Walter Material Adverse Effect occurs. Although a Walter Material Adverse Effect excludes certain events that are beyond our control, there can be no assurance that a Walter Material Adverse Effect will not occur before the consummation of the arrangement, in which case Western could elect to terminate the Arrangement Agreement and the transactionwould not proceed.

In certain circumstances, Walter may be required to make an expense reimbursement payment to Western.

Under the Arrangement Agreement, we would be required to make an expense reimbursement payment of reasonable and documented fees and expenses incurred by Western in the event we terminate the Arrangement Agreement under certain circumstances, including a breach of any representation or warranty by us or a failure on our part to perform any covenant or agreement which would cause the conditions precedent in favor of Western not to be satisfied. Additionally, if Walter fails to provide sufficient funds to complete the transaction as required by the Arrangement Agreement, we are obligated to pay Western a fee of $35 million.

The business of the combined company will be subject to risks currently affecting the businesses of Walter and Western

After the completion of the transaction, the business of the combined company, as well as the price of our common shares, will be subject to numerous risks currently affecting the businesses of Walter and Western, including:

The combined company's substantial debt could adversely affect its financial condition, and its related debt service obligations may adversely affect its cash flow and ability to invest in and grow its businesses.

As of the closing of the transaction, Walter will have approximately $2.4 billion of indebtedness outstanding under a new $2.7 billion credit agreement ("Credit Agreement"). Under the repayment schedule relating to the Credit Agreement we will be required to make principal payments totaling at least $33.0 million in 2011 and at least $66.3 million in 2012. In addition, we will be required to pay a percentage of excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement, to reduce the principal balance of the indebtedness. If the combined company is unable to satisfy its indebtedness obligations, it will be unable to continue its operations, including its planned development and growth initiatives.

Upon completion of the transaction, Walter will be required to comply with Canadian securities regulations and be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny in Canada.

Walter will become a "reporting issuer" in Canada upon listing its shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. As a result, we will be subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and costs associated with complying with Canadian securities legislation. We do not anticipate any particular regulation that would be difficult to comply with. However, failure to comply with regulations may result in civil awards, fines, penalties and orders that could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Significant additional capital will be required to continue the current expansion plans of Walter and Western following completion of the Arrangement.

Substantial funds for the establishment of future planned mining operations are required. No assurances can be given that we will be able to generate necessary cash flows from our existing operations or otherwise raise the additional funding that may be required for such activities. Coal prices, environmental rehabilitation or restitution, revenues, taxes, transportation costs, capital expenditures and operating expenses and geological results are all factors which will have an impact on the amount of additional capital that may be required. If we are unable to obtain the financing as needed, we may be required to reduce the scope of our operations or anticipated expansion, forfeit interest in some of our properties and licenses, incur financial penalties or reduce or terminate certain operations.

Unfavorable global economic, financial and business conditions may adversely affect our businesses.

The global financial markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption over the last several years. These markets have experienced, among other things, volatility in security prices, commodities and currencies; diminished liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades and declining valuations of certain investments. Although the global economic outlook improved throughout 2010 and into 2011, uncertainties remain. Weaknesses in global economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our coal, coke and natural gas products and on our sales, pricing and profitability. We are not able to predict whether the global economic conditions will continue or worsen and the impact these events may have on our operations and the industry in general.

Our businesses may suffer as a result of a substantial or extended decline in pricing, demand and other factors beyond our control, which could negatively affect our operating results and cash flows.

Our businesses are cyclical and have experienced significant difficulties in the past. Our financial performance depends, in large part, on varying conditions in the international and domestic markets we serve, which fluctuate in response to various factors beyond our control. The prices at which we sell our coal, coke and natural gas are largely dependent on prevailing market prices for those products. We have experienced significant price fluctuations in our coal, coke and natural gas businesses, and we expect that such fluctuations will continue. Demand for and, therefore, the price of, coal, coke and natural gas are driven by a variety of factors such as availability, price, location and quality of competing sources of coal, coke or natural gas, availability of alternative fuels or energy sources, government regulation and economic conditions.

In addition, reductions in the demand for metallurgical coal caused by reduced steel production by our customers, increases in the use of substitutes for steel (such as aluminum, composites or plastics) and the use of steel-making technologies that use less or no metallurgical coal can significantly affect our financial results and impede growth. Demand for steam coal is primarily driven by the price of steam coal and natural gas and the consumption patterns of the domestic electric power generation industry, which, in turn, is influenced by demand for electricity and technological developments. We estimate that a 10% decrease in the price of metallurgical coal in 2010 would have resulted in a reduction in pre-tax income of $129.5 million.

Demand for natural gas is also affected by storage levels of natural gas in North America and consumption patterns, which can be affected by weather conditions. We estimate that a 10% decrease in the price in natural gas in 2010 would have resulted in a reduction in pre-tax income of approximately $4.8 million in that year, which includes the benefit of hedges. Occasionally we utilize derivative commodity instruments to manage fluctuations in natural gas prices. If we choose not to engage in, or reduce our use of hedging arrangements in the future, we may be more adversely affected by changes in the pricing of these commodities. Currently, we have not hedged any of our anticipated 2011 natural gas production.

The failure of our customers to honor or renew contracts could adversely affect our business.

A significant portion of the sales of our coal, coke and natural gas are to long-term customers. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to retain our current customers, renew our existing customer contracts and solicit new customers. Our ability to do so generally depends on a variety of factors, including the quality and price of our products, our ability to market these products effectively, our ability to deliver on a timely basis and the level of competition we face. If current customers do not honor current contract commitments, terminate agreements or exercise force majeure provisions allowing for the temporary suspension of performance, our revenues will be adversely affected. If we are unsuccessful in renewing contracts with our long-term customers and they

discontinue purchasing coal, coke or natural gas from us, renew contracts on terms less favorable than in the past, or if we are unable to sell our coal, coke or natural gas to new customers on terms as favorable to us, our revenues could suffer significantly.

Coal mining is subject to inherent risks and is dependent upon many factors and conditions beyond our control, which may cause our profitability and our financial position to decline.

The majority of our coal mining operations are conducted in underground mines and the balance of our operations is surface mining operations. Coal mining is subject to inherent risks and is dependent upon a number of conditions beyond our control that can affect our costs and production schedules at particular mines. These risks and conditions include, but are not limited to:

These risks and conditions could result in damage to or the destruction of mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and legal liability. For example, an explosion and fire occurred in Mine No. 5 in September 2001. This accident resulted in the deaths of thirteen employees and caused extensive damage to the mine. Our insurance coverage may not be available or sufficient to fully cover claims which may arise from these risks and conditions. We have also experienced adverse geological conditions in our mines, such as variations in coal seam thickness, variations in the competency and make-up of the roof strata, fault-related discontinuities in the coal seam and the potential for ingress of excessive amounts of methane gas or water. Such adverse conditions may increase our cost of sales and reduce our profitability, and may cause us to decide to close a mine. Any of these risks or conditions could have a negative impact on our profitability, the cash available from our operations and our financial position.

The financial performance of our coke business is dependent upon customers in the furnace and foundry industries whose failure to perform under their commitments with us could adversely affect our coke business.

Substantially all of our domestic furnace and foundry coke sales are currently made under annual commitments with steel manufacturers and foundries. The global economic slowdown has caused a tightening on the steel industry and the domestic foundries. In the event of nonperformance by our current or future customers, our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Disruption in supplies of coal produced by third parties could temporarily impair our coking operation's ability to fill its customers' orders or increase its costs.

Our coking operation purchases coal produced by third parties to meet customer specifications. Disruption in the supply of third-party coal could temporarily impair our ability to fill our customers' orders, maintain quality specifications or require us to pay higher prices in order to obtain the required coal from other sources. Any increase in the prices we pay for third-party coal could increase our costs and, therefore, lower our earnings.

Defects in title of any real property or leasehold interests in our properties could limit our ability to mine or develop these properties or result in significant unanticipated costs.

Our right to mine some of our reserves and extract natural gas may be materially adversely affected by defects in title or boundaries. Any challenge to our title could delay the development of the property and could ultimately result in the loss of some or all of our interest in the property and could increase our costs. In addition, if we mine or conduct our natural gas operations on property that we do not own or lease, we could incur liability for such mining and gas operations. Some leases have minimum production requirements or require us to commence mining or gas operations in a specified term to retain the lease. Failure to meet those requirements could result in losses of prepaid royalties and, in some rare cases, could result in a loss of the lease itself.

Currently our coal, coking and natural gas producing properties are located predominately in four counties in central Alabama, making us vulnerable to risks associated with having our production concentrated in one area.

Our mining, coking and natural gas operations are geographically concentrated in four counties in Alabama. As a result of this concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of delays or interruptions of production caused by significant governmental regulation, transportation capacity constraints, curtailment of production, natural disasters or interruption of transportation or other events which impact this area. We are currently in the process of purchasing Western Coal, which will provide greater geographical diversification.

A reduction in the demand for coal by our domestic electric utility customers would likely cause our surface mining revenues and profitability to decline significantly.

The majority of our revenues from our surface mining operations are derived from contracts with domestic utility providers. Fuel cost is a significant component of the cost associated with coal-fired power generation, with respect to not only the price of the coal, but also the costs associated with emissions control and credits (i.e., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.), combustion by-product disposal (i.e., ash) and equipment operations and maintenance (i.e., materials handling facilities) of the utility providers. Further, current and future laws and regulations relating to the control of GHG emissions could increase coal-related costs of utility providers. All of these costs must be considered when choosing between coal generation and alternative methods, including natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and others. Any prolonged depression in the price of natural gas could cause our customers not to purchase steam coal from us. In addition, electric utility deregulation is expected to provide incentives to generators of electricity to minimize their fuel costs and is believed to have caused electric generators to be more aggressive in negotiating prices with coal suppliers. Downward economic pressures by our industrial customers will likely cause our profitability to decline.

If transportation for our coal becomes unavailable or uneconomic for our customers, our ability to sell coal could suffer.

Transportation costs can represent a significant portion of the total cost of coal to be delivered to the customer and, as a result, the cost of transportation is a critical factor in determining overall price. Increases in our transportation costs could make our coal less competitive with the same or alternative products from competitors with lower transportation costs. We typically depend upon overland conveyor, trucks, rail or barge to deliver our products. Disruption of any of these transportation services because of weather-related problems, which are variable and unpredictable; strikes, lock-outs; transportation delays or other events could temporarily impair our ability to supply our products to our customers, thereby resulting in lost sales and reduced profitability. All of our metallurgical mines are served by only one rail carrier, which increases our vulnerability to these risks, although our access to barge transportation partially mitigates that risk. In addition, the majority of the metallurgical coal produced by our underground mining operations is sold to coal customers who typically arrange and pay for transportation through the state-run docks at the Port of Mobile, Alabama to the point of use.

As a result, disruption at the docks, port congestion and delayed coal shipments may result in demurrage fees to us. If this disruption were to persist over an extended period of time, demurrage costs could significantly impact profits.

Significant competition and foreign currency fluctuations could harm our sales, profitability and cash flows.

The consolidation of the U.S. coal industry over the last several years has contributed to increased competition among coal producers. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do. This competition may affect domestic coal prices and impact our ability to retain or attract coal customers. In addition, our metallurgical coal business faces competition from foreign producers that sell their coal in the export market. The general economic conditions in foreign markets and changes in currency exchange rates are factors outside of our control that may affect international coal prices. If our competitors' currencies decline against the U.S. dollar or against our customers' currencies, those competitors may be able to offer lower prices to our customers. Furthermore, if the currencies of our overseas customers were to significantly decline in value in comparison to the U.S. dollar, those customers may seek decreased prices for the coal we sell to them. In addition, these factors may negatively impact our collection of trade receivables from our customers. These factors could reduce our profitability or result in lower coal sales.

Our businesses are subject to risk of cost increases and fluctuations and delay in the delivery of raw materials, mining equipment and purchased components.

Our businesses require significant amounts of raw materials, mining equipment and labor and, therefore, shortages or increased costs of raw materials, mining equipment and labor could adversely affect our business or results of operations. Our coal mining operations rely on the availability of steel, petroleum products and other raw materials for use in various mining equipment. The availability and market prices of these materials are influenced by various factors that are beyond our control. Over the last year petroleum prices have fluctuated significantly and pricing for steel scrap has fluctuated markedly. Any inability to secure a reliable supply of these materials or shortages in raw materials used in the operation and manufacturing of mining equipment or replacement parts could negatively impact our operating results.

Work stoppages, labor shortages and other labor relations matters may harm our business.

The majority of our employees in our underground mining and coking operations are unionized and we have a risk of work stoppages as the result of strike or lockout. The majority of employees of our underground mining operations are members of United Mine Workers of America ("UMWA"). Normally, our negotiations with the UMWA follow the national contract negotiated with the UMWA by the Bituminous Coal Operators Association. The collective bargaining agreement expires December 31, 2011. At our coking operation, our contract with the United Steelworkers of America expires December 6, 2015. We experienced a strike at our coke facilities at the end of 2001 that lasted eight months. Future work stoppages, labor union issues or labor disruptions at our key customers or service providers could impede our ability to produce and deliver our products, to receive critical equipment and supplies or to collect payment. This may increase our costs or impede our ability to operate one or more of our operations.

We require a skilled workforce to run our business. If we cannot hire qualified people to meet replacement or expansion needs, we may not be able to achieve planned results.

The demand for coal in recent years has caused a significant constriction of the labor supply resulting in higher labor costs. As coal producers compete for skilled miners, employee turnover rates have increased which negatively affects operating costs. If the shortage of skilled workers continues and we are unable to train and retain the necessary number of miners, it could adversely affect our productivity, costs and ability to expand production.

We have reclamation and mine closure obligations. If the assumptions underlying our accruals are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated.

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act established operational, reclamation and closure standards for all aspects of surface mining as well as most aspects of deep mining. We accrue for the costs of final mine closure. Estimates of our total reclamation and mine-closing liabilities are based upon permit requirements and our experience. The amounts recorded are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proven reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates, and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates. Furthermore, these obligations are unfunded. If these accruals are insufficient or our liability in a particular year is greater than currently anticipated, our future operating results could be adversely affected. At December 31, 2010, we have accrued $25.3 million for our asset retirement obligations, most of which will be incurred at our underground mining operations at the end of the mines' life.

Factors impacting our forecasts of future performance, reserve estimates and a decline in pricing could affect our revenues.

Forecasts of our future performance are based on estimates of our recoverable coal reserves. Reserve estimates are based on a number of sources of information, including engineering, geological, mining and property control maps, our operational experience of historical production from similar areas with similar conditions and assumptions governing future pricing and operational costs. Reserve estimates will change periodically to reflect mining activities, the acquisition or divestiture of reserve holdings and modifications of mining plans. Certain factors beyond our control could affect the accuracy of these estimates, including unexpected mining conditions, future coal prices, operating and development costs and federal, state and local regulations affecting mining operations. In addition, since we deplete our reserves as we mine, the ability to acquire additional reserves that are economically recoverable at the time and have comparable costs is paramount. Our results of operations are dependent upon our ability to mine our reserves and the prices at which we sell our coal. A decline in reserves or an inability to acquire additional reserves could adversely affect our operating results and profitability.

Extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations impose significant costs on our operations and future regulations could increase those costs, limit our ability to produce or adversely affect the demand for our products.

Our businesses are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations with respect to matters such as:

Compliance with these regulations may be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration or production at our operations. These laws are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly stringent. The ultimate impact of complying with existing laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable due in part to the fact that certain implementing regulations for these laws have not yet been promulgated and in certain instances are undergoing revision. These laws and regulations, particularly new legislative or administrative proposals (or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations) could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs and could have a material adverse effect on our operations and/or our customers' ability to use our products.

We strive to conduct our mining, natural gas and coke operations in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. However, due in part to the extensive and comprehensive regulatory requirements, along with changing interpretations of these requirements, violations occur from time to time in our industry and at our operations. In recent years, expenditures for regulatory or environmental obligations have been mainly for safety or process changes. Although it is not possible at this time to predict the final outcome of these rule-making and standard-setting efforts, it is likely that the magnitude of these changes will require an unprecedented compliance effort on our part, could divert management's attention, and may require significant expenditures. To the extent these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, operating results will be reduced. We believe that our major North American competitors are confronted by substantially similar conditions and thus do not believe that our relative position with regard to such competitors is materially affected by the impact of environmental laws and regulations. However, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to foreign producers and operators who may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in their operations. In addition, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, applicable state legislation and its production methods.

See also "Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters" in Part I of this Annual Report.

Climate change concerns could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flows.

The combustion of fossil fuels, such as the coal, coke and natural gas we produce, results in the creation of carbon dioxide that is currently emitted into the atmosphere by coal, coke and gas end-users. Further, some of our operations emit GHGs directly, such as methane incident to coal mining and carbon dioxide during our coke production. Carbon dioxide is considered a greenhouse gas and is a major source of concern with respect to global warming, also known as climate change. Climate change continues to attract public and scientific attention, and increasing government attention is being paid to reducing GHG emissions.

There are many legal and regulatory approaches currently in effect or being considered to address GHGs, including possible future U.S. treaty commitments, new federal or state legislation that may impose a carbon emissions tax or establish a "cap and trade" program, and regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

These existing laws and regulations or other current and future efforts to stabilize or reduce GHG emissions, could adversely impact the demand for, price of and the value of our products and reserves. Passage of additional state, federal or foreign laws or regulations regarding GHG emissions or other actions to limit GHG emissions could result in switching from coal to other fuel sources. The anticipation of such additional requirements could also lead to reduced demand for some of our products. Alternative fuels (including non-fossil fuels) could become more attractive than coal in order

to reduce GHG emissions, which could result in a reduction in the demand for coal and, therefore, our revenues. As our operations also emit GHGs directly, current or future laws or regulations limiting GHG emissions could increase our own costs. Although the potential impacts on us of additional climate change regulation are difficult to reliably quantify, they could be material.

See also "Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters" in Part I of this Annual Report.

Our expenditures for postretirement benefit and pension obligations are significant and could be materially higher than we have predicted if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect.

We provide a range of benefits to our employees and retirees, including pensions and postretirement healthcare. We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by generally accepted accounting principles, which include various actuarial assumptions. As of December 31, 2010, we estimate that our pension plans' aggregate accumulated benefit obligation had a present value of approximately $235.7 million, and our fair value of plan assets was approximately $191.7 million. As of December 31, 2010, we estimate that our postretirement health care and life insurance plans' aggregate accumulated benefit obligation would have had a present value of approximately $476.1 million, and such benefits are not required to be funded. In respect of the funding obligations for our pension plans, we must make minimum cash contributions on a quarterly basis. The weakening of the economic environment and uncertainty in the equity markets have caused investment income and the values of investment assets held in our pension trust to decline in the past and lose value. As a result, we may be required to increase the amount of cash contributions we make into the pension trust in the future in order to meet the funding level requirements of the Pension Act. Our estimated minimum funding obligation relating to these plans in 2011 is $ 42.6 million. We have estimated these obligations based on assumptions described under the heading "Critical Accounting Estimates—Employee Benefits" in "Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition," and in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Assumed health care cost trend rates, discount rates, expected return on plan assets and salary increases have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the pension and health care plans. If our assumptions do not materialize as expected, cash expenditures and costs that we incur could be materially higher. Moreover, regulatory changes could increase our obligations to provide these or additional benefits.

In addition, certain of our subsidiaries participate in multiemployer pension and healthcare plan trusts established for union employees. Contributions to these funds could increase as a result of future collective bargaining with the UMWA, a shrinking contribution base as a result of the insolvency of other coal companies who currently contribute to these funds, lower than expected returns on pension fund assets, or other funding deficiencies.

We have no current intention to withdraw from any multiemployer pension plan, but if we were to do so, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), we would be liable for a proportionate share of the plan's unfunded vested benefit liabilities upon our withdrawal. Through July 1, 2011, our estimated withdrawal liability for the multiemployer pension plans amounts to $426.0 million.

We self-insure workers' compensation and certain medical and disability benefits, and greater than expected claims could reduce our profitability.

1977, as amended, and is self-insured against black lung related claims. We perform periodic evaluations of our black lung liability, using assumptions regarding rates of successful claims, discount factors, benefit increases and mortality rates, among others. See additional information under the heading "Critical Accounting Estimates—Employee Benefits" in "Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

If the number or severity of claims for which we are self insured increases, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts because the claims prove to be more severe than our original assessment, our operating results could be reduced.

We may be subject to litigation, the disposition of which could negatively affect our profitability and cash flow in a particular period.

Our profitability or cash flow in a particular period could be affected by an adverse ruling in any litigation currently pending in the courts or by litigation that may be filed against us in the future. For information regarding our current significant legal proceedings, see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings", "Note 11-Income Taxes" and "Note 16- Commitments and Contingencies."

Access to capital, financing availability and our debt instruments may limit our ability to engage in certain transactions.

Our business requires continued capital investment for, among other purposes, managing acquired assets, acquiring new equipment, maintaining the condition of our existing equipment and maintaining compliance with environmental and safety laws and regulations. To the extent that cash generated internally and cash available under our credit facilities are not sufficient to fund capital requirements, we will require additional debt and/or equity financing. However, this type of financing may not be available, or if available, may not be on satisfactory terms. Future debt financings, if available, may result in increased interest expense, increased financial leverage and decreased income available to fund further acquisitions and expansion. In addition, future debt financings may limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and render us more vulnerable to economic downturns. If we fail to generate sufficient earnings or to obtain sufficient additional capital in the future or fail to manage our capital investments effectively, we could be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets or restructure or refinance our indebtedness.

In addition, the credit agreement governing our senior credit facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, asset dispositions, acquisitions, investments, dividends and other restricted payments, liens and transactions with affiliates. The credit agreement requires us to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Our ability to satisfy the financial ratios, tests or covenants related to our existing or future indebtedness can be affected by events beyond our control, and there is a risk that we will not meet those tests. A breach of any such covenants could result in a default under our credit facilities or under any other debt instrument that we may enter into in the future. If an event of default were not remedied after the delivery of notice of default and lapse of any relevant grace period, the holders of our debt could declare it immediately due and payable.

Changes in our credit ratings could adversely affect our costs and expenses.

Any downgrade in our credit ratings could adversely affect our ability to borrow and result in more restrictive borrowing terms, including increased borrowing costs and more restrictive covenants. This, in turn, could affect our internal cost of capital estimates and therefore impact operational and investment decisions.

Our executive officers and other key personnel are important to our success and the loss of some of these individuals as a result of the relocation of our corporate offices could harm our business.

Our executive officers and other key personnel have significant experience in the businesses in which we operate and the loss of certain of these individuals could harm our business. We have previously announced our intention to relocate our corporate offices from Tampa, Florida to Birmingham, Alabama. While we do not anticipate that this relocation will affect management and key employees of our operating subsidiaries, including our subsidiary Presidents, certain members of our management team and corporate staff, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer and general counsel have informed us they will not be relocating. Although we have been successful in attracting qualified individuals for key management and corporate positions in the past, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining a sufficient number of qualified personnel in the future and the loss of the services of management personnel as a result of the relocation or otherwise could harm our ability to successfully integrate and manage our business functions, prevent us from executing our business strategy and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

We may be unsuccessful in identifying or integrating suitable acquisitions, which could impair our growth.

Our ability to grow depends upon our ability to identify, negotiate, complete and integrate suitable acquisitions. This strategy depends on the availability of acquisition candidates with businesses that can be successfully integrated into our existing business and that will provide us with complementary capabilities, products or services. There are many challenges to integrating acquired companies and businesses, including eliminating redundant operations, facilities and systems, coordinating management and personnel, retaining key employees, managing different corporate cultures and achieving cost reductions and cross-selling opportunities. It is possible that we will be unable to successfully complete potential acquisitions which could impair our growth.

The price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.

Our share price is likely to fluctuate in the future because of the volatility of the stock market in general and a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

Market fluctuations could result in extreme volatility in the price of shares of our common stock, which could cause a decline in the value of our stock. Price volatility may be greater if the public float and trading volume of shares of our common stock is low. In addition, if our operating results and net income fail to meet the expectations of stock analysts and investors, we may experience an immediate and significant decline in the trading price of our stock.

Our ability to pay regular dividends to our stockholders is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and may be limited by our holding company structure, the covenants in our debt instruments and applicable provisions of Delaware law.

Our Board of Directors may, in its discretion, decrease the level of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In addition, as a holding company, we will be dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to generate earnings and cash flows and distribute them to us so that we may pay our obligations and expenses and pay dividends to our stockholders. Our ability to pay future dividends and the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us will be subject to our and their respective operating results, cash requirements and financial condition, the applicable laws of the State of Delaware (which may limit the amount of funds available for distribution), compliance with covenants and financial ratios related to existing or future indebtedness and other agreements with third parties. If, as a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we are unable to generate sufficient distributions from our business, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our shares.

Our stockholder rights agreement could discourage or prevent potential acquisition proposals and could deter a change of control.

On February 27, 2009, our Board of Directors authorized and declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") for each share of common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 23, 2009. Our shareholders approved this action and we entered into a rights agreement on April 24, 2009. Initially the Right is not exercisable and will trade with our common stock. The Right may be exercisable under certain circumstances, including a person or group acquiring, or the commencement of a tender or exchange offer that would result in a person or group acquiring, beneficial ownership of more than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock. Upon exercise of the Right, each Right holder, other than the person or group triggering the plan, will have the right to purchase from us 1/1000^th of a share of junior preferred stock (subject to adjustment) or, at our option, shares of common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Each fractional share of the junior preferred stock has terms designed to make it substantially the economic equivalent of one share of common stock. This rights agreement expires on April 23, 2012. Our rights agreement is designed to, among other things, deter the use of coercive or abusive takeover tactics by one or more parties interested in acquiring the Company or a significant position in the Company's common stock without offering fair value to all stockholders, as well as to generally assist the Board in representing the interests of all stockholders in connection with any takeover proposals. The rights agreement would accomplish these objectives by encouraging a potential acquiror to negotiate with the Board to have the Rights redeemed or the rights agreement amended prior to such party exceeding the ownership thresholds set forth in the rights agreement. If the Rights are not redeemed (or the rights agreement is not amended to permit the particular acquisition) and such party exceeds the ownership thresholds, the Rights become exercisable at a discounted price resulting in both a dilution of the party's holding in the Company and making an acquisition thereof significantly more expensive by significantly increasing the number of shares that would have to be acquired to effect a takeover. Our rights agreement may discourage third parties from attempting to purchase our Company or a significant position in our common stock, which may adversely affect the price of our common stock.

We may be required to satisfy certain indemnification obligations to Mueller Water or may not be able to collect on indemnification rights from Mueller Water.

In connection with the spin-off of Mueller Water Products, Inc. ("Mueller Water") on December 14, 2006, we entered into certain agreements with Mueller Water, including an income tax allocation agreement and a joint litigation agreement. Under the terms of those agreements, we and Mueller Water agreed to indemnify each other with respect to the indebtedness, liabilities and obligations that will be retained by our respective companies, including certain tax and litigation liabilities. These indemnification obligations could be significant. For example, to the extent that we or Mueller Water take any action that would be inconsistent with the treatment of the spin-off of Mueller Water as a tax-free transaction under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, then any tax resulting from such actions is attributable to the acting company. The ability to satisfy these indemnities if called upon to do so will depend upon the future financial strength of each of our companies. We cannot determine whether we will have to indemnify Mueller Water for any substantial obligations after the distribution. If Mueller Water has to indemnify us for any substantial obligations, Mueller Water may not have the ability to satisfy those obligations. If Mueller Water is unable to satisfy its obligations under its indemnity to us, we may have to satisfy those obligations.

We may be required to satisfy certain indemnification obligations to Walter Investment Management Corp. In addition, we have contingent obligations in respect of Walter Investment Management Corp. which, in certain circumstances, could become significant.

In connection with the spin-off of our financing business and its merger with Hanover Capital Mortgage Holdings, Inc. on April 17, 2009, we entered into certain agreements with the surviving corporation, Walter Investment Management Corp. ("Walter Investment Management"), including a tax sharing agreement, a joint litigation agreement, a support letter of credit agreement in the amount of $15.7 million and a revolving credit facility and security agreement in which we have committed to make available up to $10.0 million in the event a major hurricane has occurred with projected losses greater than $2.5 million. Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement, to the extent that we or Walter Investment Management takes any action that would be inconsistent with the treatment of the spin-off of the financing business from us as a tax-free transaction under Section 355 of the Code, then any tax resulting from such actions will be attributable to the acting company and will result in indemnification obligations that could be significant. Under the terms of the joint litigation agreement, Walter Investment Management will indemnify us for certain liabilities arising from businesses and operations of the financing business at the time of the spin-off. Under the terms of the support letter of credit agreement, Walter Investment Management agrees to reimburse us for all costs incurred in posting the support letter of credit for Walter Investment Management's bank credit agreement as well as any draws under bonds posted in support of Walter Investment Management and its subsidiaries. Under the terms of the revolving credit and security agreement, Walter Investment Management will pay all fees and repay all loans made under the facility. All obligations of the support letter of credit and the revolving credit and security agreement will be due and payable upon the termination of this agreement on April 20, 2011. The ability to satisfy these indemnities if called upon to do so will depend upon the future financial strength of each of our companies. If Walter Investment Management is unable to satisfy its obligations under its indemnity to us, we may have to satisfy those obligations. In the case of the support letter of credit agreement and the revolving credit facility and security agreement, if Walter Investment Management cannot pay its obligations and the collateral backing those agreements is insufficient to satisfy the obligations, we could lose money in the satisfaction of those obligations.

The administrative headquarters and production facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:

							Building Square Footage

Facility/Location			Principal Operations		Land Acreage		Leased		Owned
Underground Mining
Blue Creek Coal Sales
	Mobile, AL			River terminal—Owned		33
Jim Walter Resources
	Brookwood, AL			Administrative headquarters						42,000
	Brookwood, AL			Central shop, supply center and training center						131,100
	Brookwood, AL			Real estate for mining operations—Owned		7,000
	Brookwood, AL			Coal mines and coal bed methane fields—Owned		711				506,130
	Brookwood, AL			Coal mines and coal bed methane fields—Leased		43,349
Walter Black Warrior Basin
	Tuscaloosa County, AL			Administrative headquarters						12,800
	Tuscaloosa County, AL			Coal bed methane fields—Leased		334,489
Surface Mining
Walter Minerals Brookwood, AL				Mine support facilities—Barge Loadout		40		140
Tuscaloosa Resources
	Brookwood, AL			Mine support facilities						5,600
	Brookwood, AL			Real estate for mining operations—Leased		2,280
Taft
	Jasper, AL			Administrative headquarters				3,680
	Walker County, AL			Mine support facilities						1,800
	Walker County, AL			Supply shop						4,075
	Walker County, AL			Real estate for mining operations—Owned		1,494
	Walker County, AL			Real estate for mining operations—Leased		2,115
	Blount County, AL			Real estate for mining operations—Leased		820		1,200
Walter Coke
	Birmingham, AL			Administrative headquarters						12,000
	Birmingham, AL			Furnace & foundry coke battery—Owned		511				148,000
	Birmingham, AL			Closed facility—Owned		5				52,400
	Birmingham, AL			Closed facility—Owned		2				10,000
	Alexandria, IN			Closed facility—Owned		33				112,000
Other
	Kodiak(1)
		Shelby County, AL		Mine support facilities						13,100
		Shelby County, AL		Supply shop						9,800
		Shelby County, AL		Real estate for mining operations—Owned		76
	Birmingham, AL(2)			Administrative headquarters				40,390
	Tampa, FL(2)			Administrative headquarters				31,574
	Tampa, FL(3)			Former Administrative headquarters for our Financing and Homebuilding businesses				46,500

The following table provides the location of our recoverable reserves as of December 31, 2010:

ESTIMATED RECOVERABLE(1) COAL RESERVES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010
(In Thousands of Tons)

			Reserves						Classifications(3)				Our Interest

Mine	Status of Operation	Coal Beds	Recoverable Reserves(1)		Assigned(2)		Unsssigned(2)		Measured		Indicated		Owned		Leased(4)		Reportable Acres
JWR's No. 4 Mine	Operational	Mary Lee and Blue Creek		79,283		79,283		—		75,879		3,404		199		79,084		18,443
JWR's No. 7 Mine	Operational	Mary Lee and Blue Creek		79,918		79,918		—		72,263		7,655		2,495		77,423		21,286
JWR's Yellow Creek Area	Pre-feasibility	Mary Lee and Blue Creek		22,271		—		22,271		22,028		243		—		22,271		4,332
TRI's East Brookwood Mine(6)	Operational	Upper & Lower Brookwood, Milldale, Carter & Johnson		211		211		—		211		—		211		—		18
TRI's Carter Mine(5)	Development	Carter		523		523		—		523		—		523		—		51
TRI's Panther 3 Mine	Idled	Carter, Johnson		289		289		—		289		—		289		—		161
Taft's Choctaw Mine(6)	Operational	Pratt, Nickle Plate, Top American, Bot. American & American No. 3		2,704		2,704		—		2,704		—		—		2,704		315
Taft's Reid School Mine(6)	Operational	Lick Creek Jefferson & Black Creek		379		379		—		379		—		—		379		94
Taft's Gayosa South Mine	Development	Pratt, Nickle Plate, Top American, Bot. American		389		389		—		389		—		—		389		70
Walter Minerals' Flat Top Mine	Ready for Operation	Pratt, Nickle Plate, Top American		2,285		2,285		—		2,285		—		2,285		—		356
Walter Minerals' Highway 59 Mine(6)	Operational	Lower Brookwood, Mildale, Carter & Johnson		462		462		—		462		—		49		413		34
Walter Minerals' Beltona East Mine	Development	Lick Creek Jefferson & Black Creek		1,117		1,117		—		1,117		—		1,117		—		184
Walter Minerals' Swann's Crossing Mine	Development	Guide 1 & 2, Lower Brookwood, Mildale, Carter		2,558		2,558		—		2,558		—		2,558		—		221
Walter Minerals' Morris Mine	Development	Upper & Lower New Castle, Mary Lee, Blue Creek		1,985		1,985		—		579		1,406		1,985		—		249

Total(7)				194,374		172,103		22,271		181,666		12,708		11,711		182,663		45,814

The following table provides the quality (average ash and sulfur content and Btus per pound) of our recoverable coal reserves as of December 31, 2010:

ESTIMATED RECOVERABLE (1) COAL RESERVES (Continued)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010
(In Thousands of Tons)

							QUALITY

							(Wet Basis)
						Compliant(8)	(Wet Basis)
	Status of Operation(6)	Recoverable Reserves				Compliant(8)							Average Coal Seam (in Feet)
Mine	Status of Operation(6)	Recoverable Reserves		Type(1)		Y / N	% Ash		% Sulfur		BTU/lb.		Average Coal Seam (in Feet)
JWR's No. 4 Mine(2,3)	Operational		79,283		Steam and/or Metallurgical	Yes		9.00		0.80		13,909		5.05
JWR's No. 7 Mine(4,5,7,9)	Operational		79,918		Steam and/or Metallurgical	Yes		9.00		0.75		13,952		4.23
JWR's Yellow Creek Area	Pre-feasibility		22,271		Steam and/or Metallurgical	Yes		9.00		0.69		13,791		5.90
TRI's East Brookwood Mine	Operational		211		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		11.79		1.11		12,804		12.44
TRI's Carter Mine	Development		523		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		14.61		1.37		12,326		9.61
TRI's Panther 3 Mine	Idled		289		Steam	No		8.93		1.47		13,636		1.99
Taft's Choctaw Mine	Operational		2,704		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		10.98		1.76		12,902		6.45
Taft's Reid School Mine	Operational		379		Steam and/or Metallurgical	Yes—Black Creek Only		2.92		0.89		15,041		2.60
Taft's Gayosa South Mine	Development		389		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		14.69		1.32		12,484		4.79
Walter Minerals' Flat Top Mine	Ready for Operation		2,285		Steam	No		10.89		2.13		13,590		5.80
Walter Minerals' Highway 59 Mine	Operational		462		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		5.03		0.76		9,661		10.26
Walter Minerals' Beltona East Mine	Development		1,117		Steam and/or Metallurgical	Yes—Black Creek Only		7.79		2.58		14,162		4.88
Walter Minerals' Swann's Crossing Mine	Development		2,558		Steam and/or Metallurgical	No		12.57		1.29		12,395		9.85
Walter Minerals' Morris Mine	Development		1,985		Steam	No		20.80		1.60		12,175		5.46

Total			194,374

Production and average coal selling price per ton for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 were as follows (production in thousands):

See the section entitled "Environmental" in Description of Business and Notes 2 and 16 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included herein.

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock (the "Common Stock") has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "WLT" since December 18, 1997. The table below sets forth the range of high and low closing sales prices of the Common Stock for the fiscal periods indicated.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we declared and paid a dividend of $0.10 per share to shareholders of record on February 19, and declared and paid a dividend of $0.125 per share to shareholders of record on each date of May 7, August 6 and November 5. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we declared and paid a dividend of $0.10 per share to shareholders of record on each date of February 20, May 8, August 7, and November 6. Covenants contained in certain of the debt instruments referred to in Note 12 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" may restrict the amount the Company can pay in cash dividends. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our future earnings, financial condition and other factors affecting dividend policy. As of February 22, 2011, there were 91 shareholders of record of the Common Stock.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2010:

In June 2008, we completed an offering of 3.2 million shares of our common stock, from which we received $280.5 million of net proceeds. We used these proceeds to repay a portion of the term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings under our Amended 2005 Walter Credit Agreement.

Period			Average Price Paid per Share			Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions)(1)(6)

January 1, 2010–January 31, 2010	47,407		$	67.24	47,407	$	17.4
February 1, 2010–February 28, 2010	44,823	(2)	$	67.33	22,272	$	15.9
March 1, 2010–March 31, 2010	311	(3)	$	87.92	—	$	15.9
April 1, 2010–April 30, 2010	466	(4)	$	93.88	—	$	15.9
May 1, 2010–May 31, 2010	517,476		$	73.36	517,476	$	22.9
June 1, 2010–June 30, 2010	150,234		$	72.36	150,234	$	12.1
July 1, 2010–July 31, 2010	79,260		$	63.05	79,260	$	7.1
August 1, 2010–August 31, 2010	94,100		$	73.24	94,100	$	0.2
September 1, 2010–September 30, 2010	321	(5)	$	79.46	—	$	0.2
October 1, 2010–October 31, 2010	—(6	)		—	—	$	0.2
November 1, 2010–November 30, 2010	—(6	)		—	—	$	0.2
December 1, 2010–December 31, 2010.	—(6	)		—	—	$	0.2

	934,398				910,749

The following data, insofar as it relates to each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 has been derived from annual consolidated financial statements, including the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss) and statements of cash flows and the notes thereto as they relate to our continuing operations. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, including Note 2 related to significant accounting policies, Note 5 related to discontinued operations and Note 3 for acquisitions, and the other information contained elsewhere in this report.

		Years ended December 31,

(in thousands, except per share data)		2010			2009		2008			2007			2006
Revenues		$	1,587,730		$	966,827	$	1,149,684		$	774,795		$	813,012
Income from continuing operations		$	389,425		$	141,850	$	231,192		$	98,227		$	130,578
Basic income per share from continuing operations		$	7.32		$	2.67	$	4.30		$	1.89		$	2.97
Number of shares used in calculation of basic income per share from continuing operations			53,179			53,076		53,791			52,016			44,030
Diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	7.25		$	2.64	$	4.24		$	1.87		$	2.57
Number of shares used in calculation of diluted income per share from continuing operations			53,700			53,819		54,585			52,490			52,078
Capital expenditures		$	157,476		$	96,298	$	141,627		$	147,556		$	85,016
Net property, plant and equipment		$	790,001		$	522,931	$	504,585		$	385,140		$	257,902
Total assets(1)		$	1,651,853		$	1,244,159	$	1,195,695		$	777,262		$	640,315
Debt:
	2005 Walter term loan	$	136,062		$	137,498	$	138,934		$	218,517		$	248,706
	2005 Walter revolving credit facility	$	—		$	—	$	40,000		$	—		$	—
	Convertible senior subordinated notes	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	785		$	785
	Miscellaneous debt	$	32,411		$	39,000	$	46,451		$	6,558		$	—-
Quarterly cash dividend per common share		$	0.125	(4)	$	0.10	$	0.10	(3)	$	0.05	(2)	$	0.04

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition and

Walter Energy, Inc. ("Walter") is a leading U.S. producer and exporter of premium hard coking coal for the global steel industry through our Underground Mining segment, operates surface mines for the steam coal and industrial coal markets through our Surface Mining segment and produces metallurgical coke through our Walter Coke segment. In December 2008, we announced the closure of our Homebuilding segment and on April 17, 2009, we spun off our Financing segment, creating Walter Investment Management Corp., a publicly-traded real estate investment trust. As a result of the closure and spin-off, amounts previously reported in those segments are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See further discussion in Note 5 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Unless otherwise noted, this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" addresses our continuing operations only.

Overall, we were very pleased with our performance in 2010. Earnings increased in 2010 by approximately 175% as compared to 2009, reflecting strong pricing and production growth from our organic growth initiatives. Our key accomplishments in 2010 include:

In November 2010 we entered into a share purchase agreement ("the Share Purchase Agreement") with various funds advised by Audley Capital to purchase approximately 54.5 million common shares or approximately 19.8% of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal Corp. ("Western Coal") for CAD$11.50 per share. On December 2, 2010 we entered into an arrangement agreement ("the Arrangement Agreement") with Western Coal (collectively the Share Purchase Agreement and the Arrangement Agreement, "the Acquisition") to acquire all of the remaining outstanding common shares of Western Coal for, at the holder's election, CAD$11.50 per share in cash or 0.114 of a Walter Energy share, or for a combination thereof, all subject to proration, if the total cash elections exceed 70% of the aggregate transaction consideration to be paid or the total share elections exceed 30% of the aggregate transaction consideration. The transaction will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under British Columbia law. The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors and is expected to be completed on or about April 1, 2011. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Canadian court approvals, Western Coal shareholder approval, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

In conjunction with the Acquisition, we expect that we will transfer approximately $3.5 billion to Western Coal shareholders comprised of approximately $2.4 billion in cash and 9.0 million shares of our common stock. The common stock consideration is valued at approximately $1.1 billion using our closing share price as of January 25, 2011 of $121.44. The Acquisition will be funded through a combination of debt, common stock and cash on-hand. Prior to the closing of the Acquisition, we anticipate entering into a new $2.7 billion credit agreement. As of the closing of the Acquisition, we expect to have approximately $2.4 billion of indebtedness outstanding under the new credit agreement.

The Acquisition will create the leading, publicly traded 'pure-play' metallurgical coal producer in the world with strategic access to high-growth steel-producing countries in both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Long term, the combined company expects to have more than 20 million tons of annual coal production. We would have significant reserves available for future production, the majority of which is high-demand hard coking coal, with a diverse geographical footprint and operations in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

For a discussion of the risks relating to the Arrangement Agreement, see Item 1A. Risk Factors-"Risk Factors Relating to the Arrangement Agreement with Western."

In April 2010, we signed a non-binding letter of intent to lease mineral rights associated with approximately 52.0 million tons of Blue Creek Coal reserves from Chevron Mining, Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. The non-binding letter of intent also included the separate acquisition of the existing North River steam coal mine in Fayette County and Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, which has approximately 7.0 million tons of reserves remaining with expected annual production of approximately 2.0 million to 3.0 million tons, all of which is under contract. Negotiations are continuing.

We continue to make progress on our plan to acquire and develop approximately 170.0 million tons of Blue Creek Coal reserves to the northwest of our existing mines, which would more than double our current coking coal reserve base in Alabama. These additional reserves include the approximately 52.0 million tons of Chevron Mining, Inc. coal reserves as well as the lease for 22.2 million tons of coal reserves signed in 2010, both discussed above.

Global steel production set a new record in 2010, with world crude steel production up to more than 1.4 billion metric tons, an increase of 15% as compared to 2009. Global steel utilization was 73.8% for 2010, up slightly from 2009. In our key markets of South America and Europe, steel production in both regions experienced significant gains. Production in South America totaled nearly 44 million tons, up 15.9% for the year while steel production in Europe increased 22.9% compared to 2009 to more than 205 million tons.

Australian flooding continues into 2011 and reports suggest that the problems there have surpassed 2008 levels. In 2008, flooding led to the loss of more than 15 million metric tons of coal supply into the market, causing prices to spike to more than $315 per metric ton. Elsewhere, several Russian and Canadian producers have experienced labor and transportation issues, further constraining supply.

Additionally, most U.S. suppliers are already committed in their respective export markets. As a result, we believe that supply-demand imbalance will continue in our favor as supplies of coking coal, particularly high-quality coking coal, remain scarce. With improved economic growth in the Asian markets and strengthened outlooks for contract prices, industry reports are suggesting benchmark prices will average in excess of $250.00 per ton for 2011.

We're looking forward to 2011 and plan to use our strong 2010 financial performance and the announced acquisition of Western Coal as a platform to continue creating value for our shareholders. Driven by the strong pricing, and despite some production issues, we remain confident that 2011 will be a record year for us, with record revenues and earnings from our Underground Mining segment, as we continue to execute on our Alabama expansion initiatives to drive growth.

This strong market environment emphasizes Walter's investment considerations and growth prospects:

			For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

(in thousands)			Underground Mining		Surface Mining		Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims			Total
Sales			$	1,340,137	$	129,517	$	181,012		$	906		$	(80,727	)	$	1,570,845
Miscellaneous income				9,611		4,217		967			2,090			—			16,885

	Revenues			1,349,748		133,734		181,979			2,996			(80,727	)		1,587,730
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				619,079		91,288		133,574			237			(77,662	)		766,516
Depreciation and depletion				81,563		12,515		4,092			532			—			98,702
Selling, general & administrative				24,767		5,559		12,505			44,357			(216	)		86,972
Postretirement benefits				43,689		202		(663	)		(1,750	)		—			41,478

	Operating income (loss)		$	580,650	$	24,170	$	32,471		$	(40,380	)	$	(2,849	)		594,062

	Less: Interest expense, net																16,466
	Less: Income tax expense																188,171

		Income from continuing operations														$	389,425

			For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

(in thousands)			Underground Mining		Surface Mining		Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims			Total
Sales			$	782,527	$	95,484	$	100,669		$	584		$	(23,756	)	$	955,508
Miscellaneous income				4,798		4,072		564			1,885			—			11,319

	Revenues			787,325		99,556		101,233			2,469			(23,756	)		966,827
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				464,325		61,851		85,050			(412	)		(24,040	)		586,774
Depreciation and depletion				59,393		8,574		4,566			406			—			72,939
Selling, general & administrative				23,219		4,409		9,881			32,630			(76	)		70,063
Postretirement benefits				32,199		230		(527	)		(1,069	)		—			30,833
Amortization of intangibles				—		447		—			—			—			447
Restructuring & impairment charges				—		—		3,601			—			—			3,601

	Operating income (loss)		$	208,189	$	24,045	$	(1,338	)	$	(29,086	)	$	360			202,170

	Less: Interest expense, net																18,176
	Less: Income tax expense																42,144

		Income from continuing operations														$	141,850

			Increase (Decrease) for the Year Ended December 31, 2010

(in thousands)			Underground Mining		Surface Mining			Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims			Total
Sales			$	557,610	$	34,033		$	80,343		$	322		$	(56,971	)	$	615,337
Miscellaneous income				4,813		145			403			205			—			5,566

	Revenues			562,423		34,178			80,746			527			(56,971	)		620,903
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				154,754		29,437			48,524			649			(53,622	)		179,742
Depreciation and depletion				22,170		3,941			(474	)		126			—			25,763
Selling, general & administrative				1,548		1,150			2,624			11,727			(140	)		16,909
Postretirement benefits				11,490		(28	)		(136	)		(681	)		—			10,645
Amortization of intangibles				—		(447	)		—			—			—			(447	)
Restructuring & impairment charges				—		—			(3,601	)		—			—			(3,601	)

	Operating income (loss)		$	372,461	$	125		$	33,809		$	(11,294	)	$	(3,209	)		391,892

	Less: (Increase) decrease in interest expense, net																	1,710
	Less: (Increase) decrease in income tax expense																	(146,027	)

		Income from continuing operations															$	247,575

Year Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Our income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $389.4 million or $7.25 per diluted share, which compares to $141.9 million, or $2.64 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Principal factors impacting income from continuing operations in 2010 compared to 2009 include:

In addition to the general overview discussions above, the following discussion provides specific operating and forward-looking information regarding each of our operating segments.

The current and prior year period results also include the impact of the factors discussed in the following segment analysis.

Underground Mining, which includes the operations of Jim Walter Resources, Blue Creek Coal Sales and Walter Black Warrior Basin, reported revenues of $1.3 billion for 2010, an increase of $562.4 million from the same period in 2009. The increase in revenues was primarily due to significantly higher average selling prices and higher volumes of coking coal sales during 2010 as compared to 2009 as shown in the table below:

Underground Mining reported operating income of $580.7 million in 2010 as compared to $208.2 million in 2009. The $372.5 million increase in operating income was almost entirely due to the increase in revenue as noted above, partially offset by higher cost of sales and depreciation and depletion. Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and depletion, increased as a result of higher sales volumes and higher freight and royalty costs. Depreciation and depletion increased as a result of implementing the unit-of-production method of accounting for depletion of certain gas properties during 2010, as well as depreciation and depletion related to the HighMount acquisition and the No. 7 East mine expansion.

Surface Mining, which includes the operations of Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc. ("TRI"), Taft and Walter Minerals, reported revenues of $133.7 million in 2010, an increase of $34.2 million from 2009. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes and average selling prices of coal sold during 2010 as compared to 2009. The increase in sales volumes was primarily due to coal blending opportunities, inventory availability and additional tons produced at our Reid School metallurgical coal mine opened in May 2010. Statistics for Surface Mining are presented in the following table:

Surface Mining reported operating income of $24.2 million in 2010 versus $24.0 million in 2009. Although revenues increased by $34.2 million, operating income was essentially unchanged, primarily attributable to higher costs because of mining ratios and difficult geologic conditions experienced during the second half of 2010 as well as $3.8 million in repair work on the dragline at Taft's Choctaw mine completed during the second quarter of 2010.

Walter Coke's revenues were $182.0 million in 2010, an increase of $80.7 million as compared to 2009, reflecting increased customer demand in the domestic automotive and steel markets resulting in increases in both volumes and average selling prices. Statistics for Walter Coke are presented in the following table:

Walter Coke's operating income was $32.5 million in 2010 as compared to an operating loss of $1.3 million in the same period in 2009, an increase of $33.8 million. This increase in operating income was primarily the result of higher sales volumes and pricing, partially offset by increased raw material costs. In addition, 2009 includes a $3.6 million restructuring and impairment charge and $0.9 million of inventory write-downs for the closure of Walter Coke's fiber plant in December 2009.

			For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

(in thousands)			Underground Mining		Surface Mining		Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims			Total
Sales			$	782,527	$	95,484	$	100,669		$	584		$	(23,756	)	$	955,508
Miscellaneous income				4,798		4,072		564			1,885			—			11,319

	Revenues			787,325		99,556		101,233			2,469			(23,756	)		966,827
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				464,325		61,851		85,050			(412	)		(24,040	)		586,774
Depreciation and depletion				59,393		8,574		4,566			406						72,939
Selling, general & administrative				23,219		4,409		9,881			32,630			(76	)		70,063
Postretirement benefits				32,199		230		(527	)		(1,069	)					30,833
Amortization of intangibles						447											447
Restructuring & impairment charges				—		—		3,601			—			—			3,601

	Operating income (loss)		$	208,189	$	24,045	$	(1,338	)	$	(29,086	)	$	360			202,170

	Less: Interest expense, net																18,176
	Less: Income tax expense																42,144

		Income from continuing operations														$	141,850

			For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

(in thousands)			Underground Mining		Surface Mining			Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims			Total
Sales			$	902,268	$	70,221		$	205,398		$	1,602		$	(43,744	)	$	1,135,745
Miscellaneous income				8,799		2,490			832			1,822			(4	)		13,939

	Revenues			911,067		72,711			206,230			3,424			(43,748	)		1,149,684
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				490,757		51,373			128,653			(681	)		(41,777	)		628,325
Depreciation and depletion				43,149		8,327			4,152			914			—			56,542
Selling, general & administrative				19,942		3,769			13,398			26,942			(657	)		63,394
Postretirement benefits				29,148		(20	)		(645	)		(926	)		—			27,557
Amortization of intangibles				—		273			—			—			—			273
Restructuring & impairment charges				—		32,386			—			—			—			32,386

	Operating income (loss)		$	328,071	$	(23,397	)	$	60,672		$	(22,825	)	$	(1,314	)		341,207

	Less: Interest expense, net																	8,418
	Less: Income tax expense																	101,597

		Income from continuing operations															$	231,192

			Increase (Decrease) for the Year Ended December 31, 2009

(in thousands)			Underground Mining			Surface Mining			Walter Coke			Other			Cons Elims		Total
Sales			$	(119,741	)	$	25,263		$	(104,729	)	$	(1,018	)	$	19,988	$	(180,237	)
Miscellaneous income				(4,001	)		1,582			(268	)		63			4		(2,620	)

	Revenues			(123,742	)		26,845			(104,997	)		(955	)		19,992		(182,857	)
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)				(26,432	)		10,478			(43,603	)		269			17,737		(41,551	)
Depreciation and depletion				16,244			247			414			(508	)		—		16,397
Selling, general & administrative				3,277			640			(3,517	)		5,688			581		6,669
Postretirement benefits				3,051			250			118			(143	)		—		3,276
Amortization of intangibles				—			174			—			—			—		174
Restructuring & impairment charges				—			(32,386	)		3,601			—			—		(28,785	)

	Operating income (loss)		$	(119,882	)	$	47,442		$	(62,010	)	$	(6,261	)	$	1,674		(139,037	)

	Less: (Increase) decrease in interest expense, net																	(9,758	)
	Less: (Increase) decrease in income tax expense																	59,453

		Income from continuing operations															$	(89,342	)

Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Our income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $141.9 million or $2.64 per diluted share, which compares to $231.2 million, or $4.24 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Principal factors impacting income from continuing operations in 2009 compared to 2008 include:

The current and prior year period results also include the impact of the factors discussed in the following segment analysis.

Underground Mining's revenues decreased $123.8 million to $787.3 million in 2009 from $911.1 million in 2008. Approximately 31% of the decrease was due to lower average selling prices of coking coal, while 26% of the decrease was due to lower coking coal volumes. Lower natural gas pricing resulted in a $25.2 million decrease in revenues, or approximately 20% of the total decrease.

Underground Mining reported a decrease in operating income of $119.9 million in 2009, compared to 2008. Approximately 53% of the decrease in operating income is attributable to decreased pricing of coking coal and natural gas. Lower coking coal volumes, increased labor costs and depreciation and depletion expense contributed to the remainder of the decrease in operating income.

Surface Mining reported a revenue increase of $26.8 million in 2009 compared to 2008. More than 50% of the increase in revenues is due to an increase in the average coal selling price at TRI, while the remainder is due to volume increases, primarily related to the acquisition of Taft in September 2008. Statistics for Surface Mining are presented in the following table:

Surface Mining reported operating income of $24.0 million in 2009 versus an operating loss of $23.4 million in 2008. The 2008 results include a $32.4 million impairment charge related to a decline in the value of Taft's mineral interests as of December 31, 2008. Excluding this charge, operating income in 2008 was $9.0 million, and the $15.0 million improvement in 2009 operating income from 2008 is almost entirely due to an increase in average coal selling prices.

Walter Coke's revenues decreased $105.0 million in 2009 compared to 2008 due to decreased customer demand in the weak domestic steel market. Approximately 91% of the decrease in revenues

was due to lower volumes, with the remainder due to a decrease in metallurgical coke selling price as indicated in the table below:

Walter Coke's operating loss was $1.3 million in 2009 compared to an operating profit of $60.7 million in 2008. Approximately 72% of the decline in operating results was due to lower volumes, while approximately 15% was due to lower average selling prices. In addition, Walter Coke recorded a $3.6 million restructuring and impairment charge and $0.9 million of inventory write-downs in 2009 related to the closure of Walter Coke's fiber plant.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $128.1 million from $165.3 million at December 31, 2009 to $293.4 million at December 31, 2010, reflecting $574.1 million in cash flows provided by operating activities, mostly offset by $370.9 million of cash flows used in investing activities and $74.7 million of cash flows used in financing activities. See additional discussion in the Statement of Cash Flows section that follows.

Net receivables were $143.2 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $72.7 million from December 31, 2009 due to higher revenues in the fourth quarter of 2010 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2009.

Current deferred income tax assets were $62.4 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $48.2 million from December 31, 2009, primarily due to the full utilization of federal net operating loss carryforwards, partially offset by an increase due to the recognition of unconventional fuel source credits for our Walter Coke segment in the first quarter of 2010.

Net property, plant and equipment was $790.0 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $267.1 million from December 31, 2009, primarily due to the acquisitions of HighMount and the Mobile River Terminal land in 2010.

Long-term deferred income tax assets were $149.5 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $28.8 million from December 31, 2009, primarily due to the first quarter 2010 write-off of the deferred tax associated with Medicare Part D subsidies as a result of the enactment of the Health Care Reform Act in March of 2010 and also due to a change in the applied state deferred tax rates.

Accounts payable increased $26.5 million from $44.2 million at December 31, 2009 to $70.7 million at December 31, 2010, primarily attributable to increased freight and royalty costs associated with the increased volumes of coking coal sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 versus the fourth quarter of 2009. Additionally, at December 31, 2010, we had outstanding accounts payable associated with the HighMount coal bed methane business that was acquired in the second quarter of 2010.

The long-term portion of the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was $451.3 million at December 31, 2010, up $22.2 million from $429.1 million at December 31, 2009. The increase is primarily attributable to a decrease in the discount rate for the United Mine Workers of America portion of the postretirement benefit plan obligation causing an actuarially-determined increase to the liability at December 31, 2010 of approximately $24.4 million. This adjustment is recognized as a corresponding decrease to stockholders' equity.

Our principal sources of short-term funding are our existing cash balances, operating cash flows and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our principal source of long-term funding is our bank term loan. As of December 31, 2010, total debt decreased $8.0 million as compared to December 31, 2009. See discussion below and Note 12 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

Based on current forecasts and anticipated market conditions, we believe that funding generated from operating cash flows and available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet substantially all operating needs, to make planned capital expenditures and to make all required interest and principal payments on indebtedness for the next twelve to eighteen months. However, our operating cash flows and liquidity are significantly influenced by numerous factors, including prices of coal and natural gas, coal production, costs of raw materials, interest rates and the general economy. Although we have experienced improvement in the market for our products, renewed deterioration of economic conditions could adversely impact our operating cash flows. Additionally, although financial market conditions have improved, there remains volatility and uncertainty, less availability of credit, potential counterparty defaults, sovereign credit concerns and commercial and investment bank stress. While we have no indication that the uncertainty in the financial markets would impact our current credit facility or current credit providers, the possibility does exist.

As previously described, in November 2010 we entered into a share purchase agreement ("the Share Purchase Agreement") with various funds advised by Audley Capital to purchase approximately 54.5 million common shares or approximately 19.8% of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal Corp. ("Western Coal") for CAD$11.50 per share. On December 2, 2010 we entered into an arrangement agreement ("the Arrangement Agreement") with Western Coal (collectively the Share Purchase Agreement and the Arrangement Agreement, "the Acquisition") to acquire all of the remaining outstanding common shares of Western Coal for, at the holder's election, CAD$11.50 per share in cash or 0.114 of a Walter Energy share, or for a combination thereof, all subject to proration, if the total cash elections exceed 70% of the aggregate transaction consideration to be paid or the total share elections exceed 30% of the aggregate transaction consideration.

In 2005, we entered into a $675.0 million credit agreement ("2005 Walter Credit Agreement") which included, prior to its amendments, (1) an amortizing term loan facility with an initial aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million, of which $136.1 million and $137.5 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 with weighted average interest rates of 2.51% and 2.49%, respectively, and (2) an initial $225.0 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver") which provides for loans and letters of credit. Our obligations under the 2005 Walter Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") are secured by substantially all of our and our guarantors' real, personal and intellectual property, and our ownership interest in the guarantors. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $0.4 million through October 3, 2012, at which time the remaining outstanding principal is due.

In 2008, we amended the Credit Agreement to increase the Revolver to $475.0 million. Available funds of $214.8 million were used to repay principal, interest and fees and terminate certain debt related to the Financing segment prior to spin-off. Certain other terms, including affirmative and negative covenants as well as restrictions on our ability to engage in specified activities, were also amended, and included, but were not limited to, limitations on increased indebtedness and approval of certain activities associated with our strategic initiatives in businesses that are now discontinued.

In 2009, we amended the Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of the Revolver from October 4, 2010 to July 2, 2012 and amended the size of the Revolver to $300.0 million that, subject to certain conditions, can be increased to $425.0 million. The amendment also increased the interest rate on the Revolver to as much as LIBOR plus 400 basis points. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolver was set at 0.5% per year for all pricing levels compared to a range of 0.4% to 0.5% per year prior to the change. In addition, certain financial covenants in the Credit Agreement were eliminated. The amendment did not affect the term loan portion of the Credit Agreement.

In November 2010, we amended the Credit Agreement to remove any condition prohibiting us from acquiring approximately 25.3 million shares of common stock of Western Coal Corp. from affiliates of Audley Capital. These shares were acquired in January 2011. See Note 4 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" regarding the pending acquisition of Western Coal.

As of December 31, 2010, the term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 225 basis points and we had $59.9 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit, of which $15.7 million relates to the support letter of credit discussed in Note 5 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," no Revolver borrowings, and $236.3 million of availability for future borrowings under the Revolver.

In October 2008, we entered into a $32.3 million equipment financing arrangement for certain previously procured mining equipment. This facility requires variable monthly payments using a predetermined amortization schedule, carries an interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 375 basis points, will mature in the first quarter of 2014 and is secured by the financed equipment. At December 31, 2010, there was $21.0 million outstanding at a stated interest rate of 4.01%. In addition, in 2008, we entered into a $9.4 million capital lease arrangement to procure certain mining equipment. The capital lease covers a sixty month period and has an implicit fixed interest rate of 9.78%. At December 31, 2010 there was a balance remaining of $6.3 million. In June 2010, we entered into an $18.9 million arrangement, with an implicit interest rate of 2.50%, to finance the premium payments of our property insurance. Payments of $13.9 million were made during 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the outstanding balance of $5.0 million is due to be repaid in 2011.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected consolidated cash flow information (in thousands):

Cash balances were $293.4 million and $165.3 million at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The increase in cash in 2010 results from cash provided by operating activities of $574.2 million, mostly offset by capital expenditures of $157.5 million, cash used in the acquisition of HighMount of $210.0 million, debt repayments of $27.0 million, purchases of our common stock of $65.4 million, and cash dividend payments of $25.3 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $574.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $284.0 million for 2009. The increase of $290.2 million is primarily attributable to an increase of $294.1 million in income from continuing operations, after adjusting for non-cash items such as depreciation and depletion and deferred taxes.

Cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $370.9 million compared to $93.0 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities of $277.9 million was primarily attributable to the $210.0 million of cash used to acquire HighMount during the second quarter of 2010, and increased capital expenditures principally related to the acquisition of the Mobile River Terminal during the fourth quarter of 2010 and various other mine development activities at Underground Mining.

Cash flows used in financing activities of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $74.7 million compared to $147.1 million of cash flows used in financing activities in 2009. The $72.4 million decrease of cash used in financing activities was primarily the result of $33.8 million of cash spun off to Financing in 2009 in conjunction with our April 2009 spin off of the Financing segment, an increase in proceeds from the exercise and tax benefit of equity awards of $7.2 million and $28.9 million, respectively, and a decrease in retirements of debt of $34.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $31.2 million increase in stock repurchases under the stock repurchase program.

Capital expenditures totaled $157.5 million in 2010 related principally to our Mine No. 7 East expansion project, the acquisition of the Mobile River Terminal and other mine development activities at Underground Mining. Capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to total approximately $150 to $175 million. We currently expect to spend $50 to $60 million of the total in our underground mining operations for equipment to expand the face on two of our longwalls as well as several new shafts planned during the year. Capital expenditures for 2011 do not include any potential capital spending for the pending acquisition of Western Coal.

We have certain contractual obligations and commercial commitments. Contractual obligations are those that will require cash payments in accordance with the terms of a contract, such as a borrowing or lease agreement. Commercial commitments represent potential obligations for performance in the event of demands by third parties or other contingent events, such as lines of credit or guarantees of debt.

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2010. This table does not include interest payable on these obligations. In 2010, we paid approximately $10.0 million of interest on the term loan, revolver and other debt financings. This table does not include any contractual obligations or commercial commitments we may incur as a result of the pending acquisition of Western Coal.

(1): Primarily includes equipment financing, capital leases and a one-year property insurance financing agreement. See Note 12 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further discussion.
(2): Represents minimum maintenance payments due for assets under capital lease.
(3): Other long-term liabilities include pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities. While the estimated total liability is actuarially determined, there are no definitive payments by period, as pension contributions depend on government-mandated minimum funding requirements and other post-retirement benefits are paid as incurred. Accordingly, amounts by period included in this schedule are estimates and primarily include estimated post-retirement benefits.
(4): The timing of cash outflows related to liabilities for uncertain tax positions, and the interest thereon, as established pursuant to ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes," cannot be estimated and, therefore, has not been included in the table. See Note 11 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

Environmental, Miscellaneous Litigation and Other Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 16 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for discussion of these matters not included in the tables above due to their contingent nature.

Management's discussion and analysis is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, particularly Note 18 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" which presents revenues and operating income by reportable segment. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the

United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements or disclosed in the related notes thereto. Management evaluates these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from management's estimates.

We believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. These estimates are based upon management's historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe reasonable under the circumstances. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.

The valuation of coal inventories are subject to estimates due to possible gains or losses resulting from inventory movements from the mine site to storage facilities at the Port of Mobile, inherent inaccuracies in belt scales, and aerial surveys used to measure quantities and due to fluctuations in moisture content. Adjustments to coal tonnages on hand are made for an estimate of coal shortages due to these inherent losses, primarily based on historical findings, related to the results of aerial surveys and periodic coal pile clean-ups. During the five years ended December 31, 2010, results of aerial surveys have indicated that perpetual records require adjustments ranging from +6.1% to -5.5% of the ending inventory tonnage balance. As a result of these historical results, we have recognized a reduction to the ending coal inventory at December 31, 2010 in the amount of $0.5 million, or 1.6% of the ending balance, as the estimate of the probable valuation inaccuracy inherent in the inventory balance. A 1.0% gain or loss of the inventory balance at December 31, 2010 potentially resulting from these inherent inaccuracies in the measurement processes would result in an increase or decrease, respectively, to income of approximately $0.3 million.

We provide a range of benefits to our employees and retirees, including pensions and postretirement healthcare. We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by U.S. GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions used in developing the required estimates including the following key factors:

The discount rate used to determine pension and other post-retirement expense was 5.90% for 2010 and 6.50% for 2009. The rate of return on plan assets used to determine pension expense is 8.25% for 2010 and 8.90% for 2009. The discount rate is based on a yield-curve approach which discounts each projected benefit obligation based cash flow of the liability stream at an interest rate specifically applicable to the timing of each respective liability stream cash flow. The model sums the present values of all of the cash flows and then calculates the equivalent weighted-average discount rate by imputing the single interest rate that equates the total present value with the stream of future cash flows. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate. As required by U.S. GAAP, the effects of modifications are amortized over future periods.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates, discount rates, expected return on plan assets and salary increases have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the pension and healthcare plans. A

one-percentage-point change in the rate for each of these assumptions would have the following effects as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

		Increase (Decrease)

		1-Percentage Point Increase			1-Percentage Point Decrease
Healthcare cost trend:
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	4,358		$	(3,501	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	60,849		$	(50,428	)
Discount rate:
	Effect on postretirement service and interest cost components	$	267		$	(479	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	(52,686	)	$	64,821
	Effect on current year postretirement expense	$	(4,499	)	$	5,499
	Effect on pension service and interest cost components	$	42		$	(122	)
	Effect on pension benefit obligation	$	(25,219	)	$	30,440
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	(2,374	)	$	2,791
Expected return on plan assets:
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	(1,585	)	$	1,585
Rate of compensation increase:
	Effect on pension service and interest cost components	$	413		$	(370	)
	Effect on pension benefit obligation	$	3,437		$	(3,152	)
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	760		$	(688	)

We also have significant liabilities for uninsured or partially insured employee-related liabilities, including workers' compensation liabilities, miners' Black Lung benefit liabilities, and liabilities for various life and health benefits. The recorded amounts of these liabilities are based on estimates of loss from individual claims and on estimates determined on an actuarial basis from historical experience using assumptions regarding rates of successful claims, discount factors, benefit increases and mortality rates.

Workers' compensation and Black Lung benefit liabilities are also affected by discount rates used. Changes in the frequency or severity of losses from historical experience and changes in discount rates or actual losses on individual claims that differ materially from estimated amounts could affect the recorded amount of these liabilities. At December 31, 2010, a one-percentage-point increase in the discount rate on the discounted Black Lung liability would decrease the liability by $1.4 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would increase the liability by $1.7 million.

For the workers' compensation liability, we apply a discount rate at a risk-free interest rate, generally a U.S. Treasury bill rate, for each policy year. The rate used is one with a duration that corresponds to the weighted average expected payout period for each policy year. Once a discount rate is applied to a policy year, it remains the discount rate for the year until all claims are paid. The use of this method decreases the volatility of the liability as impacted by changes in the discount rate. At December 31, 2010, a one-percentage-point increase in the discount rate on the discounted workers' compensation liability would decrease the liability by $0.1 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would increase the liability by $0.1 million.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. require that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is "more likely than not" that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. No valuation allowance has been established against our net deferred tax asset because we believe that the entire deferred tax asset will be realized during the allowed statutory carryforward period. In our evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset, we considered various factors including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If actual results differ from the assumptions made in this evaluation, we may need to record a charge to earnings to reflect the change in our expected valuation of the net deferred tax asset.

As discussed in Note 11 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," we are in dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") on a number of federal income tax issues, primarily related to the discontinued Homebuilding and Financing businesses. We believe that our tax filing positions have substantial merit and we intend to vigorously defend these positions. We have established accruals that we believe are sufficient to address claims related to our uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties. Since the issues involved are highly complex, are subject to the uncertainties of extensive litigation and/or administrative processes and may require an extended period of time to reach ultimate resolution, it is possible that management's estimate of this liability could change.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the asset may not be recoverable. We periodically evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate possible impairment. Assumptions made in the evaluation of impairment testing can have a significant effect on financial results.

As discussed in Note 3 of "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements," we acquired Taft in September 2008. A significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to the mineral interests, valued at $44.0 million. The value of the mineral interests was based, in part, on the market price of similar coals at the date of acquisition and the forecasts that existed as of that date. Subsequent to the acquisition, the market price and future forecasted market prices for similar coal dropped significantly, triggering a need for an impairment test of the mineral interests. The results of the impairment test indicated that the fair value of the mineral interests were significantly below the carrying value. As a result, we recorded a $32.4 million impairment charge in the 2008 fourth quarter. The estimated fair value of the mineral interests used in the impairment testing was extremely sensitive to the estimated market price of similar coals. For example, a 10% increase or decrease in the market pricing used as of the date of the impairment testing of this asset would have increased or decreased, respectively, the estimated fair value by approximately $5.0 million.

We apply the successful efforts method of accounting for our natural gas exploration activities. The costs of drilling exploratory wells are initially capitalized, pending determination of a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves attributable to the area as a result of drilling. If a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves is not discovered, any associated previously capitalized exploration costs associated with the drilling area are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether sufficient proved reserves have been found when drilling of an individual exploratory well has been completed. Such exploratory drilling costs, as well as additional exploratory well costs for the area, may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify the area's completion as a

producing well, or field of production, and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, capitalized exploratory drilling costs were $37.3 million and $32.4 million, respectively. Costs to develop proved reserves, including the cost of all development wells and related equipment used in the production of natural gas, are capitalized.

In January 2010, the FASB amended its guidance in ASC Topic 932 "Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas," expanding the definition of oil and gas producing activities to include the extraction of saleable hydrocarbons from oil sands, shale and coal beds, clarifying that entities' equity method investments must be considered in oil and gas activities, and requiring new disclosures. This updated guidance is generally effective for annual periods ending on or after December 31, 2009, but for entities becoming subject to this standard because of the change in the definition of significant oil and gas producing activities, adoption is required for periods beginning after December 31, 2009. Since we became subject to this guidance because we extract hydrocarbons from coal beds, we adopted ASC Topic 932 as of January 1, 2010. We use the successful efforts method which thereby required us to change our method of accounting for depletion of our gas properties in our coal bed methane business from the straight-line method to the unit-of-production method. The increase in depreciation and depletion expense from this change resulted in a decrease in our income from continuing operations of approximately $8.7 million, a decrease in net income of $5.4 million and a $0.10 decrease in diluted net income per share in 2010. We do not consider the effect of this change to be material to our operating results or financial condition.

We are exposed to certain market risks inherent in our operations. These risks generally arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. Our primary market risk exposures relate to interest rate risk and commodity risks. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Our primary interest rate risk exposures relate to the interest rates on third-party indebtedness. As described more fully under the caption "Liquidity and Capital Resources," above, we have the following financial instruments that inherently expose us to interest rate risk: the 2005 Walter Credit Agreement, an equipment financing arrangement, a capital lease for certain mining equipment and an insurance premium financing arrangement. In addition, as described in Note 17 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements," we have entered into an interest rate hedge agreement to convert our equipment financing from a floating rate of interest to a fixed rate of interest.

A ten percent decrease in interest rates would result in an increase to annual pre-tax income from these financial instruments of approximately $0.4 million, while a ten percent increase in rates would decrease annual pre-tax income approximately $0.4 million for both December 31, 2010 and 2009.

We are exposed to commodity price risk on sales of natural gas. Our natural gas business sold 10.6 billion cubic feet of gas during the year ended December 31, 2010.

We occasionally utilize derivative commodity instruments to manage the exposure to changing natural gas prices. Such derivative instruments are structured as cash flow hedges and not for trading. During 2010 and 2009, we hedged approximately 15% and 8%, respectively, of our natural gas sales with swap contracts. These swap contracts effectively converted a portion of forecasted sales at

floating-rate natural gas prices to a fixed-rate basis. These swap contracts resulted in $3.0 million of cash inflows in 2010 and $2.0 million of cash inflows in 2009, favorably impacting net revenues.

At December 31, 2010, no swap contracts were outstanding. At December 31, 2009, swap contracts to hedge approximately 1.6 million mmbtus of natural gas sales in 2010 were outstanding as more fully described in Note 17 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data consist of the financial statements as indexed on page F-1 and unaudited financial information presented in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended ("Exchange Act") as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2010 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

Management, under the supervision of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst and Young, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their attestation report included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the year ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

The Company is committed to the safety of its employees and in achieving a goal of providing a workplace that is incident free. In achieving this goal, we have in place health and safety programs that include regulatory-based training, accident prevention, workplace inspection, emergency preparedness and response, accident investigations and program auditing. These programs are designed to comply with regulatory mining-related coking coal safety and health standards. Additionally, the programs provide a foundation for promoting a best in industry safety practice.

The operation of mines is subject to regulation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 ("the Mine Act"). MSHA inspects our mines on a continual basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. As required by Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include certain mine safety results in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Within this disclosure, we present information regarding certain mining safety and health citations which MSHA has issued with respect to our mining operations. In evaluating this information, consideration should be given to facts such as: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the coal mine, (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, are sometimes dismissed and remaining citations are often reduced in severity and amount.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, none of Walter Energy's mining complexes received written notice from MSHA of (i) a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of coal or other mine health or safety hazards under section 104(e) or (ii) the potential to have such a pattern.

The table below presents the total number of specific citations and orders issued by MSHA to Walter Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, together with the total dollar value of the proposed MSHA civil penalty assessments received during the year ended December 31, 2010, as well as legal actions

pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for each of our mining complexes as of December 31, 2010.

Mining Complex(1)

JWR No. 4	102	—	4	1	—	492.0	—	69
JWR No. 5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1
JWR No. 7	156	—	4	—	—	202.0	—	55
JWR Central Shop	—	—	—	—	—	0.2	—	—
JWR Central Supply	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Taft Choctaw	6	—	—	—	—	3.7	1	—
Taft Reid School	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Kodiak Coal Mine 1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	4
TRI East Brookwood	2	—	—	—	—	1.2	—	—
TRI Highway 59	2	—	1	—	—	2.6	—	1

1): MSHA assigns an identification number to each coal mine and may or may not assign separate identification numbers to related facilities such as preparation plants. We are providing the information in the table by mining complex rather than MSHA identification number because we believe that this presentation is more useful to investors. For descriptions of each of these mining operations, please refer to the descriptions under Item 1, "Description of Business". Idle facilities are not included in the table above unless they received a citation, order or assessment by MSHA during the current quarterly reporting period or are subject to pending legal actions.
2): Amounts listed under this heading include proposed assessments received from MSHA in the current reporting period for alleged violations regardless of the issuance date of the related citation or order.
3): Includes any pending legal action before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission involving such mine. Such actions may have been initiated prior to the current reporting period.

The table above includes references to specific sections of the Mine Act as follows:

Set forth below is a list showing the names, ages and positions of the executive officers of the Company.

Joseph B. Leonard was named Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Company in March 2010. He has been a member of the Company's Board of Directors since February 1, 2009. Mr. Leonard was Chairman of AirTran Holdings, Inc., an airline holding company, from November 2007 to June 2008. From January 1999 through November 2007, Mr. Leonard served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Holdings, Inc. Prior thereto, Mr. Leonard served as President of AirTran Holdings, Inc. Mr. Leonard is also a director of Air Canada and Mueller Water Products, Inc. Mr. Leonard received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University.

Lisa A. Honnold was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company in March 2010. Ms. Honnold previously served as Senior Vice President, Controller from March 2006 through September 2010 and Vice President of Corporate Accounting for the Company from December 2005 through March 2006. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Honnold was Vice President, Corporate Controller of Catalina Marketing Corporation, a targeted media marketing firm, from December 2004 to November 2005, holding the previous title of Assistant Controller since November 2003. From 1996 to November 2003, Ms. Honnold held various positions with NACCO Industries, Inc., a diversified company with businesses in lift trucks, small appliances, specialty retail and mining, last serving as Manager of Financial Reporting and Analysis. Ms. Honnold is a certified public accountant and received a B.S. in Accountancy from Miami University.

Michael T. Madden was appointed Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Company in February 2010. Mr. Madden previously served as Vice President—Marketing & Transportation of Jim Walter Resources, Inc. from 1996 through February 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Madden held various management positions in the coal industry for both the domestic and export markets from 1974 through 1996. Mr. Madden is a member of the National Mining Association, the Alabama Coal Association and the New York Coal Trade Association. Mr. Madden received a B.S. in business administration from St. Bonaventure University.

Keith M. Shull was appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources on January 2010. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Shull served in various senior executive human resource roles, including Senior Vice President Global Human Resources, for Arrow Electronics, Inc., an electronics distribution and services corporation, from 2005 through 2008. From 2009 to 2010 Mr. Shull was an independent consultant to the global mining industry. From January 2005 to December 2005 Mr. Shull served as Corporate Vice President of Human Resources for Commercial Metals Company, an international public steel corporation. From 1996 through 2005 Mr. Shull served in various executive management human resources positions, including Senior Vice President Human Resources, in the base metals and

petroleum divisions of BHP Billiton, Inc., an international diversified natural resources company. Mr. Shull received a B. A. in business administration from California State University, Fullerton and a M.A. in management from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont University.

Walter J. Scheller, III was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Jim Walter Resources in June 2010. He is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations at Jim Walter Resources' underground mines and has general responsibility of the Company's surface mining, natural gas and metallurgical coke operations. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Scheller served from June 2006 until June 2010 as Senior Vice President Operations, for Peabody Energy, a publicly traded mining company, and from August 2005 until June 2006 as Vice President of Operations for CNX Gas Corporation, a subsidiary of Consol Energy. Mr. Scheller holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh—Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, a law degree from Duquesne University and a Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University.

Charles C. Stewart has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Walter Coke, Inc. since May 2003 and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Walter Minerals, Inc. in November 2010, previously serving as President of Walter Minerals since July 2007. From 1978 to 2003, Mr. Stewart served in various mining and engineering capacities for Jim Walter Resources, culminating in his appointment as Vice President of Engineering. Mr. Stewart is a trustee of the Birmingham Business Alliance; a member of the Board of Directors of the American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute, serving as Chairman from 2007-2008; and a member of the Alabama Coal Association. Mr. Stewart received a B.S. in Mineral Engineering from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Samford University.

Catherine C. Bona was appointed Interim General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary for the Company in March 2010. She previously served as Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Secretary since April 2007 and Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for the Company since November 2005. Ms. Bona has been with the Company since 1995. She holds a law degree from St. Johns University School of Law and received a Bachelor's Degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from LeMoyne College. Ms. Bona is a member of the Florida, New York and Pennsylvania State Bar Associations. She also holds memberships in the American Bar Association, the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.

The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct Policy and Compliance Program ("Code of Conduct") which is applicable to all employees, directors and officers of the Company. The code of Conduct is posted on our website at www.walterenergy.com and is available in print to stockholders who request a copy. We have made available an Ethics Hotline, where employees can anonymously report a violation of the Code of Conduct.

Additional information, as required in Item 10. "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant" are incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement (the "2011 Proxy Statement") included in the Schedule 14A to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The equity compensation plan information as required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is illustrated in Part II, Item 5 of this document. All other information as required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the 2011 Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As noted in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2008 the Company changed its accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Walter Energy, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

We have audited Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries' management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

In our opinion, Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Walter Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in period ended December 31, 2010 and our report dated February 28, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

			December 31,

			2010			2009
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents			$	293,410		$	165,279
Receivables, net				143,238			70,500
Inventories				97,631			99,278
Deferred income taxes				62,371			110,576
Prepaid expenses				28,179			22,702
Other current assets				4,798			4,363
Current assets of discontinued operations				5,912			15,197

		Total current assets		635,539			487,895
Property, plant and equipment, net				790,001			522,931
Deferred income taxes				149,520			178,338
Other long-term assets				82,705			70,192

			$	1,657,765		$	1,259,356

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable			$	70,692		$	44,211
Accrued expenses				52,399			39,034
Current debt				13,903			13,351
Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation				24,753			23,563
Other current liabilities				24,362			18,513
Current liabilities of discontinued operations				7,738			7,310

		Total current liabilities		193,847			145,982
Long-term debt				154,570			163,147
Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation				451,348			429,096
Other long-term liabilities				262,934			261,736

		Total liabilities		1,062,699			999,961

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock, $0.01 par value per share:
		Authorized—200,000,000 shares issued—53,136,977 and 53,256,904 shares, respectively		531			533
	Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share:
		Authorized—20,000,000 shares, issued—0 shares		—			—
	Capital in excess of par value			355,540			374,522
	Retained earnings			411,383			50,852
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
		Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax		(172,317	)		(167,037	)
		Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax		(71	)		525

		Total stockholders' equity		595,066			259,395

			$	1,657,765		$	1,259,356

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

		For the years ended December 31,

		2010			2009			2008
Revenues:
	Sales	$	1,570,845		$	955,508		$	1,135,745
	Miscellaneous income		16,885			11,319			13,939

			1,587,730			966,827			1,149,684

Cost and expenses:
	Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and depletion)		766,516			586,774			628,325
	Depreciation and depletion		98,702			72,939			56,542
	Selling, general and administrative		86,972			70,510			63,667
	Postretirement benefits		41,478			30,833			27,557
	Restructuring and impairment charges		—			3,601			32,386

			993,668			764,657			808,477

Operating income			594,062			202,170			341,207
	Interest expense		(17,250	)		(18,975	)		(26,226	)
	Interest income		784			799			17,808

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense			577,596			183,994			332,789
	Income tax expense		188,171			42,144			101,597

Income from continuing operations			389,425			141,850			231,192
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(3,628	)		(4,692	)		115,388

Net income		$	385,797		$	137,158		$	346,580

Basic income (loss) per share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	7.32		$	2.67		$	4.30
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(0.07	)		(0.09	)		2.14

	Basic net income per share	$	7.25		$	2.58		$	6.44

Diluted income (loss) per share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	7.25		$	2.64		$	4.24
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(0.07	)		(0.09	)		2.11

	Diluted net income per share	$	7.18		$	2.55		$	6.35

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

			Total			Common Stock			Capital in Excess of Par Value			Comprehensive Income			Retained Earnings (Deficit)			Treasury Stock		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Balance at December 31, 2007			$	114,713		$	520		$	497,032					$	(290,986	)		—	$	(91,853	)
Comprehensive income:
	Net income			346,580								$	346,580			346,580
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
		Change in pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of $32.3 million tax benefit		(50,961	)								(50,961	)							(50,961	)
		Net unrealized gain on hedges, net of $4.5 million tax provision		6,710									6,710								6,710

Comprehensive income												$	302,329

Effects of changing the pension plan measurement date pursuant to FASB Statement No. 158:
	Service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets for October 1–December 31, 2007, net of $3.0 million tax benefit			(4,604	)											(4,604	)
	Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gain/loss for October 1–December 31, 2007, net of $0.5 million tax provision			668																	668
Proceeds from public stock offering				280,464			32			280,432
Purchases of stock under stock repurchase program				(64,644	)		(16	)		(64,628	)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options				7,993			4			7,989
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible notes				785			1			784
Dividends paid, $0.30 per share				(16,233	)					(16,233	)
Stock based compensation				10,439						10,439
Other				(1,641	)					(1,641	)

Balance at December 31, 2008				630,269			541			714,174						50,990			—		(135,436	)
Comprehensive income:
	Net income			137,158								$	137,158			137,158
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
		Change in pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of $44.2 million tax benefit		(28,513	)								(28,513	)							(28,513	)
		Change in unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of $0.4 million tax		(877	)								(877	)							(877	)

Comprehensive income												$	107,768

Purchases of stock under stock repurchase program				(34,254	)		(14	)		(34,240	)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options				9,888			6			9,882
Stock dividend for spin-off of Financing				(439,093	)					(321,301	)					(116,106	)				(1,686	)
Dividends paid, $0.40 per share				(21,190	)											(21,190	)
Stock based compensation				6,703						6,703
Other				(696	)					(696	)

Balance at December 31, 2009				259,395			533			374,522						50,852			—		(166,512	)
Comprehensive income:
	Net income			385,797								$	385,797			385,797
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
		Change in pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of $2.2 million tax provision		(5,280	)								(5,280	)							(5,280	)
		Change in unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of $0.2 million tax		(596	)								(596	)							(596	)

Comprehensive income												$	379,921

Purchases of stock under stock repurchase program				(65,438	)		(9	)		(65,429	)
Stock issued upon the exercise of stock options				17,134			8			17,126
Dividends paid, $0.475 per share				(25,266	)											(25,266	)
Stock based compensation				3,460						3,460
Tax benefit on the exercise of stock awards				28,875						28,875
Other				(3,015	)		(1	)		(3,014	)

Balance at December 31, 2010			$	595,066		$	531		$	355,540					$	411,383		$	—	$	(172,388	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

			For the years ended December 31,

			2010			2009			2008
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income			$	385,797		$	137,158		$	346,580
	Loss (income) from discontinued operations			3,628			4,692			(115,388	)

	Income from continuing operations			389,425			141,850			231,192
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and depletion			98,702			72,939			56,542
	Deferred income tax provision			83,174			29,038			89,370
	Non-cash restructuring and impairment charges			—			3,601			32,386
	Tax benefit on the exercise of stock awards			(28,875	)		—			—
	Other			17,408			18,337			13,448
Decrease (increase) in current assets, net of effect of business acquisitions:
	Receivables			(65,935	)		69,772			(92,421	)
	Inventories			1,966			(25,076	)		(32,005	)
	Other current assets			13,155			17,624			23,775
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities, net of effect of business acquisitions:
	Accounts payable			23,717			(16,286	)		4,768
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			41,413			(27,831	)		4,399

		Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities		574,150			283,968			331,454

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
	Additions to property, plant and equipment			(157,476	)		(96,298	)		(99,946	)
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(209,964	)		—			(17,089	)
	Other			(3,414	)		3,270			(1,726	)

		Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities		(370,854	)		(93,028	)		(118,761	)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	Proceeds from issuance of debt			—			—			340,000
	Retirements of debt			(26,972	)		(61,597	)		(398,709	)
	Sale of common stock			—			—			280,464
	Dividends paid			(25,266	)		(21,190	)		(16,233	)
	Cash spun off to Financing			—			(33,821	)		—
	Purchases of stock under stock repurchase program			(65,438	)		(34,254	)		(64,644	)
	Tax benefit on the exercise of stock awards			28,875			—			—
	Proceeds from stock options exercised			17,134			9,888			7,993
	Other			(3,015	)		(6,169	)		(2,821	)

		Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities		(74,682	)		(147,143	)		146,050

		Cash flows provided by (used in) continuing operations		128,614			43,797			358,743

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities			(6,268	)		19,070			25,563
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities			5,066			27,379			36,210
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities			—			(41,385	)		(333,458	)

		Cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations		(1,202	)		5,064			(271,685	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			$	127,412		$	48,861		$	87,058

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			$	165,279		$	116,074		$	27,459
Add: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at beginning of year				1,254			1,598			3,155
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				127,412			48,861			87,058
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of year				535			1,254			1,598

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			$	293,410		$	165,279		$	116,074

		For the years ended December 31,

		2010			2009		2008
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
	Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$	9,848		$	9,991	$	18,638
	Income taxes paid	$	77,247		$	15,326	$	27,680
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Acquisition of HighMount in 2010 and Taft in 2008:
	Fair value of assets acquired	$	217,607				$	71,679
	Fair value of liabilities assumed		(7,643	)				(51,579	)
	Less: Cash acquired		—					(3,011	)

	Net cash paid	$	209,964				$	17,089

Non-Cash Financing Activities:
	One-year property insurance policy financing agreement	$	18,947		$	12,710	$	13,884

	Dividend to spin off Financing		—		$	437,407		—

	Equipment acquired with specific financing arrangements		—			—	$	41,681

	Non-cash conversion of Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes into stock		—			—	$	785

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

WALTER ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Walter Energy, Inc. ("Walter"), together with its consolidated subsidiaries ("the Company"), is a leading U.S. producer and exporter of premium hard coking coal for the global steel industry through its Underground Mining segment, operates surface mines for the steam coal and industrial coal markets through its Surface Mining segment and produces metallurgical coke through its Walter Coke segment. In December 2008, the Company announced the closure of its Homebuilding segment and on April 17, 2009 the Company spun off its Financing segment. As a result of the closure and spin-off, those segments are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 5.

Underground Mining includes the Company's underground hard coking coal operations from the No. 4 and No. 7 mines and its natural gas operations. Surface Mining includes the Company's surface coal mining operations for Tuscaloosa Resources, Inc. ("TRI") and Taft Coal Sales & Associates, Inc. ("Taft") as well as Walter Minerals, Inc. results. In addition, the Company operates a metallurgical coke manufacturer named Walter Coke, Inc. See Note 18 for segment information.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly and majority owned subsidiaries. Preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The notes to consolidated financial statements, except where otherwise indicated, relate to continuing operations only.

The Company's principal line of business is the mining and marketing of its metallurgical coal to foreign steel and coke producers. In 2010, approximately 76% of the Company's revenues were derived from coal shipments to these customers, located primarily in Europe and South America. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, approximately 69% and 57%, respectively, of the Company's net receivables related to these customers. Furthermore, sales to a single customer represented 13.0%, 13.7% and 8.1% of consolidated revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, while sales to another single customer represented 10.3%, 12.6% and 10.4% of consolidated revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition. In some instances, the Company requires letters of credit, cash collateral or prepayment for shipment from its customers to mitigate the risk of loss. These efforts have consistently led to minimal credit losses.

Underground and Surface Mining Revenue is recognized when the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred; and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. For coal shipments via rail, delivery generally occurs when the railcar is loaded. For coal shipments via ocean vessel, delivery generally occurs when the vessel is loaded. For the Company's natural gas operations, delivery occurs when the gas has been transferred to the customer's pipeline.

Walter Coke For products shipped via rail or truck, revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, generally at the point of shipment.

Costs to ship products to customers are included in cost of sales and amounts billed to customers, if any, to cover shipping and handling are included in sales.

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term deposits and highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less when purchased and are stated at cost.

Allowances for losses on trade and other accounts receivables are based, in large part, upon judgments and estimates of expected losses and specific identification of problem trade accounts and other receivables. Significantly weaker than anticipated industry or economic conditions could impact customers' ability to pay such that actual losses may be greater than the amounts provided for in these allowances.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Underground and Surface Mining's coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment costs, operating overhead, freight, royalties and other related costs. Underground Mining's coal inventories and Walter Coke's inventory are determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, while Surface Mining's coal and all of the Company's supplies inventories are determined using the average cost method of accounting. The valuation of coal inventories are subject to estimates due to possible gains and losses resulting from inventory movements from the mine site to storage facilities at the Port of Mobile, inherent inaccuracies in belt scales and aerial surveys used to measure quantities and fluctuations in moisture content. Periodic adjustments to coal tonnages on hand are made for an estimate of coal shortages due to these inherent gains and losses, primarily based on historical findings, the results of aerial surveys and periodic coal pile clean-ups. Additionally, the Company evaluates its inventory in terms of excess and obsolete exposures. This evaluation includes such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels and ultimate market value.

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term. Estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation expense range from 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and from 15 to 30 years for land improvements and buildings, well life for gas properties and related development, and mine life for mineral interests and mine development costs. Gains and losses upon disposition are reflected in the statement of operations in the period of disposition. Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred.

Direct internal and external costs to implement computer systems and software are capitalized and are amortized over the estimated useful life of the system or software, generally 3 to 5 years, beginning when site installations or module development is complete and ready for its intended use.

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company capitalized interest costs in the amount of $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Company has certain asset retirement obligations, primarily related to reclamation efforts for its Underground and Surface Mining segments. These obligations are recognized at fair value in the period in which they are incurred and the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset is correspondingly increased. Over time, the liability is accreted to its future value. The corresponding asset capitalized at inception is amortized over the useful life of the asset. In addition, the Company has certain legal obligations for asset retirements related to disposing of materials in the event of closure, abandonment or sale of certain of its facilities, primarily in the Walter Coke segment. The Company plans to operate such facilities for the foreseeable future and as such has not estimated a liability at December 31, 2010. The Company will recognize a liability in the period in which it is determined that the plant will not operate in the foreseeable future and information is available to reasonably estimate the liability's fair value.

The Company accounts for its natural gas exploration activities under the successful efforts method of accounting. Costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether the wells found commercially sufficient quantities of proved reserves (see Note 10). If a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves is not discovered, any associated previously capitalized exploratory costs associated with the drilling area are expensed. Costs of producing properties and natural gas mineral interests are amortized using the unit-of-production method. Costs incurred to develop proved reserves, including the cost of all development wells and related equipment used in the production of natural gas, are capitalized and amortized using the unit-of-production method. Unit-of-production amortization rates are revised when events and circumstances indicate an adjustment is necessary, but at least once a year, and such revisions are accounted for prospectively as changes in accounting estimates.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate possible impairment. When impairment indicators exist, the Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset group over the remaining life in measuring whether or not the asset values are recoverable. Fair value is generally determined using market quotes, if available, or a discounted cash flow approach. There were no significant impairments of long-lived assets during the year ended December 31, 2010. However, during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded impairment charges relating to certain long-lived assets of the Walter Coke and Surface Mining segments, respectively. See Note 6 for discussion.

The Company is self-insured for workers' compensation benefits for work related injuries. Liabilities, including those related to claims incurred but not reported, are recorded principally using annual valuations based on discounted future expected payments and using historical data of the division or combined insurance industry data when historical data is limited. Workers' compensation liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

The Company applies a discount rate at a risk-free interest rate, generally a U.S. Treasury bill rate, for each policy year. The rate used is one with a duration that corresponds to the weighted average expected payout period for each policy year. Once a discount rate is applied to a policy year, it remains

the discount rate for that year until all claims are paid. The weighted average rate used for discounting the 2010 policy year liability at December 31, 2010 was 1.44%. A one-percentage-point increase in the discount rate on the discounted claims liability would decrease the liability by $0.1 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would increase the liability by $0.1 million.

The Company is responsible for medical and disability benefits for black lung disease under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, and is self-insured against black lung related claims. The Company performs an annual evaluation of the overall black lung liabilities at the balance sheet date. The calculation is performed using assumptions regarding rates of successful claims, discount factors, benefit increases and mortality rates, among others. The present value of the obligation recorded by the Company using a discount factor of 5.35% for 2010 and 5.90% for 2009 was $9.2 million at both December 31, 2010 and 2009. A one-percentage-point increase in the discount rate on the discounted claims liability would decrease the liability by $1.4 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would increase the liability by $1.7 million.

The Company enters into interest rate hedge agreements in accordance with the Company's internal debt and interest rate risk management policy, which is designed to mitigate risks related to floating rate financing agreements that are subject to changes in the market rate of interest. Changes in the fair value of interest rate hedge agreements that are designated and effective as hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from OCI to the statement of operations in the same period as the underlying transactions are recorded and are recognized in the caption, interest expense. In addition, the settled amount of an interest rate hedge agreement that has been terminated prior to its original term continues to be deferred in OCI and is recognized in the statement of operations over the term of the underlying debt agreement designated as the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of interest rate hedge agreements that are not effective as hedges are recorded immediately in the statement of operations as interest expense.

To protect against the reduction in the value of forecasted cash flows resulting from sales of natural gas, the Company periodically engages in a natural gas hedging program. The Company hedges portions of its forecasted revenues from sales of natural gas with natural gas derivative contracts, generally either "swaps" or "collars". The Company enters into natural gas derivatives that effectively convert a portion of its forecasted sales at floating-rate natural gas prices to a fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of natural gas price changes on revenues. When natural gas prices fall, the decline in value of future natural gas sales is offset by gains in the value of swap contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when natural gas prices rise, the increase in the value of future cash flows from natural gas sales is offset by losses in the value of the swap contracts. Changes in the fair value of natural gas derivative agreements that are designated and effective as hedges are recorded in OCI. Deferred gains or losses are reclassified from OCI and recognized as miscellaneous income (expense) in the statement of operations in the same period as the underlying transactions are recognized. Changes in the fair value of natural gas hedge agreements that are not effective as hedges or are not designated as hedges are recorded immediately in the statement of operations as miscellaneous income (expense).

During the three years ended December 31, 2010, the Company did not hold any non-derivative instruments designated as hedges or any derivatives designated as fair value hedges. In addition, the Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Derivative contracts are entered into only with counterparties that management considers creditworthy.

Cash flows from hedging activities are reported in the statement of cash flows in the same classification as the hedged item, generally as a component of cash flows from operations.

The Company periodically grants stock-based awards to employees and records the related compensation expense during the period of vesting. This compensation expense is charged to the statement of operations with a corresponding credit to capital in excess of par value and is generally recognized utilizing the graded vesting method for stock options and the straight-line method for restricted stock units. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its stock option grants and estimates forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. See Note 7.

The Company capitalizes environmental expenditures that increase the life or efficiency of property or that reduce or prevent environmental contamination. The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable. See Note 16 for additional discussion of environmental matters.

The Company calculates basic income (loss) per share based on the weighted average common shares outstanding during each period and diluted income (loss) per share based on weighted average common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. Dilutive common equivalent shares include the dilutive effect of stock awards, see Note 15.

HighMount Exploration & Production Alabama, LLC On May 28, 2010 the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of HighMount Exploration & Production Alabama, LLC's ("HighMount") coal bed methane business for a cash payment of approximately $210.0 million and renamed the business Walter Black Warrior Basin, LLC ("WBWB"). The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed totaled $217.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively. The acquisition of the coal bed methane operations included approximately 1,300 existing conventional gas wells, pipeline infrastructure and related equipment located adjacent to the Company's existing underground mining and coal bed methane business in Alabama. Current proven reserves are approximately 89 bcf (billion cubic feet), with annual coal bed methane production of approximately 8.0 bcf expected. The acquisition of this natural gas business, included in the Underground Mining segment, helps ensure that future coal production areas will be properly degasified, thereby improving safety and operating efficiency of the Company's existing underground coking coal production.

WBWB's financial results have been included in the Company's financial statements since the date of acquisition. The inclusion of this business for the current period did not have a material impact on either the Company's revenues or operating income and the Company does not expect the results of this business to have a material impact in the foreseeable future. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. Fair values were determined using the income, cost and market price valuation methods as deemed appropriate. Final determination of fair value is subject to certain contractual obligations, including possible adjustment for working capital balances and distributions made by the seller prior to closing, and is expected to be finalized

during the first quarter of 2011. The following table summarizes the purchase consideration and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):


Purchase consideration:
	Cash		$	209,964
	Liabilities assumed			7,643

		Total consideration	$	217,607

Acquisition related costs (included in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010)			$	2,719

Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Receivables		$	5,439
	Other current assets			340
	Property, plant and equipment			210,323
	Identifiable intangible asset			1,505

		Total assets		217,607

	Accounts payable & accrued liabilities			(4,282	)
	Asset retirement obligations			(3,361	)

		Total liabilities		(7,643	)

	Cash consideration		$	209,964

Taft Coal Sales & Associates On September 2, 2008, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Taft Coal Sales & Associates ("Taft") for $23.5 million which includes a cash payment of $20.1 million, including $0.3 million of acquisition costs and the assumption of $3.4 million of debt, which was immediately paid off. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed totaled $71.7 million and $51.6 million, respectively. Taft, located in Jasper, Alabama, operates a surface steam and industrial coal mine and primarily mines coal for the industrial and electric utility markets. The acquisition of Taft, included in the Surface Mining segment, expands the Company's coal production base in the southern Appalachian coal region of Alabama.The financial results of Taft have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

In November 2010 the Company entered into a share purchase agreement ("the Share Purchase Agreement") with various funds advised by Audley Capital to purchase approximately 54.5 million common shares or approximately 19.8% of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal Corp. ("Western Coal") for CAD$11.50 per share. On December 2, 2010 the Company entered into an arrangement agreement ("the Arrangement Agreement") with Western Coal (collectively the Share Purchase Agreement and the Arrangement Agreement, "the Acquisition") to acquire all of the remaining outstanding common shares of Western Coal for, at the holder's election, CAD$11.50 per share in cash or 0.114 of a Walter Energy share, or for a combination thereof, all subject to proration if the total cash elections exceed 70% of the aggregate transaction consideration to be paid or the total share elections exceed 30% of the aggregate transaction consideration. The transaction will be implemented by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under British Columbia law. The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors and is expected to be completed on or about April 1, 2011. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Canadian court approvals, Western Coal shareholder approval, and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company expects to transfer approximately $3.5 billion to Western Coal shareholders comprised of approximately $2.4 billion in cash and 9.0 million shares of our common stock. The common stock consideration is valued at approximately $1.1 billion using the closing Walter Energy share price as of January 25, 2011 of $121.44. The Acquisition will be funded through a combination of debt, common stock and cash on-hand. Prior to the closing of the Acquisition, we anticipate entering into a new $2.7 billion credit agreement. As of the closing of the Acquisition, we expect to have approximately $2.4 billion of indebtedness outstanding under the new credit agreement.

In January 2011, as part of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased approximately 25.3 million common shares of Western Coal, or 9.15% of the outstanding shares, from funds advised by Audley Capital for CAD$11.50 per share or approximately $0.3 billion in cash, thereby reducing the amount of cash to be paid to the remaining Western Coal shareholders to approximately $2.1 billion. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company will purchase the remaining 29.2 million shares from funds advised by Audley Capital upon the earlier of the completion of the acquisition of the common stock of Western Coal or April 30, 2011.

Spin-off of Financing On April 17, 2009, the Company completed the spin-off of its Financing business and the merger of that business with Hanover Capital Mortgage Holdings, Inc. to create Walter Investment Management Corp. ("Walter Investment"), which operates as a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The subsidiaries and assets that Walter Investment owned at the time of the spin-off included all assets of Financing except for those associated with the workers' compensation program and various other run-off insurance programs within Cardem Insurance Co., Ltd.

As a result of the distribution, the Company no longer has any ownership interest in Walter Investment. The Company and Walter Investment entered into several agreements to facilitate the spin-off. These include the following: (1) A Transition Services Agreement to provide certain services to each other, including tax, accounting, human resources and communication for a limited duration, in all cases not expected to exceed 24 months, with the precise term of each service set forth in the Transition Services Agreement; (2) A Tax Separation Agreement that sets forth the rights and obligations of the Company and Walter Investment with respect to taxes and other liabilities that could be imposed if Walter Investment is required to pay an additional dividend in order to maintain its REIT status for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If that need arises, the Company will be required to reimburse Walter Investment for a portion of such additional dividend; (3) A Joint Litigation Agreement that allocates responsibilities for pending and future litigation and claims, allocates insurance coverages and third-party indemnification rights, where appropriate, and provides that each party should cooperate with each other regarding such litigation claims and rights on a going forward basis, and; (4) A Trademark Licensing Agreement whereby the Company granted Walter Investment a paid-up, perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable (except to affiliates) license to use certain variations and/or acronyms of the "Walter", "Best Insurors" and "Mid-State" names in connection with mortgage finance, lending, insurance and reinsurance services, and financial services related thereto, in the United States.

In order to facilitate the successful spin-off of Financing, the Company entered into a Support Letter of Credit Agreement (the "L/C Agreement") and a revolving credit facility agreement with Walter Investment and certain of its subsidiaries on April 20, 2009. The L/C Agreement provides

Walter Investments' financial lending institutions with a stand-by letter of credit totaling $15.7 million. This stand-by letter of credit was issued under the Company's 2005 Walter Credit Agreement and enabled Walter Investment to obtain third-party financing under a revolving credit agreement. The maximum amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under the L/C Agreement is $15.7 million, plus any unreimbursed fees, in the event of a default. To date, no event of default has occurred that would trigger a draw under the stand-by letter of credit. The Company believes that the likelihood of a triggering event is remote. In addition, should a loss occur, sufficient collateral is available for the recovery of any loss the Company might suffer in the event of a default by Walter Investment. Under the terms of the L/C Agreement, Walter Investment agrees to reimburse the Company for all costs incurred in posting the support letter of credit for Walter Investment's revolving credit agreement as well as any draws under bonds posted in support of Walter Investment and its subsidiaries. All obligations of the L/C Agreement will terminate on April 20, 2011 unless otherwise extended by both parties through mutual consent.

In addition, the Company also entered into a revolving credit facility and security agreement with Walter Investment in which the Company has committed to make available up to $10.0 million in the event that a major hurricane occurs and causes projected losses greater than $2.5 million. A condition precedent to a draw under this facility is the granting of a security interest in certain collateral. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility and security agreement, Walter Investment will pay all fees and repay all loans made under the facility. Any obligations under the revolving credit facility and security agreement will be due and payable upon the termination of this agreement on April 20, 2011. There have been no loans made to Walter Investment pursuant to this arrangement.

As a result of the spin-off, amounts previously reported in the Financing segment are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Closure of Homebuilding In December 2008, the Company made the decision to close the Homebuilding business. This decision was reached despite the efforts of management and employees, including a major restructuring during 2008 that closed nearly half of the sales centers. After the decision was made, the Company immediately took steps to liquidate the remaining assets and wind down the business. This wind down was substantially complete in 2009 and as a result, the Company has reported the results of operations, assets, liabilities and cash flows of the Homebuilding segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Closure of Kodiak Mining Co. In December 2008, the Company announced the permanent closure of the underground coal mine operations of Kodiak Mining Company, LLC ("Kodiak"), which is wholly-owned by Walter Minerals, due to high operational costs, difficult operating conditions and a challenging pricing environment for Kodiak's product. As such, the Company has reported the results of operations, assets, liabilities and cash flows of Kodiak as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The table below presents the significant components of operating results included in income (loss) from discontinued operations (primarily Financing, Homebuilding and Kodiak) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

In 2008, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $167.0 million from a worthless stock deduction as a result of the deemed liquidation of the Company's Homebuilding business on December 31, 2008.

Prior to the Company discontinuing these operations, the Company allocated certain corporate expenses, limited to specifically identified costs and other corporate shared services which supported segment operations, to discontinued operations. These costs represented expenses that had historically been allocated to and recorded by the Company's operating segments as selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company did not elect to allocate corporate interest expense to discontinued operations.

The remaining assets and liabilities of Homebuilding and Kodiak included as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are shown below (in thousands):

Walter Coke In December 2009, the Company closed its Walter Coke fiber plant. The fiber plant produced approximately 100,000 tons of various slag wool fiber products annually. The closure resulted in a restructuring and impairment charge of $3.6 million, of which $2.2 million related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment and $1.4 million related to severance and other obligations. In addition, Walter Coke recorded a charge of $0.9 million included in cost of sales in the 2009 statement of operations related to inventory write-downs. Approximately $0.1 million of cash was used in 2009 for severance and other obligations, with the remainder expended in 2010. As a result, there were no restructuring obligations remaining at December 31, 2010. The property, plant and equipment of the fiber plant was written down to fair value of $0.2 million, which was estimated using comparable transactions of similar assets, less the cost to dispose of the assets.

Surface Mining The Company acquired Taft in September 2008. A significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to the mineral interests, valued at $44.0 million. The initial value assigned to the mineral interests was determined using a discounted cash flow approach incorporating market-based assumptions when available. One of the significant assumptions used to determine the discounted cash flows associated with the mineral interests was the market price of similar coals at the date of acquisition and the future market price forecasts that existed as of that date. Subsequent to September 2, 2008, the market price and forecasted future market prices for similar coals dropped significantly. As such, the Company performed an impairment test of the mineral interests.and, as a result, recorded a $32.4 million impairment charge in 2008.

The stockholders of the Company approved the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan (the "2002 Plan"), under which an aggregate of 4.3 million shares of the Company's common stock, as restated to reflect the modification for the Financing spin-off, have been reserved for grant and issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards.

Under the 2002 Plan, an option becomes exercisable at such times and in such installments as set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (generally, vesting occurs over three years in equal annual increments), but no option will be exercisable after the tenth anniversary of the date on which it is granted. The Company may also issue restricted stock units. The Company has issued restricted stock units which generally fully vest after three years of continuous employment or over three years in equal annual increments.

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense for its continuing operations related to equity awards totaling approximately $3.3 million, $6.7 million, and $5.9 million, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and have been allocated to the reportable segments. The total income tax benefits in the Company's continuing operations recognized in the statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements were $1.2 million, $2.4 million, and $2.1 million during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

A summary of activity related to stock options during the year ended December 31, 2010, including awards applicable to discontinued operations, is presented below:

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the grant-date fair value of options granted were:

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant with a term equal to the expected life. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company's estimated annual dividend payout at grant date. The expected term of the options represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company's share price for the expected term of the options.

A summary of activity related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2010, including awards applicable to discontinued operations, is as follows:

The weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $46.43, $10.67 and $23.86, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair values of restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $82.30, $20.70 and $74.69, respectively. The total amount of cash received from exercise of stock options was $17.1 million, $9.9 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock awards exercised or converted during 2010 was $43.1 million and $11.0 million, respectively, and the total intrinsic value of stock awards exercised or converted during 2009 was $20.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock awards exercised or converted during 2008 was $19.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $5.8 million, $9.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

Unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted were approximately $2.3 million, $5.4 million and $8.0 million as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These costs are to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

All full-time employees of the Company who have attained the age of majority in the state in which they reside are eligible to participate in the employee stock purchase plan, which was adopted in January 1996 and amended in April 2004. The Company contributes a sum equal to 15% (20% after five years of continuous participation) of each participant's actual payroll deduction as authorized, and remits such funds to a designated brokerage firm that purchases in the open market shares of the Company's common stock for the accounts of the participants. The total number of shares that may be purchased under the plan is 3.5 million. Total shares purchased under the plan during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were approximately 20,000, 47,000 and 38,000, respectively, and the Company's contributions recognized as expense were approximately $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, during such years.

At both December 31, 2010 and 2009, other receivables includes $6.2 million relating to a Black Lung Excise Tax refund claim.

		December 31,

		2010			2009
Land		$	68,695		$	33,046
Land improvements			12,356			12,246
Mineral interests			34,915			34,569
Buildings and leasehold improvements			25,091			26,762
Mine development costs			84,930			83,353
Machinery and equipment			614,262			548,486
Gas properties and related development			305,697			117,996
Construction in progress			94,798			52,929

	Total		1,240,744			909,387
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and depletion		(450,743	)		(386,456	)

	Net	$	790,001		$	522,931

Capitalized Exploratory Drilling Costs The costs of drilling exploratory wells are initially capitalized, pending determination of whether a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves can be attributed to the area as a result of drilling. This determination may take longer than one year in certain areas depending upon, among other things, the amount of natural gas discovered, the outcome of planned geological and engineering studies, the difficulties associated with the drilling process, and the need for additional appraisal drilling activities. No amounts were initially capitalized and subsequently expensed during 2010, since no exploratory efforts in process were deemed unsuccessful.

The following presents the amount of capitalized exploratory drilling costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

Well costs that have been capitalized for longer than one year consist of four exploratory wells and one stratigraphic well in a single field in Alabama. Based on the results obtained thus far, these costs have been capitalized pending the completion of certain economic evaluations including, but not limited to, results of additional drilling, well-test analysis, geological and geophysical data and approval of a development plan. The following presents the total amount of capitalized exploratory drilling costs as of December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):

Income tax expense (benefit) applicable to continuing operations consists of the following (in thousands):

The income tax expense (benefit) at the Company's effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate as follows (in thousands):

					December 31,

					2010			2009
Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss and credit carryforwards				$	30,029		$	83,097
	Accrued expenses					17,367			18,593
	Contingent interest					33,515			31,695
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions					183,711			199,151
	Pension obligations					22,071			25,226
	Other					29,476			31,168

		Total deferred tax assets				316,169			388,930

Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses					(10,181	)		(8,880	)
	Depreciation					(94,097	)		(91,136	)

		Total deferred tax liabilities				(104,278	)		(100,016	)

				Net deferred tax asset	$	211,891		$	288,914

Deferred taxes are classified as follows:
	Current deferred income tax asset, net				$	62,371		$	110,576
	Noncurrent deferred income tax asset, net					149,520			178,338

			Net deferred tax asset		$	211,891		$	288,914

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state and local jurisdictions which are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. The statute of limitations related to the consolidated federal income tax return is closed for the years prior to August 31, 1983 and for the years ended May 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The state impact of any federal changes for these years remains subject to examination for a period up to five years after formal notification to the states. The Company generally remains subject to income tax in various states for prior periods ranging from three to eleven years depending on jurisdiction.

The Company's income taxes payable has been reduced by excess tax benefits from employee stock plan awards. The Company receives an income tax deduction on exercised options equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock and the option exercise price. The Company also receives an income tax deduction on vested restricted stock equal to the stock's fair market value at the time of vesting. The Company had net excess tax benefits from employee stock plan awards of $16.8 million, $6.8 million and $5.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company's net operating loss position in 2008 and 2009 prevented the recognition of the respective excess tax benefits in those periods. The Company recognized the 2009 and 2008 excess tax benefit from stock awards in 2010 after all prior period operating losses were fully utilized.

On December 27, 1989, the Company and most of its subsidiaries each filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Proceedings") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"). The Company emerged from bankruptcy on March 17, 1995 (the "Effective Date") pursuant to the Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization dated as of December 9, 1994, as modified on March 1, 1995 (as so modified the "Consensual Plan"). Despite the confirmation and effectiveness of the Consensual Plan, the Bankruptcy Court continues to have jurisdiction over, among other things, the resolution of disputed prepetition claims against the Company and other matters that may arise in connection with or related to the Consensual Plan, including claims related to federal income taxes.

In connection with the Bankruptcy Proceedings, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") filed a proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court (the "Proof of Claim") for a substantial amount of taxes, interest and penalties with respect to fiscal years ended August 31, 1983 through May 31, 1994. The Company filed an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court disputing the Proof of Claim (the "Adversary Proceeding") and the various issues have been litigated in the Bankruptcy Court. An opinion was issued by the Bankruptcy Court in June 2010 as to the remaining disputed issues. The Bankruptcy Court instructed both parties to submit a proposed final order addressing all issues that have been litigated for the tax years 1983 through 1995 in the Adversary Proceeding by late August 2010. At the request of both parties, the Bankruptcy Court granted an extension of time of 90 days from the initial submission date to submit the proposed final order. An additional extension of time to submit the proposed final order was granted in late November 2010. The date of submission to the Court for the proposed final order was late February 2011. At the request of both parties, the Bankruptcy Court granted an additional extension of time of 90 days from February 15, 2011 to submit the proposed final order.

The amounts initially asserted by the Proof of Claim do not reflect the subsequent resolution of various issues through settlements or concessions by the parties. The Company believes that any financial exposure with respect to those issues that have not been resolved or settled in the Proof of Claim, is limited to interest and possible penalties and the amount of tax assessed has been offset by tax reductions in future years. All of the issues in the Proof of Claim, which have not been settled or conceded have been litigated before the Bankruptcy Court and are subject to appeal but only at the conclusion of the entire Adversary Proceeding.

The Company believes that those portions of the Proof of Claim, which remain in dispute or are subject to appeal, substantially overstate the amount of taxes allegedly owed. However, because of the complexity of the issues presented and the uncertainties associated with litigation, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the Adversary Proceeding.

The IRS completed its audit of the Company's federal income tax returns for the years ended May 31, 2000 through December 31, 2005. The IRS issued 30-Day Letters to the Company in June 2010, proposing changes to tax for these tax years. The Company filed a formal protest with the IRS within the prescribed 30-day time limit for those issues which have not been previously settled or conceded. The IRS filed a rebuttal to the Company's formal protest and the case has been assigned to the Appeals Office of the IRS. The IRS has scheduled early March 2011 for arguments to be heard from both parties. The disputed issues in this audit period are similar to the issues remaining in the Proof of Claim and consequently, should the IRS prevail on its positions, the Company believes its financial exposure is limited to interest and possible penalties.

The IRS has begun its audit of Walter Energy's income tax returns filed for 2006 through 2008. Since the IRS examination is in its initial stages, any resulting tax deficiency or overpayment cannot be estimated at this time. During the next year, the statute of limitations for assessing additional income tax deficiencies will expire for certain tax years in several state tax jurisdictions. The expiration of the statute of limitations for these years will have an insignificant impact on the total uncertain income tax positions and net income for the next twelve-month period.

The Company believes that all of its current and prior tax filing positions have substantial merit and intends to defend vigorously any tax claims asserted. The Company believes that it has sufficient accruals to address any claims, including interest and penalties.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate totaled $37.3 million and $32.1 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, interest expense includes $5.6 million, $7.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively, for total interest accrued on the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and for issues identified in the Proof of Claim. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits and the Adversary Proceeding of $89.3 million. Due to the uncertainties associated with litigation and the Adversary Proceeding, the Company is unable to predict the amount, if any, of the change in the gross unrecognized tax benefits balance in the next twelve months.

The Company's debt repayment schedule, excluding interest, as of December 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):

In 2005, the Company entered into a $675.0 million credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") which included, prior to its amendments, (1) an amortizing term loan facility with an initial aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million, of which $136.1 million and $137.5 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 with weighted average interest rates of 2.51% and 2.49%, respectively, and (2) an initial $225.0 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver") which provides for loans and letters of credit. The Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the Company's and guarantors' real, personal and intellectual property, and the Company's ownership interest in the guarantors. The Credit Agreement contains covenants and conditions, that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to pay cash dividends or repurchase stock. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $0.4 million through October 3, 2012, at which time the remaining outstanding principal is due.

In 2008, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the Revolver to $475.0 million. Available funds of $214.8 million were used to repay principal, interest and fees and terminate certain debt related to the Financing segment prior to spin-off. Certain other terms, including affirmative and negative covenants as well as restrictions on the Company's ability to engage in specified activities, were also amended, and included, but were not limited to, limitations on increased indebtedness and approval of certain activities associated with the Company's strategic initiatives in businesses that are now discontinued.

In 2009, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of the Revolver from October 4, 2010 to July 2, 2012 and amended the size of the Revolver to $300.0 million that, subject to certain conditions, can be increased to $425.0 million. The amendment also increased the interest rate on the Revolver to as much as LIBOR plus 400 basis points. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolver was set at 0.5% per year for all pricing levels compared to a range of 0.4% to 0.5% per year prior to the change. In addition, certain financial covenants in the Credit Agreement were eliminated. The amendment did not affect the term loan portion of the Credit Agreement.

In November 2010, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to remove any condition associated with the Company acquiring approximately 25.3 million shares of common stock of Western Coal Corp. from affiliates of Audley Capital. These shares were acquired in January 2011. See Note 4 regarding the pending acquisition of Western Coal.

As of December 31, 2010, the term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 225 basis points and the Company had $59.9 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit, of which $15.7 million relates to the support letter of credit discussed in Note 5, no Revolver borrowings, and $240.1 million of availability for future borrowings under the Revolver.

In October 2008, the Company entered into a $32.3 million equipment financing arrangement for certain previously procured mining equipment. This facility requires variable monthly payments using a predetermined amortization schedule, carries an interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 375 basis points, will mature in the first quarter of 2014 and is secured by the financed equipment. At December 31, 2010, there was $21.0 million outstanding at an interest rate of 4.01%. In addition, in 2008, the Company entered into a $9.4 million capital lease arrangement to procure certain mining equipment. The capital lease covers a sixty month period and has an implicit interest rate of 9.78%. At December 31, 2010 there was a balance remaining of $6.3 million. In June 2010, the Company entered into an $18.9 million arrangement, with an implicit interest rate of 2.50%, to finance the premium payments of its property insurance. Payments of $13.9 million were made during 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the outstanding balance of $5.0 million is due to be repaid in 2011.

The Company has various pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all employees. In addition to its own pension plans, the Company contributes to certain multi-employer plans. The Company funds its retirement and employee benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of the plans and, where applicable, in amounts sufficient to satisfy the "Minimum Funding Standards" of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). The plans provide benefits based on years of service and compensation or at stated amounts for each year of service.

The Company also provides certain postretirement benefits other than pensions, primarily healthcare, to eligible retirees. The Company's postretirement benefit plans are not funded. New salaried employees have been ineligible to participate in postretirement healthcare benefits since May 2000. Effective January 1, 2003 the Company placed a monthly cap on Company contributions for postretirement healthcare coverage.

The Company is required to measure plan assets and liabilities as of the fiscal year-end reporting date. Previously, the Company used a September 30 measurement date and, in 2008, was required to change its valuation measurement date to December 31. As a result of the change in calculation date during 2008, plan year 2008 consisted of fifteen months beginning October 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, all of our pension plans have obligations that exceed plan assets. The amounts recognized for all of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows (in thousands):

			Pension Benefits						Other Benefits

			December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009
Accumulated benefit obligation			$	235,727		$	212,567		$	476,101		$	452,659

Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	226,580		$	198,290		$	452,659		$	368,308
	Service cost			4,419			4,154			3,014			3,049
	Interest cost			12,906			12,458			26,040			23,294
	Actuarial loss			16,338			21,613			16,594			80,941
	Benefits paid			(10,238	)		(9,935	)		(22,732	)		(22,933	)
	Other			—			—			526			—

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	250,005		$	226,580		$	476,101		$	452,659

Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	160,944		$	128,270			—			—
	Actual gain on plan assets			21,270			26,933			—			—
	Employer contributions			19,760			15,676		$	22,732		$	22,933
	Benefits paid			(10,238	)		(9,935	)		(22,732	)		(22,933	)

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	191,736		$	160,944			—			—

Unfunded status of the plan			$	(58,269	)	$	(65,636	)	$	(476,101	)	$	(452,659	)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
	Other current liabilities		$	(8,892	)	$	(3,586	)		—			—
	Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation
		Current							$	(24,753	)	$	(23,563	)
		Long term								(451,348	)		(429,096	)
	Other long-term liabilities			(49,377	)		(62,050	)		—			—

Net amount recognized			$	(58,269	)	$	(65,636	)	$	(476,101	)	$	(452,659	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax
	Prior service cost		$	1,187		$	1,491		$	8,852		$	6,754
	Net actuarial loss			96,090			96,818			200,299			198,156

Net amount recognized			$	97,277		$	98,309		$	209,151		$	204,910

		Pension Benefits									Other Benefits

		For the years ended December 31,									For the years ended December 31,
		2010			2009			2008			2010			2009			2008
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	4,419		$	4,154		$	4,010		$	3,014		$	3,049		$	2,993
	Interest cost		12,906			12,458			12,013			26,040			23,294			21,526
	Expected return on plan assets		(13,076	)		(11,304	)		(14,528	)		—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		304			304			305			(2,098	)		(1,950	)		(2,161	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		8,922			9,356			2,459			14,522			6,440			5,199

Net periodic benefit cost for continuing operations		$	13,475		$	14,968		$	4,259		$	41,478		$	30,833		$	27,557

The estimated portion of net prior service cost and net actuarial loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income as (income) loss in 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

The discount rate is based on a yield-curve approach which matches the expected cash flows to high quality corporate bonds available at the measurement date. The model sums the present values of all of the cash flows discounted at the spot rates (as described further below) and then calculates the equivalent weighted-average discount rate by imputing the single interest rate that equates the total present value with the stream of future cash flows.

The yield curve is based on non-callable corporate bonds rated AA by Moody's that are denominated in U.S. dollars and where the time to maturity is between 0.5 and 30 years. The model uses bid-price bond data provided each month by Barclays Capital. To minimize any potential distortion caused by using bid prices instead of actual trading prices, only bonds that have at least $250 million in outstanding issue are selected. Using this bond universe, regression analysis is used to fit yield-to-maturity to time-to-maturity. Then, the par coupon yield curve is converted into an equivalent zero coupon spot rate curve using the standard "bootstrapping" technique, which assumes that the price of a coupon bond for a given maturity equals the present value of the underlying bond cash flows using zero-coupon spot rates. Discount rates beyond 30 years are assumed to equal the 30-year rate.

The plan assets of the pension plans are held and invested by the Walter Energy, Inc. Subsidiaries Master Pension Trust ("Pension Trust"). The Pension Trust employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to meet the long-term funding and near-term cash flow requirements of the pension plan. The asset mix strives to generate rates of return sufficient to fund plan liabilities and exceed the long-term rate of inflation, while maintaining an appropriate level of portfolio risk. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio is diversified across domestic and foreign equity holdings, and by investment styles and market capitalizations. Domestic equity holdings primarily consist of investments in large-cap and mid-cap companies located in the United States, and of investments in collective trusts managed to replicate the investment performance of industry standard investment indexes. Foreign equity holdings primarily consist of investments in domestically managed mutual funds located in the United States. Fixed income holdings are diversified

by issuer, security type and principal and interest payment characteristics. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives may not be used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Fixed income and derivatives holdings primarily consist of investments in domestically managed mutual funds located in the United States. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual benefits liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies. Management believes the only significant concentration of investment risk lies in exposure to the U.S. domestic markets as compared to total global investment opportunities.

During 2009, the strategic allocation in the fixed income component was raised from 30% to 40% with a corresponding reduction in equity allocation from 70% to 60%. As a result of this change, beginning in 2010 the expected return on asset assumption decreased from 8.90% to 8.25%. As of December 31, 2010 the Pension Trust's strategic asset allocation targets are as follows:

These ranges are targets and deviations may occur from time-to-time due to market fluctuations. Portfolio assets are typically rebalanced to the allocation targets at least annually.

As of December 31, 2010 the fair value of the Pension Trust's assets were as follows ($ in thousands):

(b): This category comprises an investment in a low-cost, non-actively managed, U.S.-regulated equity index fund that tracks the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. This investment is a Common Collective Trust. Therefore, even though the underlying investments of the fund would be considered Level 1, this investment is considered Level 2.
(c): This category primarily consists of U.S. common stocks selected using a large-capitalization, growth-oriented investment strategy. This is an actively-managed fund with the goal of achieving a return above the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
(d): This category primarily consists of U.S. common stocks selected using a mid-capitalization, growth-oriented investment strategy. This is an actively-managed fund with the goal of achieving a return above the Standard and Poor's MidCap 400 Index.
(e): This category comprises an investment in a U.S. regulated mutual fund that purchases foreign stocks. This is an actively-managed fund with the goal of achieving a return above the MSCI EAFE Index.
(f): This category comprises an investment in a U.S. regulated mutual fund that purchases global fixed income securities and diversified currencies, and uses derivatives to hedge risk positions and gain market exposure. This is an actively-managed fund with the goal of achieving a return above the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

The Pension Trust employs a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return for plan assets. Historical market returns are studied and long-term risk/return relationships between equity and fixed income asset classes are analyzed. This analysis supports the widely accepted fundamental investment principle that assets with greater risk generate higher returns over long periods of time. The historical impact of returns in one asset class on returns of another asset class is reviewed to evaluate portfolio diversification benefits. Current market factors including inflation rates and interest rate levels are considered before assumptions are developed. The long-term portfolio return is established via the building block approach by adding interest rate risk and equity risk premiums to the anticipated long-term rate of inflation. Proper consideration is given to the importance of portfolio diversification and periodic rebalancing. Peer data and historical return assumptions are reviewed to check for reasonableness.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates, discount rates, expected return on plan assets and salary increases have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the pension and healthcare plans. A one-percentage-point change in the trend rate for these assumptions would have the following effects (in thousands):

		Increase (Decrease)

		1-Percentage Point Increase			1-Percentage Point Decrease
Health care cost trend:
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	4,358		$	(3,501	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	60,849		$	(50,428	)
Discount rate:
	Effect on postretirement service and interest cost components	$	267		$	(479	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	(52,686	)	$	64,821
	Effect on current year postretirement benefits expense	$	(4,499	)	$	5,499
	Effect on pension service and interest cost components	$	42		$	(122	)
	Effect on pension benefit obligation	$	(25,219	)	$	30,440
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	(2,374	)	$	2,791
Expected return on plan assets:
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	(1,585	)	$	1,585
Rate of compensation increase:
	Effect on pension service and interest cost components	$	413		$	(370	)
	Effect on pension benefit obligation	$	3,437		$	(3,152	)
	Effect on current year pension expense	$	760		$	(688	)

The Company's minimum pension plan funding requirement for 2011 is $17.8 million, which the Company expects to fully fund. The Company also expects to pay $24.8 million in 2011 for benefits related to its other postretirement healthcare plan. The following estimated benefit payments from the plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows (in thousands):

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries maintain profit sharing and 401(k) plans. The total cost of these plans in 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

The Company is required under the agreement with the UMWA to pay amounts to the UMWA Pension Trusts based principally on hours worked by UMWA represented employees. These multi-employer pension trusts provide benefits to eligible retirees through a defined benefit plan. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), as amended in 1980, imposes certain liabilities on contributors to multi-employer pension plans in the event of a contributor's withdrawal

from the plan. The Company does not have any intention to withdraw from the plan; however, through July 1, 2011, the calculation of the Company's combined withdrawal liability amounts to $426.0 million. The withdrawal liability is calculated based on the contributor's proportionate share of the plan's unfunded vested liabilities.

The Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992 ("Coal Act") created two multiemployer benefit plans: (1) the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund ("Combined Fund") into which the former UMWA Benefit Trusts were merged, and (2) the 1992 Benefit Fund.The Combined Fund provides medical and death benefits for all beneficiaries of the former UMWA Benefit Trusts who were actually receiving benefits as of July 20, 1992. The 1992 Benefit Fund provides medical and death benefits to orphan UMWA-represented members eligible for retirement on February 1, 1993, and who actually retired between July 20, 1992 and September 30, 1994. The Coal Act provides for the assignment of beneficiaries to former employers and the allocation of unassigned beneficiaries (referred to as orphans) to companies using a formula set forth in the Coal Act. The Coal Act requires that responsibility for funding the benefits to be paid to beneficiaries, be assigned to their former signatory employers or related companies. This cost is recognized as an expense in the year the payments are assessed.

The UMWA 1993 Benefit Plan is a defined contribution plan that was created as the result of negotiations for the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement (NBCWA) of 1993. This plan provides healthcare benefits to orphan UMWA retirees who are not eligible to participate in the Combined Fund, or the 1992 Benefit Fund or whose last employer signed the 1993, or a later, NBCWA and who subsequently goes out of business.

Contributions to these plans in 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $17.3 million, $14.7 million and $13.0 million, respectively.

On June 16, 2008, the Company completed a public offering of 3,220,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $90.75 per share. The Company received $280.5 million of net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to repay $280.4 million of the borrowings outstanding under the Company's Credit Agreement.

On July 31, 2008, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company's regular quarterly dividend rate from $0.05 per common share to $0.10 per common share. On April 21, 2010, the Board of Directors approved an additional increase in the Company's regular quarterly dividend rate from $0.10 per common share to $0.125 per common share.

During 2008, the Company repurchased 354,256 shares under its $25.0 million share repurchase program, thereby fulfilling the program's authorized allotment. On September 26, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a new $50.0 million share repurchase program and on December 31, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a $50.0 million expansion of the Company's share repurchase program. The new program began on January 1, 2009 and purchases were based on liquidity and market conditions. Through December 31, 2009, the Company purchased a total of 2,747,659 shares for $79.4 million under the $100 million program. The Company purchased an additional 270,159 shares for $20.5 million and completed the program during the second quarter of 2010. On May 14, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a $45.0 million share repurchase program, which was substantially completed during the third quarter of 2010. Through December 31, 2010, a total of 3,658,408 shares were repurchased under the programs for a total cost of approximately $144.8 million.

On February 27, 2009, the Company's Board of Directors authorized and declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") for each share of common stock to stockholders of

record as of the close of business on April 23, 2009. The shareholders approved this action and the Company entered into a rights agreement on April 24, 2009. Initially the Right is not exercisable and will trade with our common stock. The Right may be exercisable under certain circumstances, including a person or group acquiring, or the commencement of a tender or exchange offer that would result in a person or group acquiring, beneficial ownership of more than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock. Upon exercise of the Right, each Right holder, other than the person or group triggering the plan, will have the right to purchase from us 1/1000^th of a share of junior preferred stock (subject to adjustment) or, at the Company's option, shares of common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Each fractional share of the junior preferred stock has terms designed to make it substantially the economic equivalent of one share of common stock. This rights agreement expires on April 23, 2012.

On April 23, 2009, shareholders voted to grant the Company the authority to issue 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, at a par value of $0.01 per share. The Board believes the ability to issue preferred stock is necessary in order to provide the Company with greater flexibility in structuring future capital raising transactions, acquisitions and/or joint ventures, including taking advantage of financing techniques that receive favorable treatment from credit rating agencies. No preferred shares have been issued.

A reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

			For the years ended December 31,

			2010						2009						2008
			Basic			Diluted			Basic			Diluted			Basic		Diluted
Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations		$	389,425		$	389,425		$	141,850		$	141,850		$	231,192	$	231,192

	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$	(3,628	)	$	(3,628	)	$	(4,692	)	$	(4,692	)	$	115,388	$	115,388

Denominator:
	Average number of common shares outstanding			53,179			53,179			53,076			53,076			53,791		53,791
	Effect of dilutive securities
		Stock awards(a)		—			521			—			743			—		794

				53,179			53,700			53,076			53,819			53,791		54,585

Income from continuing operations			$	7.32		$	7.25		$	2.67		$	2.64		$	4.30	$	4.24
Income (loss) from discontinued operations				(0.07	)		(0.07	)		(0.09	)		(0.09	)		2.14		2.11

	Net income per share		$	7.25		$	7.18		$	2.58		$	2.55		$	6.44	$	6.35

The Company is currently engaged in litigation with the IRS with regard to certain federal income tax issues; see Note 11 for a more complete explanation.

The Company is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, both with respect to the construction and operation of its plants, mines and other facilities and with respect to remediating environmental conditions that may exist at its own and other properties.

The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Walter Coke entered into a decree order in 1989 relative to a Resource Conservation Recovery Act ("RCRA") compliance program mandated by the EPA. A RCRA Facility Investigation ("RFI") Work Plan was prepared which proposed investigative tasks to assess the presence of contamination at the Walter Coke facility. A work plan was approved in 1994 and the Phase I investigations were conducted and completed between 1995 and 1999. Phase II investigations for the Chemical Plant/Coke Plant and Biological Treatment Facility and Sewers/Land Disposal Areas at the Walter Coke facility were performed in 2000 and 2001 and are complete. At the end of 2004, the EPA re-directed Walter Coke's RFI efforts toward completion of the Environmental Indicator ("EI") determinations for the Current Human Exposures. This EI effort was completed to assist the EPA in meeting goals set by the Government Performance Results Act ("GPRA") for RCRA by 2005. Walter Coke implemented the approved EI sampling plan in April 2005. The EPA approved and finalized the EI determinations for Walter Coke's Birmingham facility in September 2005. In an effort to refocus the RFI, the EPA approved technical comments on the Phase II RFI report and the report submitted as part of the EI effort. A Phase III work plan was submitted to the EPA during the first quarter of 2007. The EPA commented on the Phase III plan and Walter Coke responded. Subsequently, a meeting was held with the EPA during the third quarter of 2007 with the objective of finalization of the Phase III plan. Phase III sampling reports were submitted in March 2009 and June 2009. Beyond the scope of the Phase III activity performed in 2007 through 2009, additional requests by EPA expanded the scope of the project which required additional sampling and testing. In January 2008, as a follow-up to the EI determination, the EPA requested that Walter Coke perform additional soil sampling and testing in the neighborhoods surrounding its facility. Subsequent to EPA's initial request and presentation of a residential sampling plan to EPA by Walter Coke, the plan was finalized and community involvement initiated, with sampling and testing commencing in July 2009. The results of this sampling and testing were submitted to the EPA for review in December 2009. The EPA and Walter Coke are in discussions regarding future action and timing under the Phase III RFI plan and the residential sampling plan.

The Company has incurred costs to investigate the presence of contamination at the Walter Coke facility and to define remediation actions to address this environmental liability in accordance with the agreements reached with the EPA under the RFI and the residential soil sampling conducted by Walter Coke in the neighborhoods surrounding its facility. At December 31, 2010, the Company has an amount accrued that is probable and can be reasonably estimated for the costs to be incurred to identify and define remediation actions, as well as to perform certain remedial tasks which can be

quantified, in accordance with the agreements reached and proposals that continue to be coordinated with the EPA to date. The amount of this accrual was not material to the financial statements. While it is probable that the Company will incur additional future costs to remediate environmental liabilities at the Walter Coke facility, the amount of these costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Because the RCRA compliance program is in the study phase, until the studies are complete the Company is unable to fully estimate the cost of remediation activities that will be required. Although no assurances can be given that the Company will not be required in the future to make material expenditures relating to the Walter Coke site or other sites, management does not believe at this time that the cleanup costs, if any, associated with these sites will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, but such cleanup costs could be material to results of operations in a future reporting period.

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of their businesses. The Company records costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the outcome of these matters on the Company's future results of operations cannot be predicted with certainty as any such effect depends on future results of operations and the amount and timing of the resolution of such matters. While the results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of such other litigation will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In the opinion of management, accruals associated with contingencies incurred in the normal course of business are sufficient. Resolution of existing known contingencies is not expected to significantly affect the Company's financial position and results of operations.

The Company's leases are primarily for mining equipment, automobiles and office space. Rent expense was $13.7 million, $10.9 million, and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Future minimum payments under non-cancellable capitalized and operating leases obligations as of December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value disclosures:

Cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.

Debt. The Company's term loan in the amount of $136.1 million and $137.5 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, is carried at cost. The estimated fair value of the Company's term loan was $136.1 million and $134.1 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, based on similar transactions and yields in an active market for similarly rated debt.

The Company's equipment financing debt had a balance (carried at cost) of $21.0 million at December 31, 2010 and $26.6 million at December 31, 2009. The estimated fair value of this equipment financing debt as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $21.0 million and $26.0 million, respectively, based on comparable equipment financing transactions for similarly rated companies based on similar transactions.

The Company's short term borrowing to finance the premium payments on certain of its property insurance was $5.1 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and is carried at cost. The carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet on this short term financing approximate fair value.

Interest rate hedge. On December 30, 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate hedge agreement with a notional value of $31.5 million. The objective of the hedge is to protect against the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate related to 62 of the 64 monthly interest payments required under the equipment financing arrangement for a new longwall shield system entered into on October 21, 2008. The interest rate on the debt is subject to change due to fluctuations in the benchmark interest rate of 1-month LIBOR. The structure of the hedge is a 62 month amortizing interest rate swap based on a 5.59% fixed rate with fixed rate and floating rate payment dates effective February 1, 2009. The hedge will be settled upon maturity and is being accounted for as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of the hedge that take place through the date of maturity will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This interest rate hedge had an immaterial fair value at both December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

During 2010, 2009 and 2008, interest rate hedge unrealized gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, as well as realized gains (losses) recorded in net income were immaterial.

Commodity hedges. On October 20, 2009, the Company entered into a swap contract to hedge 1.6 million mmbtus of natural gas, or approximately 24% of forecasted 2010 natural gas sales, at a price of $6.35 per mmbtu. The swap contract ended December 31, 2010 and the Company did not have any commodity hedges outstanding at December 31, 2010. This hedge was designated as a cash flow hedge.

The fair value of the unsettled commodity hedge outstanding at December 31, 2009 was an asset of $0.9 million recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value was determined using quoted dealer prices for similar contracts in active over-the-counter markets (Level 2 criteria). For 2010 and 2009, the net change in the unrealized gain on the commodity cash flow hedges was $0.4 million, net of tax of $0.2 million, and $0.8 million, net of tax of $0.5 million, respectively. Realized gains recognized in net income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were $1.9 million, net of taxes of $1.1 million, and $1.2 million, net of taxes of $0.8 million, respectively. Realized losses recognized in net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $2.5 million, net of taxes of $1.7 million.

The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and have separate management teams. The business units have been aggregated into four reportable segments: Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Walter Coke and Other. The Underground Mining segment is comprised of metallurgical coal mining, natural gas operations and royalties. The Surface Mining segment is comprised of coal mining and land sales generated by certain land holdings. Walter Coke manufactures foundry and furnace coke. The Other segment primarily includes corporate expenses.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on operating earnings of the respective business segments.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable segments is shown in the following tables (in thousands):

		For the years ended December 31,

		2010			2009			2008
Revenues:
	Underground Mining	$	1,349,748		$	787,325		$	911,067
	Surface Mining		133,734			99,556			72,711
	Walter Coke		181,979			101,233			206,230
	Other		2,996			2,469			3,424
	Consolidating eliminations of intersegment activity(a)		(80,727	)		(23,756	)		(43,748	)

	Total Revenues(b)	$	1,587,730		$	966,827		$	1,149,684

Segment operating income (loss):(c)
	Underground Mining	$	580,650		$	208,189		$	328,071
	Surface Mining		24,170			24,045			(23,397	)
	Walter Coke		32,471			(1,338	)		60,672
	Other		(40,380	)		(29,086	)		(22,825	)
	Consolidating eliminations of intersegment activity		(2,849	)		360			(1,314	)

	Operating income		594,062			202,170			341,207
	Less interest expense, net		(16,466	)		(18,176	)		(8,418	)

	Income from continuing operations before income tax expense		577,596			183,994			332,789
	Income tax expense		(188,171	)		(42,144	)		(101,597	)

	Income from continuing operations	$	389,425		$	141,850		$	231,192

			For the years ended December 31

			2010		2009		2008
Depreciation and depletion:
	Underground Mining		$	81,563	$	59,393	$	43,149
	Surface Mining			12,515		8,574		8,327
	Walter Coke			4,092		4,566		4,152
	Other			532		406		914

		Total	$	98,702	$	72,939	$	56,542

Capital expenditures:
	Underground Mining		$	130,582	$	74,625	$	125,789
	Surface Mining			14,320		16,210		8,626
	Walter Coke			7,397		4,837		6,904
	Other			5,177		626		308

		Total	$	157,476	$	96,298	$	141,627

(a): Included in consolidating eliminations are inter-segment sales of $42.6 million, $16.3 million and $28.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, between Underground Mining and Walter Coke; inter-segment sales of $14.6 million, $5.4 million and $2.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, between Surface Mining and Walter Coke; inter-segment sales of $22.6 million, $2.0 million and $12.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, between Underground Mining and Surface Mining; inter-segment sales of $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, between Underground Mining and Other; and for the year ended December 31, 2010, inter-segment sales of $0.7 million between various segments and discontinued operations.
(b): Export sales were $1.2 billion, $728.4 million and $781.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Export sales to customers in foreign countries in excess of 10% of consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

The Company owns a 50% interest in the joint venture Black Warrior Methane ("BWM"), which is accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method. The Company has granted the rights to produce and sell methane gas from its coal mines to BWM. The Company also supplies labor to BWM and incurs costs, including property and liability insurance, to support the joint venture. The Company charges the joint venture for such costs on a monthly basis. These charges for 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $2.5 million, $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

In January 2010, the FASB amended its guidance in ASC Topic 932 "Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas," expanding the definition of oil and gas producing activities to include the extraction of saleable hydrocarbons from oil sands, shale and coal beds, clarifying that entities' equity method investments must be considered in oil and gas activities, and requiring new disclosures. Since the Company is subject to this guidance because it extracts hydrocarbons from coal beds, the Company adopted ASC Topic 932 as of January 1, 2010. The Company uses the successful efforts method, which required the Company to change its method of accounting for depreciation and depletion of the gas properties in its coal bed methane business from the straight-line method to the unit-of-production method. The increase in depreciation and depletion from this change resulted in a decrease in income from continuing operations of approximately $8.7 million, a decrease in net income of $5.4 million and a $0.10 decrease in diluted net income per share during the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company does not consider the effect of this change to be material to its operating results or financial condition.

In January 2011, the Company acquired approximately 25.3 million common shares of Western Coal Corp., representing 9.15% of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal Corp., from funds advised by Audley Capital for approximately $293.7 million in cash. As previously announced and pursuant to the terms of the share purchase agreement, the Company will purchase approximately 29.2 million additional common shares of Western Coal from funds advised by Audley Capital upon the earlier of the completion of the acquisition of Western Coal by Walter Energy or on April 30, 2011. See Note 4 for discussion of the pending acquisition of Western Coal.

The following section provides supplemental information on the natural gas exploration and production activities of the Company.

Costs incurred for property acquisition, exploration and development (1)(in thousands):

Results of Operations for Natural Gas Producing Activities (in thousands):

The Company's 2010 average sales price and average production costs, per unit of production, were $4.52 and $2.50, respectively.

The Company has committed all of its natural gas production to its customer, however, no minimum quantities are required to be delivered. The terms of these commitments expire between the years of 2014 and 2020.

During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Company drilled 72 net development wells, none of which were dry. During 2010 the Company drilled no new exploratory wells. At December 31, 2010 there were 12 development wells and 5 exploratory wells in the process of being drilled. Drilling

activities of development wells are currently in progress and scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of 2011. Drilling and evaluation activities for exploratory wells will be in process throughout 2011.

The following table sets forth the number of producing wells, developed acreage and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2010:

All of our development wells and proved acreage are located in Alabama's Black Warrior basin. Net quantities of proved developed and undeveloped natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2010 presented in the tables below are based on reserve estimates prepared for the Company by the independent petroleum consultants Ryder Scott Company, L.P. in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") guidelines and included herein as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K. Net proved reserves exclude royalties and interests owned by others and reflect contractual arrangements and royalty obligations in effect at the time of estimate.

(1): Purchases of reserves in-place are due to the HighMount acquisition in May 2010.
(2): Revisions are primarily due to differing assumptions used in the valuation of acquired reserves, which are based on a forward looking analysis, as compared to the SEC requirements for this footnote disclosure which uses historical past 12 month methodology in determining proven reserves.
(3): Proved developed and proved undeveloped gas reserves are defined by the SEC Rule 4.10(a) of Regulation S-X. Generally, these reserves would be commercially recovered under current economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations. There are many inherent uncertainties in estimating proved reserve quantities and projecting both the future production rates and the timing of development expenditures. Proved natural gas reserves are estimated quantities of natural gas and coal bed methane gas which geological and engineering data demonstrate, with reasonable certainty, to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered through existing wells, with existing equipment and operating methods.

The following information has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-03, "Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas (Topic 932)." This topic requires the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows to be based on the average, first-day-of-the-month price for each of the twelve months in the year ended December 31, 2010. Because prices used in the calculation are average prices for the year, the standardized measure could vary significantly from year to year based on the market conditions that occurred.

The projections should not be viewed as realistic estimates of future cash flows, nor should the "standardized measure" be interpreted as representing current value to the Company. Material revisions to estimates of proved reserves may occur in the future; development and production of the reserves may not occur in the periods assumed; actual prices realized are expected to vary significantly from those used; and actual costs may vary. The Company's investment and operating decisions are not based on the information presented, but on a wide range of reserve estimates that include probable, as well as, proved reserves and on a varying future price and cost assumptions.

The standardized measure is intended to provide a better means for comparing the value of the Company's proved reserves at a given time with those of other gas producing companies (in thousands).

The following are the principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (in thousands):

		For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

Balance at beginning of year		$	3,914
Net changes in sales prices and production costs			12,209
Sales net of production costs			11,962
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates			4,297
Net change due to acquisition of HighMount			89,442
Development costs incurred during the period			6,004
Difference in previously estimated development costs compared to actual costs incurred during the period			2,584
Changes in estimated future development costs			266
Net change in income taxes			(63,408	)
Net change due to extensions, discoveries, and improved recovery			4,005
Accretion of discount			58

	Total discounted cash flow at end of year	$	71,333

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

2	—	Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries, dated as of December 9, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit T3E2 to Registrant's Applications for Qualification of Indentures on Form T-3, filed on February 6, 1995).
2.1	—	Modification to the Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries, as filed in the Bankruptcy Court on March 1, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit T3E24 to Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to the Applications for Qualification of Indentures on Form T-3, filed on March 7, 1995).
2.2	—	Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order Confirming Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Walter Energy, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as modified (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a)(iii) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-59013), filed on May 2, 1995).
2.3	—	Arrangement Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2010, between Registrant and Western Coal Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 3, 2010).
3.1	—	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 28, 2009).
3.2	—	Amended and Restated By-Laws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 24, 2008).
4	—	Form of Specimen Certificate for Registrant's Common Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 033-59013), filed on May 2, 1995).
4.1	—	Rights Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2009, between Walter Energy, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Certificate of Designations of Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights as Exhibit C (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on April 28, 2009).
4.2	—	Form of Certificate of Designations of Junior Participating Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on April 24, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on April 28, 2009).
10.1*	—	Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated as of March 3, 1995, among the Registrant and the Indemnitees parties thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-59013), filed on August 9, 1995).
10.2*	—	Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 24, 2008).
10.3*	—	Form of Amended and Restated Executive Change-in-Control Severance Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

10.4*	—	Form of Executive Change-in-Control Severance Agreement (for executives executing agreements after January 1, 2010).
10.5*	—	Registrant's Executive Deferred Compensation and Supplemental Retirement Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
10.6*	—	Registrant's Amended and Restated Directors' Deferred Fee Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.7*	—	Registrant's Amended and Restated Supplemental Pension Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.8*	—	Executive Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on March 31, 2006).
10.8.1*	—	First Amendment to the Registrant's Executive Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.9*	—	Amended 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on August 12, 1997).
10.9.1*	—	Amendment to Amended 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.10*	—	Amended and Restated 2002 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on March 31, 2009).
10.11*	—	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.12*	—	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.13*	—	Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on March 19, 2004).
10.14	—	Amendment No. 6 dated September 3, 2009, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 3, 2005 among Walter Energy, Inc. as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, SunTrust Bank, Calyon New York Branch, and Regions Bank as Co-Syndication Agents, Calyon New York Branch, as Documentation Agent, and the other lenders signatory thereto, including as Exhibit A, a copy of the conformed Credit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 8, 2009).

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

10.15	—	Amendment No. 7 dated November 23, 2010, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 3, 2005 by and among Walter Energy, Inc. as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and each other Lender signatory thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 29, 2010).
10.16*	—	Registrant's Involuntary Severance Benefit Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.16.1*	—	First Amendment to the Walter Energy, Inc. Involuntary Severance Benefit Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.17*	—	Agreement dated June 3, 2010 between the Company and Walter J. Scheller, III.
10.18*	—	Agreement dated March 14, 2006 between the Company and Lisa A. Honnold.
10.18.1*	—	Agreement dated December 22, 2008 between the Company and Lisa A. Honnold.
10.19*	—	Agreement dated as of July 30, 2007, between the Company and Charles C. Stewart (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2010).
10.19.1*	—	Amendment dated as of December 22, 2008, between the Company and Charles C. Stewart (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2010).
10.20*	—	Agreement dated October 24, 2006, between the Company and Michael T. Madden (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2010).
10.20.1*	—	Amendment dated as of December 18, 2008, between the Company and Michael T. Madden (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2010).
10.20.2*	—	Amended and Restated Change-in-Control Agreement dated as of December 18, 2008 between the Company and Michael T. Madden (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2010).
10.21*	—	Agreement dated as of December 31, 2009, between the Company and Victor P. Patrick (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed December 31, 2009).
10.21.1*	—	Agreement dated as of March 31, 2006, between the Company and George R. Richmond (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2005).
10.21.2*	—	Agreement dated as of March 31, 2006, between the Company and George R. Richmond (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008).

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

10.22	—	Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of May 26, 2006, between Registrant and Mueller Water Products, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 30, 2006).
10.23	—	Joint Litigation Agreement, effective as of December 14, 2006, between Registrant and Mueller Water Products, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 20, 2006).
10.24	—	Tax Separation Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2009, between Registrant and Walter Investment Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 23, 2009).
10.25	—	Joint Litigation Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2009, between Registrant and Walter Investment Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 23, 2009).
10.26	—	Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, between Registrant and Audley Capital Management Limited, Audley European Opportunities Master Fund Limited, Audley Investment I and Audley Investment II (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2010).
10.27	—	Debt Commitment Letter, dated as of December 2, 2010, between Registrant and Morgan Stanley Funding, Inc., The Bank of Nova Scotia and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 3, 2010).
21	—	Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1	—	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2	—	Consent of Ryder Scott Company LP, Petroleum Consultants
24	—	Power of Attorney
31.1	—	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002—Chief Executive Officer
31.2	—	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002—Chief Financial Officer
32.1	—	Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350—Chief Executive Officer
32.2	—	Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350—Chief Financial Officer
99.1	—	Report of Ryder Scott LP, Petroleum Consultants


(Mark One)
ý		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the year ended December 31, 2010
or
o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		13-3429953 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
4211 W. Boy Scout Boulevard Tampa, Florida (Address of principal executive offices)		33607 (Zip Code)
(813) 871-4811 Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class		Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01		New York Stock Exchange


Large accelerated filer ý		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

	Production(1) /Average Coal Selling Price per Ton

Mine	2010				2009				2008
JWR's No. 4 Mine		2,797	$	185.17		2,719	$	125.59		3,188	$	137.74
JWR's No. 7 Mine		3,870	$	183.48		3,366	$	126.05		2,854	$	127.17
TRI's East Brookwood Mine		464	$	95.13		539	$	87.65		529	$	64.48
TRI's Howton Mine		NA		NA		80	$	86.83		297	$	66.03
Taft's Choctaw Mine(2)		663	$	63.91		626	$	58.16		219	$	64.45
Walter Minerals' Highway 59 Mine(3)		221	$	81.23		82	$	91.79		NA		NA
Taft's Reid School Mine(4)		163	$	136.97		NA		NA		NA		NA

		8,178				7,412				7,087

	Year ended December 31, 2010

	High		Low
1^st Fiscal quarter	$	92.33	$	64.55
2^nd Fiscal quarter	$	98.48	$	60.85
3^rd Fiscal quarter	$	83.05	$	59.23
4^th Fiscal quarter	$	129.84	$	79.41

			Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
	2002 Long-term Incentive Award Plan	700,652	$	20.64	2,140,543
	1995 Long-term Incentive Stock Plan	30,435	$	7.44	—
	1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	—		—	1,195,555

	For the years ended December 31,

	2010		2009
Average coal selling price(1) (per short ton)	$	180.80	$	124.64
Tons of coal sold(1) (in thousands)		7,164		6,084
Average hedged natural gas selling price (per mcf)	$	4.52	$	4.27
Billion cubic feet of natural gas sold		10.6		6.1
Number of producing natural gas wells(2)		1,770		391

	For the years ended December 31,

	2010		2009
Average coal selling price (per short ton)	$	85.64	$	76.20
Tons of coal sold (in thousands)		1,477		1,234

	For the years ended December 31,

	2010		2009
Metallurgical coke average selling price (per short ton)	$	372.76	$	328.85
Metallurgical coke tons sold (in thousands)		434		200

	For the years ended December 31,

	2010			2009
Cash flows provided by operating activities	$	574,150		$	283,968
Cash flows used in investing activities		(370,854	)		(93,028	)
Cash flows used in financing activities		(74,682	)		(147,143	)

Cash flows provided by continuing operations		128,614			43,797
Cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations		(1,202	)		5,064

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	127,412		$	48,861

			Payments Due by Period

	Total		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		Thereafter
2005 Walter term loan	$	136,062	$	1,436	$	134,626	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Other debt(1)		32,411		12,467		9,435		8,726		1,783		—		—
Operating leases		28,322		13,149		6,361		2,775		1,145		1,006		3,886
Long term purchase obligations(2)		34,405		12,511		12,511		9,383		—		—		—

Total contractual cash obligations	$	231,200		39,563		162,933		20,884		2,928		1,006	$	3,886

Other long-term liabilities(3)				24,753		26,005		27,397		28,644		29,586

Total cash obligations			$	64,316	$	188,938	$	48,281	$	31,572	$	30,592

		December 31,

		2010						2009
		Pre-65			Post-65			Pre-65			Post-65
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year		7.50	%		7.50	%		8.00	%		8.00	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2016			2016			2016			2016

	Quarter ended

Fiscal Year 2010	March 31			June 30		September 30			December 31
Revenues	$	312,049		$	410,622	$	464,262		$	400,797
Income from continuing operations	$	42,695		$	116,110	$	136,972		$	93,648
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1,144	)		53		(757	)		(1,780	)

Net income	$	41,551		$	116,163	$	136,215		$	91,868

Diluted income (loss) per share:(1)
Income from continuing operations	$	0.79		$	2. 16	$	2.57		$	1.75
Loss from discontinued operations		(0.02	)		—		(0.02	)		(0.03	)

Net income	$	0.77		$	2.16	$	2.55		$	1.72

	Quarter ended

Fiscal Year 2009	March 31		June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenues	$	283,137	$	169,120		$	278,305		$	236,265
Income from continuing operations	$	72,850	$	11,336		$	24,368		$	33,296
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		253		(265	)		(560	)		(4,120	)

Net income	$	73,103	$	11,071		$	23,808		$	29,176

Diluted income (loss) per share:(1)
Income from continuing operations	$	1.36	$	0. 21		$	0.45		$	0.62
Loss from discontinued operations		—		—			(0.01	)		(0.08	)

Net income	$	1.36	$	0.21		$	0.44		$	0.54

Name		Position

Joseph B. Leonard	67	Interim Chief Executive Officer
Lisa A. Honnold	43	Interim Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President
Michael T. Madden	59	Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Keith M. Shull	60	Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Walter J. Scheller, III	50	President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Walter Resources
Charles C. Stewart	55	President and Chief Operating Officer, Walter Coke, Inc. and Walter Minerals, Inc.
Catherine C. Bona	47	Interim General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary


February 28, 2011		/s/ LISA A. HONNOLD Lisa A. Honnold, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 28, 2011		/s/ HOWARD L. CLARK JR. Howard L. Clark, Jr., Director*
February 28, 2011		/s/ JERRY W. KOLB Jerry W. Kolb, Director*
February 28, 2011		/s/ PATRICK A. KRIEGSHAUSER Patrick A. Kriegshauser, Director*
February 28, 2011		/s/ BERNARD G. RETHORE Bernard G. Rethore, Director*
February 28, 2011		/s/ MICHAEL T. TOKARZ Michael T. Tokarz, Chairman*
February 28, 2011		/s/ A.J. WAGNER A.J. Wagner, Director*


*By:		/s/ CATHERINE C. BONA Catherine C. Bona Attorney-in-Fact


		WALTER ENERGY, INC.
February 28, 2011		/s/ JOSEPH B. LEONARD Joseph B. Leonard, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)


Walter Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
	Reports of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm	F-2
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2010 and 2009	F-4
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2010	F-5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2010	F-6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2010	F-7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-9

	December 31,

	2010		2009
Undiscounted aggregated estimated claims to be paid	$	45,497	$	42,974
Workers' compensation liability recorded on a discounted basis	$	37,761	$	35,704

			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)

Outstanding at December 31, 2009	1,234,556		$	24.94
Granted	39,743		$	82.56
Exercised	(682,285	)	$	24.55
Cancelled	(77,306	)	$	32.40

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	514,708		$	28.54	6.3	$	51,111

Exercisable at December 31, 2010	349,729		$	23.86	5.4	$	36,366

			Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)

Outstanding at December 31, 2009	387,233
Granted	27,800
Exercised	(149,987	)
Cancelled	(63,208	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	201,838		$	25,803	0.43

		December 31,

		2010			2009
Trade receivables		$	130,904		$	62,379
Other receivables			14,856			10,748
	Less: Allowance for losses		(2,522	)		(2,627	)

Receivables, net		$	143,238		$	70,500

		December 31,

		2010		2009
Finished goods		$	69,110	$	73,582
Raw materials and supplies			28,521		25,696

	Total inventories	$	97,631	$	99,278


Balance at January 1		$	32,390
	Additions pending the determination of proved reserves		4,906
	Reclassifications to proved properties		—
	Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense		—

Balance at December 31		$	37,296


Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period of one year or less		$	4,906
Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period of more than one year but less than five years			32,390
Exploratory well costs capitalized for a period greater than five years			—

	Total	$	37,296

	Number of exploratory wells that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year		5

	December 31,

	2010			2009
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	34,300		$	49,661
Decreases for tax positions taken in prior years		—			(5,900	)
Increases in tax positions for the current year		5,216			2,147
Decreases for changes in temporary differences		(325	)		(8,884	)
Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities		—			(2,724	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	39,191		$	34,300

			December 31,

			December 31,						Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate At December 31, 2010			Estimated Final Maturity
			2010			2009			Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate At December 31, 2010			Estimated Final Maturity
	2005 Walter term loan		$	136,062		$	137,498			2.51	%		2012
	2005 Walter revolving credit facility			—			—			—			2012
	Other(1)			32,411			39,000			Various			Various

	Total debt			168,473			176,498
Less current debt				(13,903	)		(13,351	)

		Total long-term debt	$	154,570		$	163,147

	Pension Benefits		Other Benefits

Prior service cost (credit)	$	272	$	(961	)
Net actuarial loss		8,617		12,207

Net amount to be recognized	$	8,889	$	11,246

	Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Total

Current year net actuarial loss	$	8,185		$	16,591		$	24,776
Amortization of actuarial loss		(8,922	)		(14,522	)		(23,444	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(304	)		2,098			1,794

Total		(1,041	)		4,167			3,126
Deferred taxes		495			1,659			2,154

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, net of taxes	$	(546	)	$	5,826		$	5,280

								Actual Allocation

		Strategic Allocation			Tactical Range			Actual Allocation
		Strategic Allocation			Tactical Range			2010			2009
Equity investments:
	Large capitalization stocks		38.5	%		29-48	%		39.1	%		39.6	%
	Mid capitalization stocks		8.5	%		6-11	%		11.2	%		10.6	%
	Small capitalization stocks		0.0	%		0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
	International stocks		13.0	%		9-17	%		11.6	%		12.4	%

Total equity investments			60.0	%		50-70	%		61.9	%		62.6	%
Fixed income investments			40.0	%		30-50	%		37.5	%		36.7	%
Cash			0.0	%		0-5	%		0.6	%		0.7	%

Total			100.0	%					100.0	%		100.0	%

Asset category				Level 1(L1)	Level 2(L2)

Cash		$	1,084	X
Equity investments
	Large cap value(a)		32,439		X
	Large cap core(b)		20,706		X
	Large cap growth(c)		21,867	X
	Mid-cap growth(d)		21,527	X
	International(e)		22,178	X
Fixed income investments:
	Core plus total return(f)		71,935	X

Total		$	191,736

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits Before Medicare Subsidy		Medicare Part D Subsidy

2011	$	21,510	$	26,390	$	1,637
2012		13,535		27,875		1,870
2013		14,404		29,479		2,082
2014		15,222		30,947		2,303
2015		17,049		32,127		2,541
Years 2016-2020		89,291		173,606		16,109

	Capitalized Leases			Operating Leases

2011	$	2,282		$	13,149
2012		2,926			6,361
2013		1,953			2,775
2014		—			1,145
2015		—			1,006
Thereafter		—			3,886

Total		7,161		$	28,322

Less: amount representing interest and other executory costs		(829	)

Present value of minimum lease payments	$	6,332

	Percent of Consolidated Revenues For the years ended December 31,

Country	2010			2009			2008
Brazil		24.9	%		20.2	%		24.2	%
U.K.		10.3	%		12.6	%		10.4	%
Germany		13.7	%		14.0	%		8.9	%

	December 31, 2010

Proved properties	$	288,171
Unproved properties		37,296

Total capitalized costs		325,467
Accumulated depreciation and depletion		(87,797	)

Net capitalized costs	$	237,670

		For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

Property acquisitions:
	Proved properties	$	170,474
	Unproved properties		—
Exploration costs			4,906
Development costs			16,548

Total		$	191,928