James River Coal Company, a producer of coal for the industrial and electric utility markets, has reported a net loss of $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2008 -- even worse than its $7.3 quarterly loss a year ago. CEO Peter T. Socha pinned some of the blame on "bad weather, new regulations, and commodity related cost inflation."

But longer-term prospects look brighter. The company has completed shipments on several long-term contracts that originated during periods of low coal prices and is replacing them with contracts pricing coal at $80 to $90 per ton. "Shareholders will see the benefit of these new contracts going forward," Socha said.

Moreover, global energy markets are highly favorable to energy producers. Said Socha: "The first quarter of 2008 will be remembered as a watershed period for the coal industry. For the first time, it became clear to the general public that large developing economies around the world have a voracious and growing appetite for all commodities, including coal. It also became clear that the coal industry in the United States will play a much greater role in meeting the world's demand for coal." Read more.