In the U.S., Peabody sees coal coming back strong, with consumption expected to rise by more than 40 million tons next year as high natural gas prices translate into greater coal-based generation.

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Coal has also enjoyed strong political support because of the jobs it provides in mining and transportation.

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An expert, found that there was strong evidence to link employment in coal carbonisation with more than an expected incidence of cancer and recommended further studies should be carried out.

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And second, if the cost of the power rises because of the expense of imported coal, these outfits are neither strong enough to absorb the financial hit themselves nor capable of easily passing it through by raising prices to customers.

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Promising, low-emissions coal-to-liquids technology with strong support in Congress.

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If you believe as I do that industrial production remains strong for the foreseeable future you want to overweight met coal plays like Peabody and Arch.

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Coal prices have doubled since the beginning of 2009 - largely thanks to strong demand from China and India, mainly for use in the steel industry.

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Those from coal-producing and coal-using states, especially senators facing tough 2012 re-election races, have particularly strong incentives.

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One big seller: the coal-derived carbon material that is used in the smelting of aluminum, which in turn is in strong demand in the airplane and construction industries.

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