Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active.

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Consol and other U.S. coal companies hope to be able to keep mines active by exporting more of the country's huge reserves.

MSN: Coal producers find themselves in a hard place

For several years now, the company has taken an active role in lobbying for more government spending and stronger regulations to compel a move away from using coal as the largest source of our electricity generation.

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