2008-06-23 10:44:42 -

www.researchandmarkets.com - Research and Markets www.researchandmarkets.com/research/82b737/gulf_coast_lignite has announced the addition of the "Gulf Coast Lignite Map" map to their offering.

During the 1970s and the 1980s, major mining and oil companies spent millions developing US Gulf Coast lignite mines and projects. While investment in many of the projects waned over the last 20

years, numerous mines were built - they currently ship more than 55 mmtpy of lignite to mine-mouth power plants.

Then, by 2001, many of these mines were experiencing higher ratios and longer hauls or inferior quality, which made them less competitive in a deregulated utility environment with stricter emissions limits. Power companies were looking at replacing the existing lignite production with Powder River Basin coal and this indeed did happen. However, with higher PRB coal prices, and higher transportation rates to move the coal from Wyoming to Gulf Coast, this has changed in 2008.

While the existing mines are still facing reserve depletion, the higher delivered costs of PRB coal is breathing new life into the Gulf Coast. And, in with the old comes the new. Developers are again looking at Gulf Coast Lignite as a feedstock for both new power plants and clean fuel projects. The Gulf Coast has abundant greenfield reserves that can be developed for new projects. Eight projects have been announced for the Gulf Coast - ranging from base load power generation to an activated carbon plant. All are planning on using lignite for at least a portion of the feedstock.

Hill & Associates' updated 2008 Gulf Coast Lignite Coal Activity Map is one of a kind - it is the only map that shows all coal leasing activity dating back more than 40 years. This essential tool also provides the current status of the projects, the existing mine locations, current production by mine company and by mine, existing railroads and existing and proposed power, CTL and CTG plants. Other unique features include coal geology, and coal quality by operating mine. The region's railroads, navigable rivers, export facilities, counties, and county seats are also shown.

This 37"x60" wall map, developed in conjunction with Wood Mackenzie's Gulf Coast Lignite Mine and Project Database, is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to understand the lignite reserves in the Gulf Coast.

For more information visit www.researchandmarkets.com/research/82b737/gulf_coast_lignite

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
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