Massey Energy Company engages in the production, processing, and sale of low sulfur bituminous coal of steam and metallurgical grades through its processing and shipping centers called resource groups. These resource groups or mining complexes blend, process, and ship coal that is produced from one or more mines. The company’s steam coal is primarily purchased by utilities and industrial clients as fuel for power plants. Its metallurgical coal is used primarily to make coke for use in the manufacture of steel. The company also operates material handling facilities and a synfuel production plant. This plant converts coal products to synthetic fuel. Its customer base includes various electric utilities, steel manufacturers, industrial customers, and energy traders and brokers. As of December 31, 2004, Massey Energy operated 34 underground mines and 15 surface mines in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. In addition, the company holds interests in operations that produce, gather, and market natural gas from shallow reservoirs in the Appalachian Basin. As of the above date, it owned and operated approximately 156 wells, 184 miles of gathering line, and various small compression facilities in Appalachian Basin. Massey Energy distributes its products through freight and terminal agreements with various providers, including railroads, barge lines, steamship lines, bulk motor carriers and terminal facilities. The company was founded in 1912. It was formerly known as A.T. Massey Coal Company, Inc. and renamed as Massey Energy Company in 2000. Massey Energy is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.