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                                                               SPRUCE MINE NO. 2

                            CONTRACT MINING AGREEMENT

         THIS CONTRACT MINING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered
into on this 24th day of June, 1999 (the "Effective Date"), by and between ANKER
WEST VIRGINIA MINING COMPANY, INC., a West Virginia corporation ("AWVMC") and
BJM COAL COMPANY, a West Virginia corporation ("Independent Contractor").

         WHEREAS, AWVMC owns or otherwise controls coal reserves in the Middle
Kittanning seam in Upshur County, West Virginia; and

         WHEREAS, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set
forth herein, AWVMC desires to engage Independent Contractor as a contract miner
to perform Work (as defined herein) in connection with such coal reserves.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the strict and mutual performance
and observance of the terms, conditions, covenants, stipulations, guarantees and
agreements hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound, AWVMC and
Independent Contractor agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   Definitions

         As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings
(all terms defined in this Article I or in other provisions of this Agreement in
the singular shall have the same meaning when used in the plural and vice
versa):

         "AWVMC" shall mean Anker West Virginia Mining Company, Inc., a West
Virginia corporation.
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         "Clean Coal" shall mean or refer to the amount of Coal delivered to
AWVMC by Independent Contractor multiplied by the Clean Coal Conversion Factor.

         "Clean Coal Conversion Factor" shall be determined by the following
formula:

                  C        =        100-(R + X)
                                    -----------
                                       100

         Where    C        =        Clean Coal Conversion Factor

                  R        =        Average % dry ash present in the Coal
                                    delivered to AWVMC by Independent
                                    Contractor

                  X        =        7%

         The factor "X" is the factor that allows for the loss of coal and other
operational inefficiencies inherent in the processing of coal. The parties have
agreed that this factor will be 7% as of the Commencement Date, and will be 7%
until December 31, 1999. The parties will analyze the Preparation Plant
performance, market quality requirements, and other factors that may reasonably
affect clean coal recovery every six (6) months during the term of this
Agreement, and the value of "X" will be adjusted to more accurately reflect its
value based upon the results of such analysis.

          Sampling and analysis shall be performed in accordance with the
attached Schedule I.

         "Coal" shall mean the mineable and merchantable coal within and from
the Middle Kittanning seam of coal in, on and underlying the Premises.

         "Coal Stockpile Area" shall mean the area upon the surface of the
Premises as designated from time to time by AWVMC upon which Independent
Contractor shall stockpile the mined Coal.

         "Commencement Date" shall mean the date on which Independent Contractor
will be required by AWVMC to begin performing the Work. AWVMC shall provide
Independent Contractor with at least five (5) day's prior notice of the
Commencement Date.


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         "Contract Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 of
this Agreement.

         "Delivery Schedule" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 of
this Agreement.

          "Designated Monthly Quantity" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.2 of this Agreement.

         "Effective Date" shall mean June 24, 1999.

         "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 of
this Agreement.

         "Fair Market Value" shall mean the value of property in its place at
the Spruce Mine No. 2 as determined by an appraisal, the cost of which shall be
borne equally by AWVMC and Independent Contractor, conducted by a qualified and
independent underground mining equipment appraiser who is reasonably
satisfactory to both AWVMC and Independent Contractor.

         "Independent Contractor" shall mean BJM Coal Company, a West Virginia
corporation.

         "Independent Contractor Equipment" shall mean all equipment, tools,
machinery, parts, supplies and other items obtained and utilized from time to
time by Independent Contractor to perform the Work.

         "Independent Contractor Equipment List" shall mean a written list of
the Independent Contractor Equipment and the related parts and supplies located
at the Spruce Mine No. 2, including the make, model and serial number of each
item on the list.

         "Information" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7 of this
Agreement.

         "Lien" shall mean any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest
or encumbrance of any kind.

         "Monthly Designation" shall mean and include the amount of Coal
designated by AWVMC or its designee to be delivered by Independent Contractor to
AWVMC during the next


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month. The Monthly Designations shall be included in the Delivery Schedules.
Independent Contractor hereby covenants and agrees to comply with the Monthly
Designations.

         "Premises" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 of this
Agreement.

         "Preparation Plant" shall mean the Sawmill Run coal preparation plant
currently owned by Hawthorne Coal Company, Inc., near Sago, Upshur County, West
Virginia.

         "Records" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.5 of this
Agreement.

          "Spruce Mine No. 2" shall mean the underground coal mine on the
Premises.

          "Termination Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.9
of this Agreement.

         "Termination Notice Date" shall mean the earlier of (i) the date
Independent Contractor actually receives the Termination Notice, and (ii) three
days after the Termination Notice Date is placed in the U.S. mail.

         "Three (3) Month Estimate" shall mean the estimate of the amount of
Coal AWVMC will designate for delivery pursuant to this Agreement during the
next three (3) months. The Three (3) Month Estimates shall be included in the
Delivery Schedules for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be
binding on AWVMC or Independent Contractor.

         "Work" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE II

                      Engagement, Term and Nature of Mining

         Section 2.1 -- Engagement of Independent Contractor. AWVMC hereby
engages Independent Contractor as an independent contractor in accordance with
and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and Independent
Contractor hereby covenants and agrees as follows: (i) to mine and remove the
Coal by usual and accepted underground mining methods in accordance with the
mining plans and projections described in Section 8.3 of this Agreement and the
mining guidelines set forth on the attached Schedule III, and as otherwise
herein specified,

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(ii) to stockpile the Coal at the Coal Stockpile Area as instructed from time to
time by AWVMC, (iii) to maintain the Coal Stockpile Area, the haulroads located
on the Premises and all other areas of the Premises which may be used by
Independent Contractor under this Agreement in a clean and safe manner and in
accordance with all applicable laws, (iv) to deliver the mined Coal to AWVMC as
herein provided, (v) to prepare or have prepared accurate property maps and
other reports showing the tracts and the owners of the tracts from which Coal
has been mined and the amounts of Coal mined from each tract; and (vi) to
perform all of the other duties, responsibilities and obligations required of
Independent Contractor under this Agreement (all of said work is hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Work"). Independent Contractor expressly agrees
to begin to perform the Work on the Commencement Date and thereafter to continue
to perform the Work in a diligent and professional manner and in accordance with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any and all of the permits and
governmental approvals now or hereafter required for the performance of the
Work, including, without limitation, West Virginia Division of Environmental
Protection Permit Number U-2016-98.

         Section 2.2 -- Term. This Agreement shall be effective as of the
Effective Date and shall continue in full force and effect until May 31, 2002,
unless sooner terminated as provided herein or under applicable law; provided,
however, this Agreement shall automatically renew from year to year after May
31, 2002, unless either party provides the other with written notice of its
intent to terminate on or before January 31, 2002, or January 31 of the then
current one year renewal term as the case may be.

         Section 2.3 -- Area Designated for Mining. The area to be mined by
Independent Contractor under this Agreement will be designated by AWVMC in the
Middle Kittanning coal seam at the Spruce Mine No. 2 in or under those certain
tracts or parcels of land in Upshur


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County, West Virginia, which are shown on the map attached hereto and made a
part hereof as Exhibit A and all subsequent revision map(s) (the "Premises").
Independent Contractor acknowledges and agrees that Exhibit A is not intended to
indicate expressly or by implication that all areas depicted therein are or will
be designated by AWVMC for mining by Independent Contractor, nor is Exhibit A
intended to indicate expressly or by implication that AWVMC owns or otherwise
possesses the right to mine all of the Coal on the Premises. In addition, other
areas may be added to the area to be mined, and the description and boundaries
of the area to be mined by Independent Contractor may otherwise be changed from
time to time by the mutual written agreement of the parties. This Agreement
shall be applicable to such additional areas, if any, as if the same were
initially described herein, and such areas shall be deemed a part of the
Premises.

                                   ARTICLE III

                         Representations and Warranties

         Section 3.1 -- Representations and Warranties of AWVMC. AWVMC MAKES NO,
AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
THE QUANTITY, QUALITY OR CONDITION OF THE COAL LOCATED IN OR RECOVERABLE FROM
THE PREMISES. AWVMC ALSO MAKES NO, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE DURATION, ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OR
LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS OF THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND
UNDERSTANDS THAT THE DESIGNATION BY AWVMC OF ANY AREA(S) TO BE MINED SHALL NOT
CONSTITUTE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER BY AWVMC THAT THE AREA(S)
SO DESIGNATED ARE


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SUITABLE FOR OR CONDUCIVE TO MINING OR PRODUCING COAL OF A QUANTITY OR QUALITY
REQUIRED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT
AWVMC HAS NOT MADE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE
FOREGOING MATTERS OR THE CONDITION OR EXISTENCE OF ANY SURFACE AREAS, PRIOR
WORKINGS, COAL SEAMS, WORK PLACES, STRUCTURES, FACILITIES, FIXTURES OR OTHER
MATTERS RELATING TO THE PREMISES, THE COAL, THE WORK OR THE SPRUCE MINE NO. 2.

         Section 3.2 -- Representations and Warranties of Independent
Contractor. As a material inducement for AWVMC to enter into this Agreement,
Independent Contractor represents and warrants to AWVMC as follows:

         (a) Independent Contractor is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of West Virginia.
Independent Contractor has full power and authority to execute, deliver and
perform this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by Independent Contractor, is a valid and binding obligation of
Independent Contractor and is enforceable against Independent Contractor in
accordance with its terms, subject only to bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws
affecting creditors' rights generally. The execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by Independent Contractor will not, with or without the lapse
of time or the giving of any notice, or both, result in any breach, default or
violation by Independent Contractor of any law, rule, regulation or agreement or
other commitment to which Independent Contractor is a party or by which it is
bound.


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         (b) Neither Independent Contractor nor any of its assets are subject to
any judgment, order, writ, decree, citation or injunction. Independent
Contractor is not a party to any judicial, administrative, investigative or
arbitration proceeding, now pending, or to the best of its knowledge,
threatened, which could have a material adverse effect on this Agreement or
Independent Contractor's ability to perform the Work under this Agreement.

         (c) Independent Contractor is in the business of underground coal
mining, has substantial experience as an underground coal mine operator, and has
personnel that are knowledgeable regarding and have substantial experience in
underground mining conditions similar to those in the Spruce Mine No. 2.

         (d) Independent Contractor has and will continue to have throughout the
term of this Agreement sufficient working capital, machinery, equipment and
skilled personnel to perform and complete the Work under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the production of the monthly tonnages of Coal
from the Premises contemplated by this Agreement.

         (e) Independent Contractor has carefully inspected and examined and is
familiar with the Premises and all areas surrounding the Premises.

         (f) Independent Contractor has fully informed itself as to all existing
conditions, potential conditions and limitations of the Premises (including,
without limitation, potential geologic conditions), all areas surrounding the
Premises, and all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, dangerous conditions,
prior mining, location of old workings and latent dangers that may affect the
Work to be performed under this Agreement, and hereby accepts those conditions
and limitations and the risks associated therewith.

         (g) Independent Contractor will, at all times during the term of this
Agreement, possess the capital, equipment, tools, personnel and other items
necessary to comply with and perform its


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obligations and duties under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the
production and delivery obligations set forth in Section 5.2 and Schedule II.


         (h) Harold A. Sigler and Bruce W. Sigler will, at all times during the
term of this Agreement, collectively own and control a majority of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Independent Contractor, and Harold A. Sigler
and Bruce W. Sigler will, at all times during the term of this Agreement,
collectively maintain complete voting control of the capital stock of
Independent Contractor.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                          Equipment; Mining Operations

         Section 4.1 -- Independent Contractor Equipment. Independent Contractor
shall be required to furnish all of the equipment, tools, machinery, parts,
supplies and other items that may be required from time to time to perform the
Work. Independent Contractor further acknowledges and agrees that it shall be
solely responsible for determining the fitness, suitability, type and amount of
equipment, tools, machinery, parts, supplies and other items that may be
required from time to time to perform the Work.

         Section 4.2 -- Expense of Operations; Utilities. Except for the
responsibility to reclaim the Premises upon the termination of mining activities
as set forth in Section 9.8, all costs, expenses and liabilities accruing or
resulting from the Work performed under this Agreement shall be borne by
Independent Contractor, and AWVMC shall have no responsibility therefor.
Independent Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, obtain in its name
all utilities necessary for the performance of the Work.

         Section 4.3 -- Diligence. Independent Contractor agrees to begin to
perform the Work on the Commencement Date and thereafter to diligently prosecute
the Work in a skillful and


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workmanlike manner in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement
and modern and approved mining methods. Independent Contractor further agrees to
use only competent, skilled personnel and management in performing the Work, and
Independent Contractor shall perform the Work so as to produce and recover the
maximum quantities of merchantable and mineable coal from the Middle Kittanning
seam in, on and underlying the Premises.

         Section 4.4 -- Notice of Suspended Operations. Independent Contractor
shall report promptly in writing to AWVMC any suspension, slowdown or
interference with any aspect of the Work, and Independent Contractor shall
specifically identify the reasons therefor and the expected duration thereof.

         Section 4.5 -- Engineering Services. Independent Contractor shall be
solely responsible for obtaining all engineering services that are or may be
required: (i) to prepare the mining plans and projections required pursuant to
Section 8.3, (ii) to protect AWVMC's interest in the Coal and the Premises, and
(iii) to perform the Work pursuant to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

         Section 4.6 -- Purchase and Removal of Independent Contractor
Equipment. Upon the expiration of this Agreement, or upon the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.2, AWVMC shall have the right to purchase
all or any part of the Independent Contractor Equipment and the related parts
and supplies located at the Spruce Mine No. 2 on the expiration or termination
date for its Fair Market Value. At least thirty (30) days before the expiration
of this Agreement, or, in the event of a termination pursuant to Section 11.2
upon Independent Contractor's receipt of the notice of default pursuant to
Section 11.2, Independent Contractor shall provide AWVMC with the Independent
Contractor Equipment List. AWVMC shall exercise its right to purchase under this
Section 4.6 by providing written notice of its intent to


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purchase to Independent Contractor on or before the later of (i) the expiration
date (if applicable), or (ii) thirty (30) days after AWVMC's receipt of the
Independent Contractor Equipment List. AWVMC shall pay for the Independent
Contractor Equipment and the related parts and supplies upon delivery by
Independent Contractor of a bill of sale and assignment, reasonably acceptable
to AWVMC, transferring title to the Independent Contractor Equipment and the
related parts and supplies which AWVMC is purchasing under this Section 4.6 free
and clear of all Liens. Independent Contractor hereby covenants and agrees to
deliver such bill of sale and assignment immediately upon AWVMC's request. In
the event AWVMC does not exercise its option to purchase all of the Independent
Contractor Equipment and the related parts and supplies, Independent Contractor
shall remove the Independent Contractor Equipment and the related parts and
supplies not purchased hereunder from the Premises within thirty (30) days of
AWVMC's notice.

                                    ARTICLE V

                         Production and Delivery of Coal

         Section 5.1 -- Source of Coal. Independent Contractor covenants and
agrees that: (i) the Coal delivered to AWVMC pursuant to this Agreement shall be
produced solely from the Middle Kittanning coal seam in, on and underlying the
Premises, (ii) it shall not commingle any coal mined or removed from other
properties with the Coal mined and removed from the Premises, and (iii) it shall
not tender, deliver or sell any of the Coal mined from the Premises to any
person or entity without the prior written consent of AWVMC.

         Section 5.2 -- Production and Delivery of the Designated Monthly
Quantity; Delivery Schedules. During each calendar month of this Agreement,
Independent Contractor shall


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produce a sufficient amount of Coal from the Premises to deliver a total of
[*](1) tons of Clean Coal (the "Designated Monthly Quantity") to AWVMC. AWVMC
shall have the right to unilaterally increase or decrease the Designated Monthly
Quantity by ten percent (10%); provided, however, from the Commencement Date
until December 31, 2000, Coal production will begin at lower levels and will
progressively increase on a monthly basis, all as set forth on the attached
Schedule II. Beginning on December 15, 2000, and on or before the 15th day of
each month thereafter, AWVMC or its designee shall provide Independent
Contractor with a written schedule (the "Delivery Schedule") showing the Monthly
Designation and the Three (3) Month Estimate.

         Section 5.3 -- Stockpiling and Transporting Coal. Independent
Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense: (i) stockpile the Coal mined
under this Agreement at the Coal Stockpile Area as designated by AWVMC, and (ii)
at AWVMC's option, either (a) deliver the Coal by truck to AWVMC at the
Preparation Plant, or (b) deliver the Coal to AWVMC at the Coal Stockpile Area.
Independent Contractor shall have the right to engage an independent
contractor[s] to truck the Coal from the Coal Stockpile Area to the Preparation
Plant provided that Independent Contractor requires the independent
contractor[s] to comply with the minimum trucking guidelines specified on
Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.

         Section 5.4 -- Weights. For purposes of this Agreement, the Coal shall
be weighed at the certified truck scales located at or near the Preparation
Plant, unless the parties otherwise mutually agree. The weight of the Coal so
determined shall be deemed valid, conclusive and binding for all purposes under
this Agreement. For a period of one year after the weights are





(1) Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). The omitted portions, marked by "[*]", have been filed separately
with the Commission.

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ascertained, AWVMC shall keep a record of the weights of all Coal delivered by
Independent Contractor. Independent Contractor shall, at its expense, be
permitted during regular business hours to observe, inspect and verify the
accuracy of the scales and records of weights.

         Section 5.5 -- No Foreign Material, Etc. Independent Contractor agrees
to mine, produce and deliver Coal which is free from foreign material, trash,
excess moisture, slate, rock, excessive out of seam dilution and other
impurities and which is of merchantable and saleable quality. If AWVMC
determines, in its reasonable opinion, that a shipment of Coal is unacceptable
given such parameters, then AWVMC shall have the right to refuse or revoke its
acceptance of all or any portion of the unacceptable shipment, and AWVMC shall
have no obligation to pay Independent Contractor for any of the Coal for which
AWVMC's acceptance is either refused or revoked. In the event AWVMC refuses to
accept or revokes its acceptance of any Coal under this Agreement, Independent
Contractor shall have the right to purchase such unacceptable Coal from AWVMC,
at the point of rejection, at a price negotiated by Independent Contractor and
AWVMC at the time of rejection. Only upon purchase and payment therefor shall
title to such Coal pass to Independent Contractor. In the event any Coal
delivered to the Preparation Plant is not accepted by AWVMC, Independent
Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, be responsible for loading and
transporting such Coal from the Preparation Plant to the Spruce Mine No. 2 or
such other location mutually agreed upon by AWVMC and Independent Contractor.

         Section 5.6 -- Title to Coal, Depletion. Independent Contractor
acknowledges and agrees that title to all Coal mined under this Agreement shall
be vested in AWVMC and Independent Contractor shall have no right to dispose of
any of the Coal except after purchasing such Coal as provided in Section 5.5
above. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Independent


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Contractor shall not acquire and shall not have an economic interest in any of
the Coal and AWVMC shall have the full right to claim depletion for income tax
or other purposes with respect to all of the Coal mined, produced and delivered
hereunder. Independent Contractor expressly acknowledges and agrees that it will
make no claim whatsoever to depletion for income tax or any other purposes with
respect to the Coal mined under this Agreement and acknowledge that AWVMC's
exclusive right to depletion for any and all purposes was taken into account by
the parties hereto in fixing the Contract Price under this Agreement.

         Section 5.7 -- Boundaries. Independent Contractor shall fully comply
with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules, ordinances and the
governmental permits regarding any matter relating to mining near the boundaries
of the Premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, Independent Contractor
shall not, except with the prior written consent of AWVMC, mine any Coal within
sixty (60) feet of the outside boundaries of the Premises or within two hundred
(200) feet of any mine workings in or adjacent to the Premises, and Independent
Contractor shall not cut any boundary corner on the Premises except with the
prior written consent of AWVMC. In the event such consent is given by AWVMC,
Independent Contractor shall use such precautions as are necessary to preserve
and monument the location of such boundary corner as AWVMC may require.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                     Payment

         Section 6.1 -- Contract Price. In consideration for the Work performed
by Contractor hereunder, AWVMC shall pay Independent Contractor as follows
(collectively, the "Contract


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Price"): (i) [*](2) per ton of Clean Coal delivered by Independent Contractor to
AWVMC at the Coal Stockpile Area, and (ii) [*](2) per ton of Clean Coal
delivered by Independent Contractor to AWVMC at the Preparation Plant.

         Section 6.2 -- Payment. AWVMC shall pay Independent Contractor on or
before the 10th day of each month for all Coal delivered to and accepted by
AWVMC from the 16th day to the end of the previous month, and AWVMC shall pay
Independent Contractor on or before the 25th day of each month for all Coal
delivered to and accepted by AWVMC from the 1st through the 15th day of such
month.

         Section 6.3 -- Right to Set Off. AWVMC shall have the right to charge
against and deduct from payments due hereunder, and Independent Contractor
hereby assigns to AWVMC, any amount or amounts which are then due and payable to
AWVMC from Independent Contractor under this Agreement or any other agreement
(including, without limitation, agreements entered into on or after the
Effective Date of this Agreement).

                                   ARTICLE VII

                             Relationship of Parties

         Section 7.1 -- Independent Contractor. It is expressly agreed and
understood that Independent Contractor shall perform the Work specified in this
Agreement as an independent contractor. Independent Contractor shall exercise
exclusive direction and control over its work force and labor relations
policies, and subject only to AWVMC's right to designate the areas to be mined,
adjust the Designated Monthly Quantity pursuant to Section 5.2, and approve the
mining plans and projections pursuant to Section 8.3, AWVMC shall have no right
to direct the


(2) Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). The omitted portions, marked by "[*]", have been filed separately
with the Commission.



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manner, method, mode of performance or any other aspect of the Work. Independent
Contractor expressly agrees that it shall not represent or hold itself out as an
affiliate, subsidiary, partner, joint venturer, representative or agent of
AWVMC, and Independent Contractor further agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and
defend AWVMC against any claims, of whatever kind, arising from any act or
representation of it contrary to the provisions of this Section 7.1. This
covenant of indemnity shall survive the termination or expiration of this
Agreement.

         Section 7.2 -- Employees. The employees of Independent Contractor shall
be its employees and not the employees of AWVMC. Independent Contractor shall
exercise complete and exclusive control over and responsibility for all aspects
of hiring, employment, supervision, direction, hours, working conditions,
compensation, discipline and discharge for all individuals engaged to perform
the Work under this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall comply with all
present and future federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations pertaining to the duties and obligations arising out of the
employer-employee relationship, including, without limitation, unemployment
compensation, Social Security, withholding taxes, State Workers' Compensation
(including the Black Lung component), wage and hour laws, wage payment and
collection laws, federal and state safety laws, occupational disease
compensation and all other applicable rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder. Independent Contractor shall maintain accurate supporting records
showing evidence of its compliance with the requirements set out in this Section
7.2 and shall make these records available to AWVMC for inspection upon request,
and Independent Contractor shall certify to AWVMC, on a quarterly basis, in
writing, Independent Contractor's compliance therewith on all Coal produced and
tendered under this Agreement.


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                                  ARTICLE VIII

              Inspection, Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements

         Section 8.1 -- Contemporaneous Access to the Premises. Independent
Contractor acknowledges and agrees that AWVMC or its designee may place and
install or cause to be placed and installed on the Premises various structures,
equipment and materials, and AWVMC may carry on, either directly or through its
designee, such other operations on the Premises as AWVMC may deem necessary or
desirable for its own purposes as long as it does not interfere with Independent
Contractor's ability to perform the Work under this Agreement. AWVMC shall
ensure that all activity on the Premises by AWVMC or its designee shall be
conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations,
including, without limitation, all MSHA requirements.

         Section 8.2 -- Inspection of the Premises and Equipment. Independent
Contractor acknowledges and agrees that AWVMC and its designees may, upon notice
to Independent Contractor, enter upon, inspect, map, sample, test and survey the
Premises, the Spruce Mine No. 2, the Coal and the Work being performed under
this Agreement, and any other aspect of Independent Contractor's operations
relating to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall provide AWVMC and its
designees with safe access to the Premises and the Spruce Mine No. 2, and
cooperate with AWVMC and its designees in carrying out such inspection.

         Section 8.3 -- Mining Plans. For the purpose of allowing AWVMC to
protect its economic interest in and to the Premises, the Spruce Mine No. 2 and
the Coal, Independent Contractor shall, beginning on or before the Commencement
Date and continuing thereafter on or before January 1 and July 1 of each year
during the term of this Agreement, prepare mining plans and projections for the
next succeeding 6-month period and submit such plans and


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<PAGE>   18
projections to AWVMC for its written approval; provided, however, the proposed
mining plans and projections submitted on or before the Commencement Date shall
show plans and projections to December 31, 1999. The mining plans and
projections shall take into consideration the amount of Coal which Independent
Contractor is or may be required to deliver to AWVMC and the entire area
proposed to be mined by Independent Contractor, and the mining plans and
projections shall make suitable provisions for the reasonable and proper removal
of all of the mineable and merchantable coal from the Premises. Independent
Contractor shall not begin to perform Work in any area of the Premises unless
and until AWVMC approves, in writing, such mining plans and projections so that
AWVMC may, among other things, verify its title to or right to mine Coal from
the areas of the Premises which may be subject to the proposed mining plans and
projections. Upon approval of the mining plans and projections, Independent
Contractor shall diligently follow such plans and projections in performing the
Work under this Agreement. In the event Independent Contractor is unable to
continue performing Work in accordance with the approved mining plans and
projections, Independent Contractor shall immediately notify AWVMC in writing of
its inability to continue and set forth in reasonable detail the reasons
therefore. Independent Contractor shall submit revised mining plans and
projections for approval by AWVMC as soon as possible.

         Independent Contractor shall employ a competent licensed land surveyor
or registered professional engineer to make surveys, plans and maps of its
operations within the Premises, and Independent Contractor shall furnish AWVMC
promptly with two (2) copies of all maps required by any federal, state or local
law, rule or regulation. In addition, on or before the 5th working day of each
month during the term of this Agreement, Independent Contractor shall


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
provide AWVMC with an up-to-date mine map showing the advancement for the
preceding month and the mine plan for the next succeeding 1-month period.

         Section 8.4 -- Safety. AWVMC and Independent Contractor recognize the
importance of safety procedures and safe working conditions. Before commencing
any Work under this Agreement, Independent Contractor must obtain an MSHA
identification number. Independent Contractor agrees to comply with all present
and future federal, state and local safety laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations, and Independent Contractor shall ensure that its employees are
trained in safe working procedures and shall cause its employees to abide by all
safety and security rules in force on the Premises. AWVMC and its designees
shall have the right (but not the obligation) to review the safety records of
Independent Contractor on a quarterly basis. Independent Contractor agrees to
indemnify, hold harmless and defend AWVMC against any claims, of whatever kind,
arising from any act or omission to act by Independent Contractor contrary to
the provisions of this Section 8.4. This covenant of indemnity shall survive the
termination or expiration of this Agreement.

         Section 8.5 -- Testing and Reports. Independent Contractor shall
maintain accurate records regarding the mining conditions encountered, drill
cores, tests and sampling with respect to the Premises, the Coal and the Work
(the "Records"), and Independent Contractor shall provide AWVMC or its designee
with copies thereof. Upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement,
Independent Contractor shall promptly deliver to AWVMC or its designee all of
such records.

         Section 8.6 -- Books of Account and Records. Independent Contractor
shall at all times maintain accurate books and records of account covering the
Work performed under this Agreement in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. AWVMC shall have


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
the right to inspect, audit and copy Independent Contractor's books and records
for the purpose of verifying compliance with all terms, conditions and
provisions of this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall keep and preserve
such books and records for at least five years after the termination or
expiration of this Agreement.

         Section 8.7 -- Confidentiality of Information. Independent Contractor
acknowledges that in performing the Work under this Agreement it may have access
to proprietary information and trade secrets of a confidential nature pertaining
to AWVMC, its affiliates and their businesses, the Premises, the Coal and the
Spruce Mine No. 2. Independent Contractor agrees that it shall treat all maps,
plans, data, reports, drilling logs, core samples, leases and other information
relating to AWVMC and its business, the Premises, the Coal or the Spruce Mine
No. 2 (the "Information") as confidential, and it shall not divulge, transmit or
otherwise disclose any of the Information to any person, firm, corporation or
other entity unless at the time of disclosure to Independent Contractor, the
information was public knowledge or becomes public knowledge through no act of
Independent Contractor. Upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for
any cause whatsoever, Independent Contractor shall promptly deliver to AWVMC all
of the Information given to Independent Contractor.

                                   ARTICLE IX

          Observance of Laws, Regulations and Other Legal Requirements

         Section 9.1 -- Conformity with Laws. Independent Contractor agrees that
in performing the Work under this Agreement, particularly in the actual mining
process and in regard to its responsibility for the construction, installation,
inspection, maintenance and removal, if necessary, of all facilities,
structures, and equipment used in or about the Premises, it shall be familiar
with and shall fully obey and comply with all applicable federal, state and
local laws and


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
ordinances, and with all applicable rules, regulations, orders and directives of
any federal, state or local official, agency or department relating to such
mining operations and activities or to such facilities, structures, land areas,
utilities, equipment and including, without limitation, all such laws,
ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, directives, permits and bonds now in
effect or hereafter made, promulgated, enacted or issued.

         Section 9.2 -- Permits and Bonds. Following the execution of this
Agreement, Independent Contractor shall diligently seek to obtain all approvals
and consents from any federal, state or local governmental agency to Independent
Contractor performing the Work on the Premises, including, without limitation,
all applicable mining and mining related permits. Upon the expiration or
termination of this Agreement, Independent Contractor shall surrender or
relinquish all such approvals, permits and operator reassignments. Independent
Contractor shall secure, maintain and comply with all permits required to
perform the Work, and Independent Contractor shall perform all remedial or
abatement work and pay all fines and assessments related to its failure to
comply therewith. Independent Contractor shall not be responsible for violations
of any governmental permits that occurred prior to the Commencement Date. Copies
of all applications made to and of all licenses, permits, bonds, amendments,
modifications, inspection reports and compliance, non-compliance or other orders
issued by any governmental authority, and any plans and maps or other
information compiled, made and filed by Independent Contractor with or furnished
to any governmental authority or communication had therewith concerning any of
the foregoing shall be made available to AWVMC before they are filed with or
furnished to the governmental authority or immediately upon receipt from any
governmental authority. Independent Contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless
and defend AWVMC and its affiliates from and against all claims, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
connection with or arising out of these documents or any dispute relating to
these documents that may occur during the term of this Agreement. This covenant
of indemnity shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

         Section 9.3 -- Citations or Penalties. Independent Contractor shall be
solely responsible and liable for the complete and timely payment of any and all
citations, assessments, penalties or fines imposed by any federal, state or
local agency for the violation of any federal, state or local law, ordinance,
rule or regulation arising out of or relating, directly or indirectly, to the
Work performed under the Agreement. Independent Contractor shall not jeopardize
any of the governmental permits held, if any, by AWVMC, Independent Contractor,
or its and their affiliates, contractors or lessees. Independent Contractor
shall be totally and solely responsible for and shall hold harmless, indemnify
and defend AWVMC from and against any and all liability for any citations,
assessments, fines, damages, withdrawal orders or civil and criminal penalties
assessed against either Independent Contractor or AWVMC which are caused,
directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the actions or omissions of
Independent Contractor, its employees, agents, contractors or representatives.
In the event that AWVMC or Independent Contractor is assessed, fined or
penalized for any violation arising out of Independent Contractor's conduct, or
the conduct of its agents, contractors or representatives, AWVMC may, in its
sole direction, settle or pay such assessment, fine or penalty without
Independent Contractor's prior approval, and AWVMC may deduct and withhold from
any monies due or which shall become due in the future to Independent Contractor
for Work performed under the Agreement an amount sufficient to cover any such
assessments, fines and penalties, together with expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred. If, regardless of the reason, such citations or
assessments should go unresolved and any of AWVMC's mining related permits are


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23
canceled, revoked, suspended, terminated or withdrawn, Independent Contractor
shall be liable to AWVMC for all costs, expenses, losses and damages, including,
without limitation, attorneys' fees, directly or indirectly, incurred by such
permit cancellation, revocation, suspension, termination or withdrawal.
Independent Contractor reserves the right to lawfully contest any such fine or
assessment provided it does not jeopardize the mining operations contemplated
under this Agreement.

         Section 9.4 --Haulroads, Drainage and Grading. Independent Contractor
shall be solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the haulroads on
the Premises and for draining and grading all surface areas and for controlling
all surface run-off on or with respect to the Premises as required by any
federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or permit, or as reasonably
required by AWVMC.

         Section 9.5 -- Fees and Taxes. Except as expressly provided in Section
9.6 below, Independent Contractor shall make complete and timely payment of all
federal, state and local fees and taxes which may be imposed or assessed against
it, its operations hereunder, the Equipment, or the Premises in connection with
the Work performed under this Agreement, including, without limitation, all
payments or benefits arising from the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977, as
amended, the workers' compensation fund or similar benefit program under the
laws of the State of West Virginia, personal property taxes, employment taxes,
and income taxes. Personal property taxes shall be prorated on a calendar year
basis for any period during this Agreement which is less than one calendar year.
In the event Independent Contractor fails to pay any of such fees or taxes,
AWVMC shall be entitled, at its option, to pay said fees or taxes and to recover
the amount of such payment by deducting sufficient funds from sums due or which
shall become due to Independent Contractor for Work performed under this
Agreement.


                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
         Section 9.6 -- Excise, Reclamation and Severance Taxes. In addition to
the Contract Price set forth in Section 6.1 above, AWVMC shall pay real property
taxes assessed against the Premises, the federal excise tax payable under 26
U.S.C. Section 4121 with respect to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, the
federal reclamation fees payable to the Office of Surface Mining and the
severance taxes and state reclamation fees assessed by the State of West
Virginia on the Coal mined hereunder by Independent Contractor.

         Section 9.7 -- Liens. In the event any employee of Independent
Contractor or any other third party files a notice of intent to claim a Lien
upon any asset of AWVMC or any other property or interest of AWVMC as the result
of Independent Contractor's non-payment of wages or other monies due to such
employee or other third party, and in the event such Lien or filing is in
AWVMC's reasonable opinion legally valid or enforceable, then AWVMC may, at its
option, pay such employees or third parties directly and deduct the amount of
such payment from any monies due or to become due to Independent Contractor
under this Agreement. This provision shall not be construed as a promise for the
benefit of any employee of Independent Contractor or any third party and shall
not constitute an agreement by AWVMC to pay any such employee or third party.

         Section 9.8 -- Reclamation. AWVMC shall be responsible, at its sole
cost and expense, for reclaiming the Premises as required by any applicable
federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and permits upon the
termination of mining activities.

                                    ARTICLE X

                          Indemnification and Insurance

         Section 10.1 -- Indemnification. Independent Contractor shall
indemnify, hold harmless and defend AWVMC, its affiliates and its and their
officers, directors, managers and employees


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
from and against any and all suits, actions, liabilities, demands, losses,
claims, awards, damages, fines, penalties, judgments, settlements, costs and
expenses of every kind and nature (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorney's fees and related costs incurred by an indemnified party in connection
with its efforts to enforce this indemnity), including, without limitation, the
injury to or death of any person or persons, damage to or loss of property, or
mining outside the Premises or otherwise, arising out of or relating, directly
or indirectly, to (i) the acts or omissions of Independent Contractor, its
officers, employees, agents or representatives under or in connection with this
Agreement, or (ii) a breach or default by Independent Contractor of any
covenant, section, representation, warranty or other term or condition of this
Agreement, or (iii) the use of any of the Equipment by Independent Contractor or
its employees, agents or representatives, together with any and all costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, that may be incurred by an
indemnified party in connection with its defense. Independent Contractor shall
defend the indemnified party, or, at the option of the indemnified party, pay to
have the indemnified party defended, against all such suits, actions,
liabilities, demands, losses, claims, awards, damages, fines, penalties,
judgments, settlements, costs and expenses, whether groundless or not. The
foregoing obligations shall be in addition to and not in limitation of any other
specific agreements or obligations in other sections of this Agreement, and
shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

         Section 10.2 -- Insurance. Independent Contractor shall maintain, at
its sole cost and expense, and shall require any subcontractors or other
entities or individuals it may engage to perform the Work under this Agreement
(including, without limitation, any independent truckers engaged to haul Coal to
the Preparation Plant) to maintain, at all times while performing the Work, and
for a period of ninety (90) days after the expiration or termination of this
Agreement,


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
the insurance coverages set forth below with full policy limits applying, but
not less than as stated:

                  a. Comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum
         limits of $5,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 general aggregate
         for bodily injury and property damage, which insurance shall include
         coverage for (but not limited to) the following: (i) Premises'
         operations, (ii) contractual liability, (iii) cross-liability, (iv)
         products and completed operation, (v) explosion collapse and

         underground property damage, (vi) subsidence, (vii) waiver of
         subrogation, and (viii) punitive damages.

                  b. Employer's liability insurance protecting against employee
         claims for bodily injury, intentional tort actions and all other
         employee claims against employers with each underlying limit being not
         less than One Million Dollars per person and Five Million Dollars for
         each occurrence.

                  c. Automobile bodily injury liability insurance including
         owned, non-owned and hired vehicle coverage with limits of liability of
         not less than $5,000,000 combined single limits for bodily injury and
         property damage claims.

                  d. Workers' Compensation insurance, occupational disease
         insurance, including state and federal black lung coverage,
         unemployment compensation and all other insurance coverages for
         occupational injury, disease or hazards as required by the laws and
         regulations applicable to and covering employees of Independent
         Contractor engaged in the performance of Work under this Agreement.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27
                  e. Pollution liability insurance of not less than $500,000 per
         incident. Independent Contractor's obligation to obtain the insurance
         coverages as provided in this Section 10.2 shall not in any way be
         construed so as to limit, amend or otherwise modify its indemnity
         obligations as provided elsewhere in this Agreement.

         Section 10.3 -- Form of Insurance. All insurance coverages required
under Section 10.2 above shall be with a reputable insurer, licensed to do
business in the State of West Virginia, and AWVMC shall have the right to
approve such insurer. All policies or certificates of insurance obtained by
Independent Contractor under this Agreement shall name AWVMC as an additional
insured and shall contain a provision for notice to AWVMC of any overdue or
unpaid insurance premium and thirty (30) days advance notice to AWVMC of any
proposed cancellation or substantial change in coverage. Every insurance policy
required under Section 10.2 above shall contain a waiver of subrogation by the
insurer against AWVMC, its owners, affiliates and subsidiaries. Each policy of
insurance shall be written as an "occurrence" contract unless the policy is
available only on a "claims made" basis, in which case Independent Contractor
shall continue such insurance policy for a period of two years after the
expiration or termination of this Agreement.

         Section 10.4 -- Proof of Insurance Coverage. Independent Contractor
shall furnish to AWVMC copies of all certificates and policies which provide the
insurance coverages required by Section 10.2 above, including, but not limited
to, copies of any bonds which may be required for such coverages, prior to
commencing the Work under this Agreement and thereafter upon request by AWVMC.
Independent Contractor shall also provide satisfactory written evidence to AWVMC
that, if required by the laws of the State of West Virginia, it has entered into


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28
appropriate trust or bonding arrangements setting aside or providing sufficient
funds to assure payments of accrued back wages and fringe benefits to
Independent Contractor's employees in the event Independent Contractor ceases
operations under this Agreement.

         Section 10.5 -- Payment of Premiums. AWVMC shall have the right, in its
sole discretion, to pay any overdue premium for the insurance coverages required
of Independent Contractor under this Agreement, or to take out and maintain such
insurance coverages, and AWVMC is hereby authorized to collect the cost of
obtaining and maintaining any such insurance coverages from monies due to or to
become due to Independent Contractor under the terms of this Agreement.
Independent Contractor expressly agrees and acknowledges that its inability,
failure, neglect or refusal to carry, maintain and keep current, at all times
during the term of this Agreement, any of the insurance coverages required under
this Agreement, and its inability, failure, neglect or refusal to be and remain
at all times during the term of this Agreement a subscriber or self-insurer in
good standing with the West Virginia workers' compensation fund or other similar
fund, state and federal black lung funds or any other occupational disease and
disability insurance fund shall constitute a breach of this Agreement and give
AWVMC the right, in its discretion, to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Article XI below.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                             Default and Termination

         Section 11.1 -- Default. Independent Contractor shall be in default of
this Agreement upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each an
"Event of Default"):

         a. Except as set forth in Section 11.1.b. below, any breach or
violation of, or failure to perform, any term, condition, provision,
representation, warranty, covenant, stipulation or


                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29
agreement set forth herein or in any other written agreement by and between
AWVMC and Independent Contractor which is not cured within ten (10) days of
Independent Contractor's receipt of written notice thereof from AWVMC;

         b. Any failure by Independent Contractor to comply, for any reason
except a validly asserted Force Majeure Event, with the Monthly Designations as
set forth in the Delivery Schedules twice during any six (6) consecutive month
period;

         c. If any action by Independent Contractor in performing the Work under
this Agreement, complying with any of the terms under this Agreement, or the
presence of any agent, employee, contractor or representative of Independent
Contractor upon the Premises, or the execution of this Agreement by it shall
cause interference with or disrupt or threaten to interfere with or disrupt
AWVMC's operations in any manner or the operations of any of AWVMC's affiliates,
subsidiaries, or any other contractor(s), at any location whatsoever, for any
reason, and if such interference, disruption or threat continues for ten (10)
days after Independent Contractor's receipt of written notice from AWVMC;

         d. In the event Independent Contractor is adjudicated bankrupt or
insolvent, whether through involuntary or voluntary proceedings, or if any
receiver, trustee, assignee or other person or persons are appointed by any
court to take charge of Independent Contractor's assets;

         e. If any order, decree, judgment or directive is issued by any
regulatory authority, tribunal or court revoking, suspending, terminating or
withdrawing any of its mining related permits or bonds, whether secured in
connection with mining on the Premises or not, or requiring Independent
Contractor to cease mining operations for a period of more than ten (10) days,
or if two such directives are issued in any calendar year, regardless of their
duration; or


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30
         f. If Independent Contractor is determined to be "permit blocked" or is
otherwise unable for any reason to obtain or maintain mining or mining related
permits in connection with any program conducted by the Federal Office of
Surface Mining (or its successor) or any other state or federal agency or body.

         Section 11.2 -- Termination Based Upon an Event of Default. In addition
to and not in limitation of its right to terminate this Agreement as provided in
other sections of this Agreement, AWVMC shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement upon the occurrence of an Event of Default by giving written notice to
Independent Contractor of such termination.

         Section 11.3 -- Right to Cure. If Independent Contractor is in breach
or default of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, whether or not
said breach or default gives rise to an Event of Default, AWVMC shall have the
right, but not the duty, to make any payment or to perform any act or complete
or correct the Work required of Independent Contractor under this Agreement and,
in exercising such right, to incur, for and on behalf of Independent Contractor,
necessary or incidental costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys'
fees. In exercising the foregoing right, AWVMC may offset and deduct all
payments made and all costs and expenses incurred against such sums of money, if
any, due or to become due to Independent Contractor under this Agreement and
proceed against Independent Contractor under the provisions of Section 10.1
relating to indemnity. AWVMC's right to cure Independent Contractor's default or
breach as described in this Section 11.3 shall not imply any obligation on the
part of AWVMC to make any payment or to perform any act required of Independent
Contractor, and the exercise of such right by AWVMC shall not constitute a
release or waiver of any default or breach by Independent Contractor.


                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31
         Section 11.4 -- Waiver of Performance or Default. The failure of either
AWVMC or Independent Contractor to insist in any one or more instances upon
strict performance of any of the covenants, terms or conditions imposed upon or
assumed by either party under this Agreement, or the failure of AWVMC or
Independent Contractor to exercise any particular option or right granted by the
Agreement, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future
performance of any such covenant, term or condition, or as to the exercise of
any such option or right. Moreover, a waiver by either party of a default or
breach hereunder must be in writing and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of
any subsequent default or breach, and any delay in asserting a right hereunder
shall not be deemed a waiver of such right. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall be construed as a waiver of any applicable statute of limitations.

         Section 11.5 -- Remedies. The rights and remedies of AWVMC set forth in
this Agreement shall not be exclusive, but shall be taken and construed as
cumulative and in addition to any and all other rights and remedies accorded to
AWVMC at law or equity.

         Section 11.6 -- Removal of Property. In the event of an Event of
Default, and for so long as the Event of Default shall continue, Independent
Contractor shall not remove or permit to be removed or taken from the Premises
any of the Equipment.

         Section 11.7 -- Condition of the Premises. Upon the expiration or
termination of this Agreement, for any reason, at the option of AWVMC,
Independent Contractor shall leave the Premises and the Spruce Mine No. 2 in the
same normal working condition, under which the Work was being performed.

         Section 11.8 -- Termination or Transfer of Permits and Licenses. No
later than thirty (30) days after the expiration or termination of this
Agreement for any reason whatsoever, or at such


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32
other time as AWVMC may direct, Independent Contractor shall release the
licenses and permits required by law for the performance of the Work under this
Agreement, if any, and take all other steps necessary to terminate such licenses
or permits or, at AWVMC's option, to assign, transfer and convey these licenses
or permits to AWVMC or its designee.

         Section 11.9 -- Termination by AWVMC Without Cause. Beginning on the
first anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement, AWVMC shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement for any reason and at any time by providing
Independent Contractor with at least 180 days' prior written notice (the
"Termination Notice"). In the event AWVMC elects to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 11.9, AWVMC shall be required to purchase from
Independent Contractor, and Independent Contractor shall be required to sell to
AWVMC all of the Independent Contractor Equipment and any related parts and
supplies located in the Spruce Mine No. 2 on the Termination Notice Date for its
Fair Market Value. Within ten (10) days of the Termination Notice Date,
Independent Contractor shall provide AWVMC the Independent Contractor Equipment
List. AWVMC shall pay for the Independent Contractor Equipment and the related
parts and supplies upon delivery by Independent Contractor of a bill of sale and
assignment, reasonably acceptable to AWVMC, transferring title to the
Independent Contractor Equipment and the related parts and supplies which AWVMC
is purchasing under this Section 11.9 free and clear of all Liens.

         AWVMC shall have the right to withdraw the Termination Notice for any
reason within thirty (30) days of its receipt of the Independent Contractor
Equipment List.

                                   ARTICLE XII

              Assignment, Subcontracting and Transfer of Ownership

         Section 12.1 -- Rights Personal to Independent Contractor. This
Agreement is personal to


                                      -32-
<PAGE>   33
Independent Contractor requiring the exercise of its own services, skills and
judgment.

         Section 12.2 -- Assignment and Subcontracting. Except for engaging a
contract trucking company to transport the Coal from the Coal Stockpile Areas to
the Preparation Plant, Independent Contractor may not assign, subcontract or
otherwise transfer or delegate all or any part of this Agreement, the Work, or
any rights, duties, obligations or interests herein without obtaining the prior
written consent of AWVMC, which consent may be withheld by AWVMC in its sole
discretion. Independent Contractor may not assign any monies due or to become
due to it under this Agreement, nor may it pledge, encumber or mortgage all or
any part of its interests in this Agreement without the prior written consent of
AWVMC, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

         Section 12.3 -- Transfer of Ownership Interest. Without the prior
written consent of AWVMC, which consent may be withheld by AWVMC in its sole
discretion, no holder of any capital stock or other ownership interest in
Independent Contractor may sell, assign, give, pledge or otherwise transfer,
whether voluntarily or by operation of law, any such capital stock or other
ownership interest in Independent Contractor to any other person or entity if
Harold A. Sigler and Bruce W. Sigler would not, after giving affect to such
sale, assignment, gift, pledge or other transfer, collectively own and control a
majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other ownership interest
in Independent Contractor or maintain complete voting control of the capital
stock or other ownership interest of Independent Contractor. Additionally,
without the prior written consent of AWVMC, which consent may be withheld by
AWVMC in its sole discretion, Independent Contractor may not cause or permit to
be issued any additional equity or other ownership interest during the term of
this Agreement. In the event AWVMC consents to the sale, assignment, gift,
pledge or other transfer of any such capital stock or ownership interest,


                                      -33-
<PAGE>   34
or to the issuance of any additional equity or other ownership interest in
Independent Contractor, then Independent Contractor shall obtain the written
agreement and consent of any such person or entity to whom the interest shall be
conveyed or issued to be bound by the provisions of this Section 12.3.

         Section 12.4 -- Waiver of Consent. In the event AWVMC consents to one
or more assignments, subcontracts or other transfer of all or any part of this
Agreement, the Work, or any rights or interests herein, or a transfer of any
ownership interest in Independent Contractor, such consent shall not be
construed as waiving the requirement of obtaining written consent to additional
assignments, subcontracts or transfers, and no consent to assignment,
subcontract or transfer shall relieve Independent Contractor of any obligations
specified in this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                                  Miscellaneous

         Section 13.1 -- Notices. Any and all notices, payments, reports,
consents or other communications between the parties shall be in writing and
deemed given and received on the date delivered personally, on the date
deposited if sent by registered or certified United States mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date transmitted by facsimile,
provided the same is also mailed on said date by registered or certified United
States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the parties at their
respective addresses as set forth below, which addresses shall remain in effect
until notice of change is given, in writing:

       If to AWVMC:                  Anker West Virginia Mining Company, Inc.
                                     2708 Cranberry Square
                                     Morgantown, WV  26508
                                     Telecopy No.: (304) 594-3695
                                     Attention:  President


                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35
         If to Independent Contractor:     BJM Coal Company
                                           158 Turnpike Road
                                           Summersville, WV 26651
                                           Attention:  President

         Section 13.2 -- Integration. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties with regard to the transactions
contemplated hereunder and it supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and
understandings between the parties relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement.

         Section 13.3 -- Modification. This Agreement shall not be modified,
changed or terminated, in whole or in part, except by written agreement, signed
by all parties hereto or their respective successors-in-interest.

         Section 13.4 -- Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia.

         Section 13.5 -- Production is of the Essence. The time, quality and
quantities of Coal production set forth in Article V hereof are of the essence
of this Agreement.

         Section 13.6 -- Headings. The headings appearing in this Agreement are
for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered or construed as
affecting in any way the meaning of the provisions of this Agreement.

         Section 13.7 -- Counterparts. This Agreement may, for convenience, be
executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and
all of which, taken together, shall constitute one Agreement.

         Section 13.8 -- Severability. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement conflicts with the laws of the State of West Virginia or any other
jurisdiction, or is held invalid by a court with jurisdiction over the parties
to this Agreement, such provision shall be deleted from the Agreement and the
Agreement shall be construed to give effect to its remaining provisions.



                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36
         Section 13.9 -- Force Majeure.

         (a) If AWVMC or Independent Contractor is rendered wholly or partly
unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement by reason of a Force
Majeure Event, AWVMC or Independent Contractor, as the case may be, will be
excused from whatever performance is affected by the Force Majeure Event to the
extent so affected, provided that (i) the party relying on the Force Majeure
Event notifies the other as soon as practicable of the Force Majeure Event and
its cause; (ii) the suspension of performance is of no longer duration than is
required by the Force Majeure Event; (iii) no obligations of either party which
arose before the Force Majeure Event causing the suspension of performance are
excused as a result of the Force Majeure Events; and (iv) the non-performing
party exercises due diligence to remove the cause of the Force Majeure Event or
to lessen its effect and resumes performance at the earliest practicable time.

         (b) In no event will this Section 13.9 be construed to relieve either
party of any obligations hereunder solely because of increased costs or other
adverse economic consequences that may be incurred through the performance of
such obligations of the parties. Notwithstanding the above, adverse economic
consequences from governmental actions will be considered a Force Majeure Event
if it results from an item listed in the definition of a Force Majeure Event.
For the purposes of this Agreement only, the term "Force Majeure Event" shall
mean or refer to any act or event that (i) prevents AWVMC or its coal sales
agent from selling any of the Coal at a reasonable profit or performing its
obligations under any other agreement for the sale or re-sale of Coal, and (ii)
any other act or event which is beyond the reasonable control of AWVMC or
Independent Contractor and which renders performance of this Agreement, in whole
or in part impossible. Such acts or events include, without limitation,


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<PAGE>   37
an act of God, nuclear emergency, explosion, fire, epidemic, landslide,
lightning, earthquake, flood or similar cataclysmic occurrence, an act of public
enemy, war, blockade, insurrection, strike, riot, civil disturbance,
restrictions or restraints imposed by law or by rule, regulation or order of
governmental authorities, whether federal, state or local, delays or
interruptions in transportation, major breakdown or other restrictions on the
use of equipment, or any cause, whether of the same of a different nature,
existing or future, foreseen or unforeseen. Unless resulting from any of the
events listed in the preceding sentence, economic hardship or failure by
Independent Contractor to produce Coal in such quantities as required under this
Agreement will not constitute a Force Majeure Event.

         (c) No Force Majeure Event will invalidate this Agreement and, on
termination of the Force Majeure Event, deliveries of Coal will resume pursuant
to the terms and conditions hereof. Shipments not made or not accepted due to a
Force Majeure Event will not be made up unless AWVMC in its sole discretion
elects to do so.

         (d) The term of this Agreement shall, in AWVMC's sole discretion, be
extended for a period equal to the sum of all periods during which a Force
Majeure prevented either party from performing this Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their corporate names to be
signed hereto by their officers duly authorized.

                           ANKER WEST VIRGINIA MINING
                           COMPANY, INC.

                           By:      ___________________________________
                                    Ben H. Daud
                                    President


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<PAGE>   38
                                               BJM COAL COMPANY

                                               By:      _______________________
                                                        Harold A. Sigler
                                                        President


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