Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 30, 2009, Arch Coal, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release containing its third quarter 2009 financial results and providing guidance on its 2009 forecasted results. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as exhibit 99.1.
The information contained in Item 2.02 and the exhibit attached hereto shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits The following exhibits are attached hereto and filed herewith.

Exhibit
No. Description
99.1 Press release dated October 30, 2009 announcing third quarter 2009 results.

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Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 30, 2009 Arch Coal, Inc.

By: /s/ Robert G. Jones

Robert G. Jones Senior Vice President - Law, General Counsel and Secretary

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