Mine operator Massey Energy says its $960 million acquisition of Cumberland Resources will help efforts to double sales of higher-priced metallurgical coal by 2012.

Massey told analysts Wednesday the company is targeting 20 million tons of metallurgical sales.

Virginia-based Massey plans to ship ten million tons this year and says Cumberland should contribute five million more within two years.

The recovering Asian steel industry is boosting demand for metallurgical coal and mine operators are trying to cash in.

Cumberland shipped 800,000 tons of metallurgical coal last year. But Massey says much of the coal Cumberland sells to power plants can go to steelmakers.

The acquisition, including more than 20 mines in Kentucky and Virginia, should close in the second quarter.

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