A Massey Energy executive says the coal producer expects to send its first shipment to China later this month.

While cracking one of the world's largest coal markets is important, Vice President of Planning Mike Bauersachs says Massey sees more promise in India. The developing Asian country's own steel industry makes it an attractive market for metallurgical grade coal from Appalachia.

Speaking Tuesday at an investor conference in Florida, Bauersachs estimated Massey will ship two million tons of coal to India in 2011. He offered no figures on the planned China coal shipment, but says Indian metallurgical coal imports could surpass China in a decade.

Virginia-based Massey and other U.S. coal producers have been trying to cash in on Asia's appetite for metallurgical steel, which is beginning to force up prices.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)