Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On January 30, 2009, Arch Coal, Inc. issued a press release containing its fourth quarter and full year 2008 financial 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 exhibit is attached hereto and filed herewith.

Exhibit
No. Description

99.1 Press release dated January 30, 2009.

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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: January 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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