Consol Energy and Arch Resources to Merge, Forming North America’s Largest Coal Exporter Amid Domestic Challenges.

Two U.S. coal companies, Consol Energy and Arch Resources, have announced plans to merge into a new company, Core Natural Resources, creating North America’s largest exporter of thermal and metallurgical coal. The move is seen as another sign that U.,S. companies facing challenges at home, including stricter emission regulations and decreased investment, are focusing on feeding hungry nations abroad. The merger could create the largest exporting coal exporter in North America. Andy Blumenfeld, coal analyst at McCloskey by OPIS, said that the companies feel they are in a better position to be able to access the export market rather than a competitive domestic marketplace.