Take a look at our write up on ARLP for a deeper understanding of the coal industry:http://seekingalpha.com/article/3804196-why-alliance-resource-partners-is-not-as-attractive-as-it-seems
ALRP isn't even safe in this environment. Consol coal is probably going to survive, but there is a serious decline of coal use in the US. Therefore, prices will continue to drop until demand stabilizes, Consol is hedged and has one of the lowest cost mines, even with transportation included.
Because of the 30% yield, Consol the parent won't likely do any drop downs. That's the bad news, otherwise it could add some intriguing assets into the mlp.
If seriously interested, read every major US coal company report from 2011. You'll see who the knucklheads are, were, and how only a couple are well run. Alrp earned good retunrns on capital, but the industry sucks. Also; keep an eye on Arch Coal following ch 11.
That's the argument we put forth in the article-even ARLP isn't safe