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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center"><B>UNITED STATES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center"><B>WASHINGTON, DC 20549</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: center"><B>FORM 8-K</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center"><B>CURRENT REPORT</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center"><B>Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: center"><B>Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">March 1, 2012</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 12pt 0 0; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>JAMES
RIVER COAL COMPANY</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 6pt 0 12pt; text-align: center">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified
in Charter)</P>

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<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 32%; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 6pt; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>Virginia</B></P></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 32%; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 6pt; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>000-51129</B></P></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 32%; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 6pt; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>54-1602012</B></P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(State or Other Jurisdiction<BR> of Incorporation)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(Commission<BR> File Number)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(IRS Employer<BR> Identification No.)</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE ALIGN="CENTER" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 81%; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 6pt; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>901
        E. Byrd Street, Suite 1600, Richmond, Virginia</B></P></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 19%; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 6pt; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>23219</B></P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(Zip Code)</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 59%; padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including area code:</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 41%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">(804) 780-3000</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 12pt 0 0; text-align: center; border-bottom: Black 0.5pt solid"><B>Not
Applicable</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: center">(Former Name or Former Address, if
Changed Since Last Report)</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: justify">Check the appropriate box below if the
Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions
(<I>see</I> General Instruction A.2. below):</P>

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<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings 2">&#163;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the
Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

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<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings 2"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings 2">&#163;</FONT></FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

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<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings 2">&#163;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings 2">&#163;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

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<P STYLE="font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 0 1in; text-indent: -1in">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt 1in; text-indent: -1in">ITEM 2.02&#9;RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal">The
Company today issued a press release, attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto, regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter
and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt 1in; text-indent: -1in">ITEM 7.01&#9;REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal">The
Company will hold a conference call today regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December
31, 2011. Materials to be discussed in the conference call are attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto.</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal">The
information in this report (including Exhibits&nbsp;99.1 and 99.2) is being furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K
and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section&nbsp;18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
&ldquo;Exchange Act&rdquo;), or otherwise be subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated
by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: justify"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this Form 8-K are &ldquo;forward-looking statements&rdquo; within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and the future performance of the Company, as well as management&rsquo;s
expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning
of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, the following:</FONT> our cash flows, results of operation or financial condition; the consummation
of acquisition, disposition or financing transactions and the effect thereof on our business; our ability to successfully integrate
International Resource Partners LP and its related entities (IRP); governmental policies, regulatory actions and court decisions
affecting the coal industry or our customers&rsquo; coal usage; legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations
and claims; our ability to obtain and renew permits necessary for our existing and planned operation in a timely manner; environmental
concerns related to coal mining and combustion and the cost and perceived benefits of alternative sources of energy; inherent risks
of coal mining beyond our control, including weather and geologic conditions or catastrophic weather-related damage; our production
capabilities; availability of transportation; our ability to timely obtain necessary supplies and equipment; market demand for
coal, electricity and steel; competition; our relationships with, and other conditions affecting, our customers; employee workforce
factors; our assumptions concerning economically recoverable coal reserve estimates; future economic or capital market conditions;
our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion or consolidation; <FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">and the other risks
detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company&rsquo;s management believes that these
forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These statements are
based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements. T<FONT STYLE="color: black">he Company</FONT> undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of future events, new information
or otherwise.</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 0 1in; text-indent: -1in"><B>ITEM 9.01&#9;FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND EXHIBITS</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left">(d)</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Exhibits.</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 90%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-left: 0.5in">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 11%; padding: 0; text-align: left; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-autospace: none; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">Exhibit No.</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 89%; padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; text-align: center; text-indent: 0">Description</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-autospace: none; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">99.1</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-autospace: none; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">Press release dated March 1, 2012 for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 earnings</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">99.2</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-autospace: none; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0">Discussion materials for March 1, 2012 conference call</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 0 1in; text-indent: -1in"><FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal">&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: center"><B>SIGNATURES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in">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.</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="3" STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">JAMES RIVER COAL COMPANY</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="3" STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">(Registrant)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0; width: 48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0; width: 4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0; width: 28%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0; width: 20%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0"><FONT STYLE="font-weight: normal">By:<U> </U></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0; font-style: normal; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">/s/ Samuel M. Hopkins II</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0">Samuel M. Hopkins II</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0">Vice
President and Chief Accounting Officer</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding: 0; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0 0 0 3.25in; text-align: justify"></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">Date: March 1, 2012</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0"></P>

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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "James River Coal CO", "cik": "0001297720", "assigned-sic": "1221", "irs-number": "541602012", "state-of-incorporation": "VA", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-51129", "film-number": "12655548"}, "business-address": {"street1": "901 E. BYRD STREET", "street2": "SUITE 1600", "city": "RICHMOND", "state": "VA", "zip": "23219", "phone": "804-780-3000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "901 E. BYRD STREET", "street2": "SUITE 1600", "city": "RICHMOND", "state": "VA", "zip": "23219"}}
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
March 1, 2012
JAMES
RIVER COAL COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified
in Charter)
Virginia
000-51129
54-1602012
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
901
        E. Byrd Street, Suite 1600, Richmond, Virginia
23219
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(804) 780-3000
Not
Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if
Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the
Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions
(
see
General Instruction A.2. below):
£
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the
Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
£
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
£
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
£
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c)
under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 2.02	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The
Company today issued a press release, attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto, regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter
and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
ITEM 7.01	REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
The
Company will hold a conference call today regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December
31, 2011. Materials to be discussed in the conference call are attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto.
The
information in this report (including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) is being furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K
and shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), or otherwise be subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated
by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this Form 8-K are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and the future performance of the Company, as well as management's
expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning
of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, the following:
our cash flows, results of operation or financial condition; the consummation
of acquisition, disposition or financing transactions and the effect thereof on our business; our ability to successfully integrate
International Resource Partners LP and its related entities (IRP); governmental policies, regulatory actions and court decisions
affecting the coal industry or our customers' coal usage; legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations
and claims; our ability to obtain and renew permits necessary for our existing and planned operation in a timely manner; environmental
concerns related to coal mining and combustion and the cost and perceived benefits of alternative sources of energy; inherent risks
of coal mining beyond our control, including weather and geologic conditions or catastrophic weather-related damage; our production
capabilities; availability of transportation; our ability to timely obtain necessary supplies and equipment; market demand for
coal, electricity and steel; competition; our relationships with, and other conditions affecting, our customers; employee workforce
factors; our assumptions concerning economically recoverable coal reserve estimates; future economic or capital market conditions;
our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion or consolidation;
and the other risks
detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company's management believes that these
forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These statements are
based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements. T
he Company
undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of future events, new information
or otherwise.
ITEM 9.01	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND EXHIBITS
(d)
Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description
99.1
Press release dated March 1, 2012 for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 earnings
99.2
Discussion materials for March 1, 2012 conference call
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.
JAMES RIVER COAL COMPANY
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Samuel M. Hopkins II
Samuel M. Hopkins II
Vice
President and Chief Accounting Officer
Date: March 1, 2012