St. Louis, February 23 – Patriot Coal Corporation today provided an update on the status of the Federal No. 2 mine near Fairview, West Virginia. The Company is currently taking actions in the mine and plans to submit an enhanced ventilation plan to the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety & Health Administration. "The safety of our employees is paramount to our operations. We are taking every precaution to ensure that our work environment remains safe for our people, while complying with all mining regulations," noted Patriot Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Whiting. "While we are currently in compliance with the existing ventilation plan at the mine, we are working diligently to improve on that plan to address concerns MSHA has raised." Although the timing for resumption of operations remains uncertain, the Company expects the mine to remain idle until at least the middle of next week. In a separate matter, the Company is cooperating with an investigation involving the Federal No. 2 mine where it is alleged that one or more employees made inaccurate entries in official mine records. The Company has disclosed information to the appropriate authorities and will take appropriate actions as the facts become clearer. The Company does not intend to comment on the investigation while it is pending.