Natural Resource Partners L P operates in the Bituminous coal and lignite--surface sector. Natural Resource Partners L.P. is a limited partnership. The Company is engaged principally in the business of owning, managing and leasing mineral properties in the United States. It owns coal reserves in the three United States coal-producing regions: Appalachia, the Illinois Basin and the Western United States, as well as lignite reserves in the Gulf Coast region. The Company is engaged in the ownership and leasing of mineral properties and related transportation and processing infrastructure. The Company's operations are conducted through, and its operating assets are owned by, its subsidiaries. The Company owns its subsidiaries through a wholly owned operating company, NRP (Operating) LLC. NRP (GP) LP, which is its general partner, which conducts its business and manages its operations. It also owns coal handling and transportation infrastructure in West Virginia, Ohio and Illinois. In February 2012, the Company acquired coal reserves at the Deer Run mine near Hillsboro, Illinois. In our complete report available for purchase the company is compared to: Westmoreland Coal Company, Hallador Petroleum Company and Xinergy Limited.