The company is the latest of a string of coal mining firms that have filed for bankruptcy since last year ( SNL Energy reported that more than 50 coal companies have sought protection since 2012). Competitors that have preceded Peabody into Chapter 11 reorganization include Alpha Natural Resources, Patriot Coal Corp., Walter Energy, and Arch Coal. For an in-depth analysis on what these and other developments mean for the future of coal, see " The Shifting Fates of Coal Markets, Coal Mining, and Coal Power " in POWER 's October 2015 issue.