To address the situation , it entered into merger talks with Sinclair Coal Company .
Despite being ranked eighth among the country 's top coal producers in the mid-1950s , Peabody began to lose market share to companies operating cost - efficient surface mining operations .
To address the situation , Peabody entered into merger talks with Sinclair Coal Company .
Despite being ranked eighth among the country 's top coal producers in the mid-1950s , Peabody began to lose market share to companies operating cost - efficient surface mining operations .