As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017

File No. 001-38147

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 5

To

FORM 10

 

 

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

CONSOL MINING CORPORATION*

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   82-1954058

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg, PA 15317-6506

(724) 485-4000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of exchange on which registered

Common Stock ($.01 par value)   New York Stock Exchange

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer   ☒  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company  
Emerging growth company       

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

* The registrant is currently named CONSOL Mining Corporation. The registrant plans to change its name to “CONSOL Energy Inc.” at or prior to the effective date of the distribution described in this registration statement.

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 5 to the Form 10 Registration Statement of CONSOL Mining Corporation (File No. 001-38147) is being filed solely to file Exhibit 2.1, Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2, Exhibit 10.3, Exhibit 10.5, Exhibit 10.7, Exhibit 10.16, Exhibit 10.19 and Exhibit 10.20, as noted in the Exhibit Index. Accordingly, the Information Statement previously filed on October 16, 2017 as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 10 Registration Statement is unchanged and has been omitted.

CONSOL MINING CORPORATION

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION

STATEMENT CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN

INFORMATION STATEMENT AND ITEMS OF FORM 10

We have previously filed on October 16, 2017 our Information Statement as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 10 Registration Statement. The information required by the following Form 10 Registration Statement items is contained in the sections identified below of such Information Statement, each of which are incorporated in this Form 10 Registration Statement by reference:

 

Item 1. Business.

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Information Statement Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” “The Separation and Distribution,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Where You Can Find More Information.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Risk Factors.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2. Financial Information .

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements,” “Selected Historical Combined Financial Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3. Properties .

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Business—Non-Core Coal Assets and Surface Properties.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5. Directors and Executive Officers.

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Management” and “Board of Directors Following the Separation.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 6. Executive Compensation .

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Board of Directors Following the Separation—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Director Compensation.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Management,” “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with GasCo” and “Board of Directors Following the Separation—Director Independence.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 8. Legal Proceedings .

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Business—Legal and Environmental Proceedings.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9. Market Price of, and Dividends on, the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters .

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Dividend Policy,” “Capitalization,” “The Separation and Distribution” and “Description of CoalCo Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities .

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Description of Material Indebtedness” and “Description of CoalCo Capital Stock—Sale of Unregistered Securities.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Description of Registrant’s Securities to Be Registered .

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Dividend Policy,” “The Separation and Distribution” and “Description of CoalCo Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Indemnification of Directors and Officers .

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Description of CoalCo Capital Stock—Limitation on Liability of Directors; Indemnification; Insurance.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Index to Financial Statements” and the financial statements referenced therein. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

Item 15. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “Index to Financial Statements” and the financial statements referenced therein. That section is incorporated herein by reference.


(b) Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:

 

Exhibit

Number

   Exhibit Description
  2.1*    Form of Separation and Distribution Agreement
  2.2‡    Form of Tax Matters Agreement
  2.3‡    Form of Employee Matters Agreement
  2.4‡    Form of Intellectual Property Matters Agreement
  2.5    Membership Interest and Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 26, 2016 among CONSOL Energy Inc., CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC, CONSOL Buchanan Mining Company LLC, CONSOL Amonate Mining Company LLC CONSOL Mining Company LLC, CNX Land LLC, CNX Marine Terminals Inc., CNX RCPC LLC, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CONSOL Amonate Facility LLC and Coronado IV LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to CONSOL Energy Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-14901), filed on February 29, 2016)
  2.6    Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 19, 2016, among CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, and CNX Land LLC and Southeastern Land, LLC, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to CONSOL Energy Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-14901), filed on July 25, 2016)
  2.7    Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 19, 2016, among AMVEST West Virginia Coal, L.L.C., Braxton-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., Peters Creek Mineral Services, Inc., Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Terry Eagle Coal Company, L.L.C., Fola Coal Company, L.L.C., Little Eagle Coal Company, L.L.C., and Vaughan Railroad Company and Southeastern Land, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to CONSOL Energy Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-14901), filed on July 25, 2016)
  3.1‡    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CONSOL Mining Corporation
  3.2‡    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of CONSOL Mining Corporation
10.1*    Form of Transition Services Agreement
10.2*    Form of CNX Resources Corporation (GasCo) to CONSOL Energy Inc. (CoalCo) Trademark License Agreement by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. (ParentCo) and CONSOL Mining Corporation (CoalCo)
10.3*    Form of CONSOL Energy Inc. (CoalCo) to CNX Resources Corporation (GasCo) Trademark License Agreement by and between CONSOL Mining Corporation (CoalCo) and CONSOL Energy Inc. (ParentCo)
10.4‡    Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated October  6, 2017, by and between CONSOL Mining Corporation and Affiliates and CNX Gas Company LLC
10.5*    Second Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, by and between CONSOL Mining Corporation and Affiliates and CNX Gas Company LLC
10.6    Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Conhrein Coal Company and CNX Gas Company LLC, as amended by First Amendment dated January 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.7*   

Second Amendment, dated October 6, 2017, to that certain Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement by and between CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Conhrein Coal Company and CNX Gas Company LLC dated July 7, 2015, as amended by First Amendment dated January 7, 2016

10.8    Omnibus Agreement, dated July  7, 2015, by and among CNX Coal Resources LP, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and the other parties listed on Exhibit A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456) filed on July 13, 2015)
10.9    First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated September 30, 2016, by and among CONSOL Energy Inc., CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CNX Coal Resources LP and the other parties listed on Exhibit A attached thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on October 4, 2016)
10.10‡    Form of CONSOL Mining Corporation Omnibus Performance Incentive Plan
10.11‡    Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between CONSOL Mining Corporation and individual officers or directors
10.12    Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and among Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.13    First Amendment to Pennsylvania Mine Complex Operating Agreement, dated September 30, 2016, by and among Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on October 4, 2016)
10.14    Employee Services Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and between Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.15    Contract Agency Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and between CONSOL Energy Sales Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 001-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.16*    Form of First Amendment to Contract Agency Agreement, dated     , 2017, by and between CONSOL Energy Sales Company and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.17    Terminal and Throughput Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Marine Terminals, Inc. and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.18    Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, by and between CNX Water Assets LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to CNX Coal Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 1-37456), filed on July 13, 2015)
10.19*    Form of First Amendment to Water Supply and Services Agreement, dated     , 2017, by and between CNX Water Assets LLC and CNX Thermal Holdings LLC
10.20*    Form of CONSOL Mining Corporation Change in Control Severance Agreement
21**    List of Subsidiaries of CONSOL Mining Corporation
99.1‡   

Information Statement, preliminary and subject to completion, dated October 16, 2017

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment
Previously filed


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the 27th day of October, 2017.

 

CONSOL MINING CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ James Brock

  James Brock
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 2.1

FORM OF

SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

AND

CONSOL MINING CORPORATION

DATED AS OF [ ], 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1

1.1

 

Table of Definitions

     1

1.2

 

Other Defined Terms

     3

ARTICLE II THE SEPARATION

     14

2.1

 

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

     14

2.2

 

Coal Assets

     16

2.3

 

Parent Assets

     18

2.4

 

Coal Liabilities

     19

2.5

 

Parent Liabilities

     20

2.6

 

Approvals and Notifications

     21

2.7

 

Novation of Liabilities

     26

2.8

 

Release of Guarantees

     27

2.9

 

Termination of Agreements

     28

2.10

 

Treatment of Shared Contracts

     29

2.11

 

Bank Accounts; Cash Balances

     30

2.12

 

Ancillary Agreements

     30

2.13

 

Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties

     30

2.14

 

Financial Information Certifications

     31

2.15

 

Transition Committee and Other Matters

     31

2.16

 

CoalCo Financing Arrangements

     31

2.17

 

Parent Financing Arrangements

     32

ARTICLE III THE DISTRIBUTION

     32

3.1

 

Sole and Absolute Discretion; Cooperation

     32

3.2

 

Actions Prior to the Distribution

     33

3.3

 

Conditions to the Distribution

     34

3.4

 

The Distribution.

     35

ARTICLE IV MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

     37

4.1

 

Release of Pre-Distribution Claims

     37

4.2

 

Indemnification by CoalCo

     39

4.3

 

Indemnification by Parent

     39

4.4

 

Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts

     40

4.5

 

Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims

     41

4.6

 

Additional Matters

     43

 

i


4.7

 

Right of Contribution

     44

4.8

 

Covenant Not to Sue

     45

4.9

 

Remedies Cumulative

     45

4.10

 

Survival of Indemnities

     45

4.11

 

Real Property Transfer Documents

     45

ARTICLE V CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS

     45

5.1

 

Cooperation With Respect to Insurance Matters

     45

5.2

 

Access to Insurance Policies

     45

5.3

 

CoalCo Insurance Policies

     47

5.4

 

Payments and Reimbursements

     47

ARTICLE VI EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY

     48

6.1

 

Agreement for Exchange of Information and Cooperation

     48

6.2

 

Ownership of Information

     49

6.3

 

Compensation for Providing Information

     49

6.4

 

Record Retention

     49

6.5

 

Limitations of Liability

     49

6.6

 

Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information

     50

6.7

 

Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation

     50

6.8

 

Privileged Matters

     51

6.9

 

Confidentiality

     53

6.10

 

Protective Arrangements

     54

ARTICLE VII DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     55

7.1

 

Good-Faith Officer Negotiation

     55

7.2

 

Mediation

     55

7.3

 

Injunctive Relief; Litigation

     55

7.4

 

Conduct During Dispute Resolution Process

     55

ARTICLE VIII FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

     56

8.1

 

Further Assurances

     56

8.2

 

Non-Solicitation; No Hire; Non-Compete

     57

8.3

 

Late Payments

     59

8.4

 

Inducement

     59

8.5

 

Post-Effective Time Conduct

     59

ARTICLE IX TERMINATION

     59

9.1

 

Termination

     59

9.2

 

Effect of Termination

     59

 

ii


ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS

     60

10.1

 

Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power

     60

10.2

 

Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     61

10.3

 

Assignability

     61

10.4

 

Third-Party Beneficiaries

     61

10.5

 

Notices

     62

10.6

 

Severability

     62

10.7

 

Force Majeure

     62

10.8

 

No Set-Off

     63

10.9

 

Publicity

     63

10.10

 

Expenses

     63

10.11

 

Headings

     63

10.12

 

Survival of Covenants

     63

10.13

 

Waivers of Default

     63

10.14

 

Specific Performance

     63

10.15

 

Amendments

     64

10.16

 

Interpretation

     64

10.17

 

Limitations of Liability

     64

10.18

 

Performance

     64

10.19

 

Mutual Drafting

     65

 

iii


EXHIBITS

Exhibit A

  

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CoalCo

Exhibit B

  

Amended and Restated Bylaws of CoalCo

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.2(a)

  

Other Coal Contracts

Schedule 1.2(b)

  

Coal Environmental Liabilities

Schedule 1.2(e)

  

Coal Surface Property

Schedule 1.2(f)

  

Employee and Retiree Liability

Schedule 1.2(g)

  

Leatherwood Property

Schedule 1.2(h)

  

ORRIs

Schedule 2.1(a)

  

Plan of Reorganization

Schedule 2.2(b)

  

Transferred Entities

Schedule 2.2(g)(i)

  

Excluded Unmined Coal

Schedule 2.2(g)(ii)

  

Tangible Personal Property in Coal Business

Schedule 2.2(i)

  

Discontinued Business

Schedule 2.2(l)

  

Headquarters Lease

Schedule 2.2(m)

  

Carbon Credits

Schedule 2.2(o)

  

Other Coal Assets

Schedule 2.3

  

Exception to Parent Assets

Schedule 2.4(g)

  

Other Coal Liabilities

Schedule 2.4(h)

  

Shared Environmental Liabilities

Schedule 2.7(a)

  

Exception to Novation of CoalCo Liabilities

Schedule 2.7(b)

  

Exception to Novation of Parent Liabilities

Schedule 2.8(c)

  

Guarantees

Schedule 2.9(b)

  

Related Party Agreements Not Being Terminated

Schedule 4.2(d)

  

Parent Indemnification

Schedule 4.3(d)

  

CoalCo Indemnification

Schedule 4.3(e)

  

Parent Statements in Form 10

Schedule 10.10

  

Expenses

 

iv


FORM OF SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of [            ] (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), and CONSOL Mining Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ CoalCo ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Article I .

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, the board of directors of Parent (the “ Parent Board ”) has determined that it is in the best interests of Parent and its stockholders to create a new publicly traded company that will operate the Coal Business;

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the foregoing, the Parent Board has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to separate the Coal Business from the Parent Business (the “ Separation ”) and, following the Separation, make a distribution, on a pro rata basis, to holders of Parent Shares on the Record Date of 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of CoalCo owned by Parent (the “ Distribution ”);

WHEREAS, CoalCo has been incorporated solely for these purposes and has not engaged in activities except in preparation for the Separation and the Distribution;

WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Contribution (as defined herein) and the Distribution, taken together, shall qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and the Distribution shall be a transaction described in Section 355(a) of the Code, and this Agreement is intended to be, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-2(g);

WHEREAS, CoalCo and Parent have prepared, and CoalCo has filed with the SEC, the Form 10, which includes the Information Statement, and which sets forth disclosure concerning CoalCo, the Separation and the Distribution;

WHEREAS, each of Parent and CoalCo has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Separation and the Distribution and certain other agreements that will govern certain matters relating to the Separation and the Distribution and the relationship of Parent, CoalCo and the members of their respective Groups following the Distribution; and

WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements represent the integrated agreement of Parent and CoalCo relating to the Separation and the Distribution, are being entered into together, and would not have been entered into independently.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1     Table of Definitions . The following terms have the meanings set forth in the section of this Agreement referenced below.


Definition    Section
Affected Business   

Section 2.6(k)

Affected Real Property   

Section 2.6(k)

Agreement   

Preamble

Cash Transfer   

Section 2.16(a)

Coal Assets   

Section 2.2

Coal Liabilities   

Section 2.4

CoalCo   

Preamble

CoalCo Accounts   

Section 2.11(a)

CoalCo Financing Arrangements   

Section 2.16(a)

CoalCo Indemnitees   

Section 4.3

CoalCo Option   

Section 8.2(g)

CoalCo Senior Credit Facility   

Section 2.16(a)

D&O Tail Program   

Section 5.5(a)

Delayed Coal Asset   

Section 2.6(c)

Delayed Coal Liability   

Section 2.6(c)

Delayed Parent Asset   

Section 2.6(h)

Delayed Parent Liability   

Section 2.6(h)

Dispute   

Section 7.1

Distribution   

Recitals

Facility   

Section 2.16(a)

Indemnifying Party   

Section 4.4(a)

Indemnitee   

Section 4.4(a)

Indemnity Payment   

Section 4.4(a)

Initial Notice   

Section 7.1

Linked   

Section 2.11(a)

Mediation Notice   

Section 7.2

Notes   

Section 2.16(a)

Notice of Violation   

Section 2.6(k)

Option Notice   

Section 8.2(g)

Optionee   

Section 8.2(g)

Optionor   

Section 8.2(g)

Options   

Section 8.2(g)

Parent   

Preamble

Parent Accounts   

Section 2.11(a)

Parent Assets   

Section 2.3

Parent Board   

Recitals

Parent Indemnitees   

Section 4.2

Parent Liabilities

Parent Option

  

Section 2.5

Section 8.2(g)

Partial Use of Proceeds   

Section 2.16(a)

Plan of Reorganization   

Section 2.1(a)

Separation   

Recitals

Shared Contract   

Section 2.10(a)

Third-Party Claim   

Section 4.5(a)

Transfer Documents

Transferred Entities

  

Section 2.1(b)

Section 2.2(b)

Transition Committee   

Section 2.15

Unreleased Coal Liability   

Section 2.7(b)(ii)

Unreleased Parent Liability   

Section 2.7(b)(ii)

 

2


1.2     Other Defined Terms . For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action ” shall mean any demand, action, claim, counterclaim, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, hearing, proceeding, examination or investigation of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial, appellate or otherwise) by or before any federal, state, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.

Affiliate ” shall mean, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. The parties agree that from and after the Effective Time, none of the members of the CoalCo Group are or will be deemed to be Affiliates of any member of the Parent Group and none of the members of the Parent Group are or will be deemed to be Affiliates of any member of the CoalCo Group.

Agent ” shall mean the trust company or bank duly appointed by Parent to act as distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the CoalCo Shares in connection with the Distribution.

Ancillary Agreements ” shall mean all agreements (other than this Agreement) entered into by the Parties or members of their respective Groups (but as to which no Third Party is a party) in connection with the Separation, the Distribution, or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Transition Services Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the IP Matters Agreement, [the Master Cooperation and Safety Agreements] and the Transfer Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, Ancillary Agreements (i) shall include any Transfer Documents executed in connection with the Plan of Reorganization, regardless of whether such Transfer Documents are executed prior to or after this Agreement, and (ii) shall not include any on-going commercial agreements that were entered into by the Parties or any members of the Parent Group or CoalCo Group, including CNX Coal Resources, relating to operations of CNX Coal Resources prior to the date of Separation.

Approvals or Notifications ” shall mean any consents, waivers, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, notices, registrations or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, any Third Party, including any Governmental Authority.

Assets ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, the assets, properties, claims and rights (including goodwill) of such Person, wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other Third Parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent, in each case whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of such Person, including rights and benefits pursuant to any contract, license, permit, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, agreement, concession, franchise, instrument, undertaking, commitment, guaranty, understanding or other arrangement.

Benefit Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.

 

3


CNX Coal Resources ” shall mean the limited partnership known as CNX Coal Resources, LP.

Coal Business ” shall mean

(i)    the Pennsylvania Mining Complex,

(ii)    ownership interest in CNX Coal Resources and CNX Coal Resources GP, the general partner of CNX Coal Resources,

(iii)    the marine terminal at the Baltimore Port,

(iv)    undeveloped coal reserves located in the Northern Appalachian, Central Appalachian and Illinois basins and all other coal reserves and related coal assets in the US and Canada, and certain related coal assets and liabilities, and

(v)    any other business or operation owned or operated by Parent or CoalCo or their respective current or historic Affiliates, including operations that have been terminated, divested or otherwise discontinued, which directly or indirectly relate or are related to (A) the purchase, leasing, ownership, or sale of any interest in coal, (B) the purchase, leasing, ownership, or sale of any interest in any coal, coal mine, coal processing preparation plant, mine pond, mine water treatment plant, train or barge load-out site, coal shipping terminal or coal refuse site or (C) the operation of any coal mine, coal processing or preparation plant, mine pond, mine water treatment plant, train or barge load-out site, coal shipping terminal, coal refuse site or any other activity associated with a coal mine or coal mining.

excluding in each case the business, operations and activities primarily related to the Parent Assets and Parent Liabilities.

Coal Contracts ” shall mean the following contracts and agreements (or relevant portion of an agreement) to which either Party or any member of its Group is a party or by which it or any member of its Group or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing; provided that (y) Coal Contracts shall not include any whole contract or agreement (or the relevant portion of such agreement) that is contemplated to be retained by Parent or any member of the Parent Group from and after the Effective Time pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and (z) to the extent that a contract that relates to the Coal Business is a Shared Contract, only that portion of the contract that relates to the Coal Business will be deemed to be a Coal Contract:

(a)    any vendor contracts or agreements with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party provides information technology, human resources or financial services to either Party or any member of its Group primarily in connection with the Coal Business as of the Effective Time;

(b)    (i) any customer, distribution, supply or vendor contract or agreement entered into prior to the Effective Time exclusively related to the Coal Business and (ii) with respect to any customer, distribution, supply or vendor contract or agreement entered into prior to the Effective Time that relates to the Coal Business but is not exclusively related to the Coal Business, only that portion of any such customer, distribution, supply or vendor contract or agreement that relates to the Coal Business;

(c)    other than any vendor contracts or agreements addressed in clauses (a) and (b) above to the extent that they shall constitute a Coal Contract, any lease or license agreement entered into prior to the Effective Time exclusively related to the Coal Business;

 

4


(d)    any contract that is, or portion of any contract containing, any guarantee, indemnity, representation, covenant, warranty or other Liability of either Party or any member of its Group in respect of any other Coal Contract, any Coal Liability, or the Coal Business;

(e)    any employment, change of control, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination, severance or other similar agreements with any CoalCo Group Employee (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) or consultants of the CoalCo Group that are in effect as of the Effective Time;

(f)    any contract or agreement (or portion thereof) that is expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group;

(g)    any interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements related exclusively to the Coal Business or entered into by or on behalf of any division, business unit or member of the CoalCo Group;

(h)    any credit or other financing agreement entered into by CoalCo and/or any member of the CoalCo Group in connection with the Separation;

(i)    (A) any other contract or agreement exclusively related to the Coal Business or Coal Assets, including any CoalCo Financing Arrangements, and (B) to the extent a contract or agreement is not exclusively related to the Coal Business or Coal Assets, that portion(s) of said contract or agreement that is related to the Coal Business or Coal Assets; and

(j)    any contracts, agreements or settlements listed on Schedule 1.2(a) , including the right to recover any amounts under such contracts, agreements or settlements.

Coal Environmental Liabilities ” shall mean all Environmental Liabilities (i) to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Coal Business, (ii) that are otherwise allocated to a member of the CoalCo Group pursuant to this Agreement, or (iii) set forth on Schedule 1.2(b) .

Coal Intellectual Property ” shall mean (a) the CONSOL Name and CONSOL Marks, (b) the Registrable IP set forth in the IP Matters Agreement as being transferred to CoalCo, and (c) all Other IP owned by a member of the CoalCo Group, exclusively used or exclusively held for use in the Coal Business, including any Other IP set forth in the IP Matters Agreement, in each case, excluding Registrable IP and Other IP of Parent.

Coal Know-How ” shall mean all Know-How owned or licensed by either Party or any member of its Group exclusively used or exclusively held for use in the Coal Business as of the Effective Time.

Coal Permits ” shall mean all Permits owned or licensed by either Party or any member of its Group exclusively used or exclusively held for use in the Coal Business as of the Effective Time.

Coal Software ” shall mean all Software owned or licensed by either Party or member of its Group exclusively used or exclusively held for use in the Coal Business as of the Effective Time.

Coal Surface Property ” shall mean (i) all right, title, interest or claims of either Party or any of the members of its Group immediately prior to the Effective Time in (a) the surface tracts owned within the “surface area” boundary depicted on each map attached hereto as Schedule 1.2(e), Part I(1) through Part I(4) , including any interest in those surface tracts described on Schedule 1.2(e), Part II , to the extent

 

5


located within the depicted “surface area” boundary associated therewith, and (b) the surface tracts set forth on Schedule 1.2(e), Part III , the locations of such “scheduled surface tracts” being generally depicted on the maps attached hereto as Schedule 1.2(e), Part IV(1) through Part IV(31) , (ii) all right, title, interest or claims in any surface owned or otherwise controlled by CoalCo and/or the members of the CoalCo Group as of immediately prior to the Reorganization in the areas set forth on Schedule 1.2(e), Part V , (iii) those easements or licenses (including roadways) (a) owned or controlled by CoalCo and/or the members of the CoalCo Group and evidenced by instruments, whether recorded or unrecorded, and located within the boundary of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex or (b) set forth on Schedule 1.2(e), Part VI , and (iv) those surface leases set forth on Schedule 1.2(e), Part VII . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the Schedule 1.2(e), Part IV maps generally depict the property intended to be described on Schedule 1.2(e), Part III , and in the event of a discrepancy between the Schedule 1.2(e), Part III property listing and the Schedule 1.2(e), Part IV maps, the Parties will work together to revise the Schedule 1.2(e), Part III property listing accordingly and make any real property conveyances necessary in accordance with any such revision.

CoalCo Balance Sheet ” shall mean the pro forma combined balance sheet of the Coal Business, including any notes and subledgers thereto, as of June 30, 2017, as presented in the Information Statement mailed to the Record Holders.

CoalCo Bylaws ” shall mean the Amended and Restated Bylaws of CoalCo, substantially in the form of Exhibit B .

CoalCo Certificate of Incorporation ” shall mean the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CoalCo, substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

CoalCo Group ” shall mean (a) prior to the Effective Time, CoalCo and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of CoalCo as of immediately after the Effective Time, including the Transferred Entities, even if, prior to the Effective Time, such Person is not a Subsidiary of CoalCo; and (b) on and after the Effective Time, CoalCo and each Person that is a Subsidiary of CoalCo.

CoalCo Shares ” shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of CoalCo.

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Competing Business ” shall mean:

(i) with respect to Parent as the restricted Party and CoalCo as the other Party, any mining, processing, marketing or selling of coal, coal waste or any interest in either (excluding coalbed methane) in the Restricted Territory; provided , however , that any activities related to or involving oil or natural gas (including coalbed methane) or any other aspect of the Parent Business (including any activities contemplated to be performed by Parent or member of Parent Group under the Master Cooperation and Safety Agreements or any other Ancillary Agreement) shall not be deemed to be Competing Business; and

(ii) with respect to CoalCo as the restricted Party and Parent as the other Party, any exploration and development (including drilling and production activities), marketing or selling, processing, transporting and/or any other production, development or midstream activities relating to oil and natural gas (including coalbed methane) in the Restricted Territory; provided, however, that any activities related to or involving any coal, coal waste or any interest in either, or any other aspect of the Coal Business (including any activities contemplated to be performed by CoalCo or member of CoalCo Group under the Master Cooperation and Safety Agreements or any other Ancillary Agreement) shall not be deemed to be a Competing Business.

CONSOL Name and CONSOL Marks ” shall mean the names, marks, trade dress, logos, monograms, domain names and other source or business identifiers of either Party or any member of its Group using or containing “CONSOL,” or any other word or element listed in the IP Matters Agreement (in block letters or otherwise) as Transferred Trademarks (as defined therein), either alone or in

 

6


combination with other words or elements, and all names, marks, trade dress, logos, monograms, domain names and other source or business identifiers confusingly similar to or embodying any of the foregoing either alone or in combination with other words or elements, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing.

Contribution ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

Disclosure Document ” shall mean any registration statement (including the Form 10) filed with the SEC by or on behalf of any Party or any member of its Group, and also includes any information statement (including the Information Statement), prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular, periodic report or similar disclosure document, whether or not filed with the SEC or any other Governmental Authority, including the IRS, in each case which describes the Separation or the Distribution or the CoalCo Group or relates to the transactions contemplated hereby.

Distribution Date ” shall mean the date of the consummation of the Distribution, which shall be determined by the Parent Board in its sole and absolute discretion.

Distribution Ratio ” shall mean a number equal to [    ].

Effective Time ” shall mean 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

Employee and Retiree Liabilities ” shall mean, except as otherwise expressly set forth on Schedule 1.2(f) , hereto, all employment and retirement related Liabilities of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or otherwise related to the CoalCo Group arising before or after the Effective Time, including, without limitation, (i) all shutdown, layoff, pension, medical and welfare benefits, disability, and other Liabilities of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group to, or on behalf of, past, present, or future employees and retirees (including dependents and heirs of such employee and any other person or entity who asserts a claim derived from such person), including, without limitation, claims based upon any collective bargaining agreement, Benefit Plan, Welfare Plan or otherwise, to which such entities are or were a party, the Coal Act, employment claims, disability claims, workers compensation claims, and claims arising under ERISA, whether arising prior to or subsequent to the Effective Time, and whether such Liabilities exist by reason of contract, statute, or otherwise; (ii) any contribution or other obligations pursuant to any Benefit Plan or Welfare Plan on behalf of any past, present or future employees or retirees of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group, (iii) Liabilities for all claims under any state workers’ compensation laws or claims of intentional tort, including, without limitation, tort claims for personal injury or illness giving rise to the potential for damages above and beyond remedies provided for by a state workers’ compensation schedule of benefits, in each case by or on behalf of any past, present or future employees or retirees of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group, and all dependents and heirs of all such employees or any other person or entity who asserts a claim derived from such person, based on occupational illnesses or injuries (excluding Black Lung Claims), regardless of whether such illness, injury or the events or circumstances giving rise to any such claim had or shall have occurred before or after the Separation; (iv) Liabilities for all Black Lung Claims by or on behalf of past, present or future employees or retirees of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group and any dependents or heirs of all such employees or any other person or entity who asserts a claim derived from such person, regardless of whether the events or circumstances giving rise to such claim had or shall have occurred before or after the Separation; and (v) Liabilities for any disability benefits, including short or long term, to past, present or future employees or retirees of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group, in each case whether related to a disability that occurred before or after the Closing Date; (vi) any withdrawal liability related to any Benefit Plan of the Parent Group (to the extent related to the Coal Business) or CoalCo Group, (vii) all Liabilities arising

 

7


under employment, change of control, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination, severance or other similar agreements with any CoalCo Group Employee (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) or consultants of the CoalCo Group that are in effect as of the Effective Time and (viii) Liabilities specifically addressed under the Employee Matters Agreement.

Employee Matters Agreement ” shall mean the Employee Matters Agreement to be entered into by and between Parent and CoalCo or members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

Environmental Law ” means any and all Laws in effect as of the Separation pertaining to or regulating pollution, environmental protection, natural resource damages, conservation of resources, wildlife, waste management, or the use, storage, generation, production, treatment, emission, discharge, release, remediation, removal, disposal, or transport of Hazardous Substances, including: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (which includes the Federal Clean Water Act), the Federal Clean Air Act, the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act (which includes the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, the Surface Mining and Control and Reclamation Act, each as amended and any similar state or Law.

Environmental Liabilities ” shall mean all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Hazardous Substances, Environmental Law or contract or agreement relating to environmental, health or safety matters (including all removal, remediation or cleanup costs, investigatory costs, response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injury damages, costs of compliance with any product take back requirements or with any settlement, judgment or other determination of Liability and indemnity, contribution or similar obligations) and all costs and expenses, interest, fines, penalties or other monetary sanctions in connection therewith.

Environmental Permit ” shall mean any Permit relating to Environmental Laws or Hazardous Substances.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Force Majeure ” shall mean, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the reasonable control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which event (a) does not arise or result from the fault or negligence of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) and (b) by its nature would not reasonably have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it would reasonably have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, acts of civil or military authority, embargoes, epidemics, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, sudden and unusually severe weather conditions, labor problems or unavailability of parts, or, in the case of computer systems, any significant and prolonged failure in electrical or air conditioning equipment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the receipt by a Party of an unsolicited takeover offer or other acquisition proposal, even if unforeseen or unavoidable, and such Party’s response thereto shall not be deemed an event of Force Majeure.

 

8


Form 10 ” shall mean the registration statement on Form 10 filed by CoalCo with the SEC to effect the registration of CoalCo Shares pursuant to the Exchange Act in connection with the Distribution, as such registration statement may be amended or supplemented from time to time prior to the Distribution.

Governmental Approvals ” shall mean any Approvals or Notifications to be made to, or obtained from, any Governmental Authority.

Governmental Authority ” shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign, supranational, or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, government and any executive official thereof, including the NYSE and any similar self-regulatory body under applicable securities Laws.

Group ” shall mean either the CoalCo Group or the Parent Group, as the context requires.

Hazardous Substances ” shall mean any chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant, emission, discharge, release or contaminant that could result in Liability under, or that is prohibited, limited or regulated by or pursuant to, any Environmental Law, and any natural or artificial substance (whether solid, liquid or gas, noise, ion, vapor or electromagnetic) that could cause harm to human health or the environment, including petroleum, petroleum products and byproducts, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, electronic, medical or infectious wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, radioactive substances, chlorofluorocarbons and all other ozone-depleting substances.

Headquarters Lease ” shall collectively mean that certain Lease Agreement between Southpointe Two Lot 2-6 LP, as Landlord and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, as Tenant, dated November 27, 2006, as amended and or revised by (i) that certain First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated December 28, 2006, (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated April 28, 2016, and (iii) that certain Assignment and Assumption of Lease, with an effective date of November 1, 2017, as executed and delivered by Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, successor by conversion to Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, as assignor, and CNX Land LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as assignee.

Information ” shall mean information, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, stored in any medium, including studies, reports, records, books, contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas, concepts, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or other software, marketing plans, customer names, communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memos and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), and other technical, financial, employee or business information or data, files, papers, tapes, keys, correspondence, plans, invoices, forms, product data and literature, promotional and advertising materials, operating manuals, instructional documents, quality records and regulatory and compliance records; provided that “Information” shall not include Know-How or Registrable IP.

Information Statement ” shall mean the information statement to be made available to the holders of Parent Shares in connection with the Distribution, as such information statement may be amended or supplemented from time to time prior to the Distribution.

 

9


Insurance Proceeds ” shall mean those monies (a) received by an insured from an insurance carrier; or (b) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of the insured, in any such case net of any applicable premium adjustments (including reserves and retrospectively rated premium adjustments) and net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof; provided , however , that with respect to a captive insurance arrangement, Insurance Proceeds shall only include amounts received by the captive insurer in respect of any reinsurance arrangement.

Intellectual Property ” shall mean all of the following whether arising under the Laws of the United States (or any state or other jurisdiction thereof) or of any foreign or multinational jurisdiction: (a) patents, patent applications (including patents issued thereon), utility models, industrial design registrations and statutory invention registrations, including reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations in part, substitutions, renewals, extensions and reexaminations of any of the foregoing, and all rights in any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, (b) trademarks, service marks, trade names, service names, trade dress, logos and other source or business identifiers, including all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, and any and all common law rights in and to any of the foregoing, registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, all rights in and to any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, and all reissues, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing, (c) Internet domain names, accounts or “handles” with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and similar social media platforms, registrations and related rights, (d) copyrightable works, copyrights, moral rights, mask work rights, database rights and design rights, whether or not registered, and all registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and all rights in and to any of the foregoing provided by international treaties or conventions, (e) confidential and proprietary information, including trade secrets, invention disclosures, processes and know-how, and (f) any other intellectual property rights, in each case other than Software.

IP Matters Agreement ” shall mean the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement to be entered into by and between Parent and CoalCo or members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

Know How ” shall mean all technology, designs, formulae, algorithms, procedures, methods, discoveries, processes, techniques, ideas, know-how, research and development, technical data, tools, materials, specifications, processes, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), apparatus, creations, improvements, works of authorship in any media, confidential, proprietary or nonpublic information, and other similar materials, and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses and other writings, and other tangible embodiments of the foregoing in any form whether or not listed herein, in each case, other than Software.

Law ” shall mean any national, supranational, federal, state, provincial, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any income tax treaty), license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.

Leatherwood Property ” shall mean all right, title, and interest of Leatherwood, LLC in (i) those certain oil and gas leases set forth on Schedule 1.2(g), Part I , TO THE EXTENT AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT such leases are related to formations above the top of the Rhinestreet formation, (ii) all wellbores and associated facilities owned by Leatherwood, LLC as of the Effective Date, including those set forth on Schedule 1.2(g), Part II , and (iii) all deeds, easements, or licenses (including roadways) set forth on Schedule 1.2(g), Part III . For the avoidance of doubt, if any lease set forth on Schedule 1.2(g), Part I covers only depths above the top of the Rhinestreet, all right, title, and interest in such lease shall be Leatherwood Property.

 

10


Liabilities ” shall mean all debts, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities, responsibilities, Losses, remediation, deficiencies, damages, fines, penalties, settlements, sanctions, costs, expenses, interest and obligations of any nature or kind, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, claim (including any Third-Party Claim), demand, Action, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment or undertaking, or any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating thereto.

Losses ” shall mean actual losses (including any diminution in value), costs, damages, penalties and expenses (including legal and accounting fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim.

Master Cooperation and Safety Agreements ” shall mean (i) that certain Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc., and certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc., as has been and may in the future be amended and/or restated, and (ii) that certain Second Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, and effective as of 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on October 6, 2017, between CONSOL Mining Corporation and its Affiliates, CNX Gas Company, CNX Resource Holdings LLC, and, for the limited purpose expressly set forth therein, CONSOL Energy Inc. and certain of its Affiliates, as may be further amended and/or restated.

NYSE ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

Omnibus Agreement ” shall meant the First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement dated September 30, 2016 by and among Parent, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CNX Coal Resources and the other parties listed on Exhibit A thereto, as amended by the First Amendment to the Omnibus Agreement dated as of the Effective Date.

Other IP ” shall mean all Intellectual Property, other than Registrable IP, that is owned by, licensed by or to, or sublicensed by or to either Party or any member of its Group as of the Effective Time.

ORRIs ” shall mean, except as set forth on Schedule 1.2(h), Part I , (i) with respect to any coal, oil and gas, coalbed methane, or other minerals sold, assigned, transferred, or otherwise conveyed in full by Parent, CoalCo, or any member of their respective Groups to any Third Party prior to the Effective Time, all financial benefits which directly or indirectly relate to any such in-full assignment, transfer, or other conveyance, including all royalty interests, overriding royalty interests, or other financial benefits, including those set forth in Schedule 1.2(h), Part II(1) ; and (ii) the overrides listed in Exhibit 1.2(h), Part II(2) .

Parent Business ” shall mean (a) the oil and natural gas (including coalbed methane) exploration and production (E&P) business, including production, gathering, processing and acquisition of natural gas properties, as conducted at any time prior to the Effective Time by either Party or any current or former member of its Group (excluding the Leatherwood Property and excluding those assets referenced in

 

11


Sections 2.2(o) and 2.2(p)) and (b) any terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, operations and activities that, at the time of termination, divestiture or discontinuation, related to the businesses, operations or activities described in clause (a) as then conducted, (c) such other assets and operations of either Party or any member of its Group that are not part of the Coal Business or included within the Coal Assets, including all surface other than Coal Surface Property, the ORRIs, any water, injection, and disposal wells used in connection with clause (a) of this definition, the operation of Buchanan Generation, LLC or the operation of its power plant, known as the “Peaker Plant,” the operation of CNX Water Assets LLC, the operation of Mon-View, LLC, and the escrow account created pursuant to the that certain Membership Interest and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 26, 2016, between CONSOL Energy Inc., certain of its Affiliates, and Coronado IV, LLC (the “ MIPA ”) and that certain Escrow Agreement entered into pursuant to the MIPA, and remaining escrow funds therein, or any other assets not related to the Coal Business excluding, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), the business, operations and activities exclusively related to the Coal Assets.

Parent Group ” shall mean Parent and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Parent (other than CoalCo and any other member of the CoalCo Group).

Parent Shares ” shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent.

Parties ” shall mean the parties to this Agreement.

Permits ” shall mean permits, approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses or certificates issued by any Governmental Authority.

Person ” shall mean an individual, a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.

Prime Rate ” shall mean the rate that Bloomberg displays as “Prime Rate by Country United States” or on a Bloomberg terminal at PRIMBB Index.

Privileged Information ” shall mean any information, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, including any communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memoranda and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), as to which a Party or any member of its Group would be entitled to assert or have asserted a privilege, including the attorney-client and attorney work product privileges.

Record Date ” shall mean the close of business on the date to be determined by the Parent Board as the record date for determining holders of Parent Shares entitled to receive CoalCo Shares pursuant to the Distribution.

Record Holders ” shall mean the holders of record of Parent Shares as of the Record Date.

Registrable IP ” shall mean all patents, patent applications, statutory invention registrations, registered trademarks, registered service marks, registered Internet domain names and copyright registrations.

Release ” shall mean any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration of Hazardous Substances into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata).

 

12


Representatives ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys or other representatives.

Residual Information ” shall mean information in non-tangible form that may be retained in the unaided memory of Representatives of a Party or members of such Party’s Group who have had access to confidential and proprietary information concerning the other Party or any member of the other Party’s Group.

Restricted Territory ” shall mean Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

SEC ” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Security Interest ” shall mean any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-way, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer, or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.

Software ” shall mean any and all (a) computer programs, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, (d) screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons and (e) documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, relating to any of the foregoing.

Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such Person, (ii) the total combined equity interests or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership, or (b) otherwise has voting power, either directly or indirectly, to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body.

Tangible Information ” shall mean information that is contained in written, electronic or other tangible forms.

Tax ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

Tax Matters Agreement ” shall mean the Tax Matters Agreement to be entered into by and between Parent and CoalCo or members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

Tax Return ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

Third Party ” shall mean any Person other than the Parties and any members of their respective Groups.

Transition Services Agreement ” shall mean the Transition Services Agreement to be entered into by and between Parent and CoalCo or members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

13


Welfare Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.

ARTICLE II

THE SEPARATION

2.1    T ransfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities .

(a)    On or prior to the Effective Time, but in any case prior to the Distribution, in accordance with the plan and structure set forth on Schedule 2.1(a) (the “ Plan of Reorganization ”), but subject to Section 2.6 :

(i)     Transfer and Assignment of Coal Assets. Parent shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Parent Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey or deliver to CoalCo, or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group, or take such steps as may be necessary for CoalCo or such member of the CoalCo Group to succeed to, and CoalCo or such member of the CoalCo Group shall accept from Parent and the applicable members of the Parent Group, all of Parent’s and such Parent Group member’s respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all of the Coal Assets (it being understood that if any Coal Asset shall be held by a Transferred Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a Transferred Entity, such Coal Asset shall be assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered to CoalCo or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group as a result of the transfer of all of the equity interests in such Transferred Entity from Parent or the applicable members of the Parent Group to CoalCo or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group);

(ii)     Acceptance and Assumption of Coal Liabilities. CoalCo and the applicable members of the CoalCo Group shall accept and assume, agree to perform, discharge and fulfill, or succeed to, all the Coal Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms (it being understood that if any Coal Liabilities shall be Liabilities of a Transferred Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a Transferred Entity, such Coal Liabilities shall be assumed by CoalCo or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group as a result of the transfer of all of the equity interests in such Transferred Entity from Parent or the applicable members of the Parent Group to CoalCo or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group). CoalCo and such members of the CoalCo Group shall be responsible for all Coal Liabilities, regardless of when or where such Coal Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Effective Time, regardless of where or against whom such Coal Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Coal Liabilities arising out of claims made by Parent’s or CoalCo’s respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates;

(iii)     Transfer and Assignment of Parent Assets. Parent and CoalCo shall cause CoalCo and the applicable members of the CoalCo Group to contribute, assign, transfer, convey or deliver to Parent, or the applicable members of the Parent Group designated by Parent, or take such steps as may be necessary for Parent or such members

 

14


of the Parent Group to succeed to, and Parent or such other members of the Parent Group shall accept from CoalCo and the applicable members of the CoalCo Group, all of CoalCo’s and such CoalCo Group member’s respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all Parent Assets held by CoalCo or a member of the CoalCo Group; and

(iv)     Acceptance and Assumption of Parent Liabilities. Parent and the applicable Parent Group members designated by Parent shall accept and assume, agree to perform, discharge and fulfill, or succeed to, all of the Parent Liabilities held by CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group in accordance with their respective terms, and Parent and the applicable members of the Parent Group shall be responsible for all Parent Liabilities, regardless of when or where such Parent Liabilities arose or arise, whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Effective Time, where or against whom such Parent Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Parent Liabilities arising out of claims made by Parent’s or CoalCo’s respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

(b)     Transfer Documents. In furtherance of the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance and delivery of and succession to the Assets and the acceptance and assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of and succession to the Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.1(a) , each Party shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the other Party or its designated group member, (i) such bills of sale, quitclaim deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts and other instruments of contribution, transfer, conveyance, assignment, delivery and succession as and to the extent necessary to evidence the contribution, transfer, conveyance, assignment, delivery and succession of all of such Party’s and the applicable members of its Group’s right, title and interest in and to such Assets to the other Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a) and (ii) such assumptions of contracts and other instruments of acceptance and assumption, performance, discharge and fulfillment and succession as and to the extent necessary to evidence the valid and effective assumption of the Liabilities by such Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a) . All of the foregoing documents contemplated by this Section 2.1(b) shall be referred to collectively herein as the “ Transfer Documents .” The Transfer Documents shall effect certain of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shall not expand or limit any of the obligations, covenants or agreements in this Agreement. It is expressly agreed that in the event of any conflict between the terms of the Transfer Documents and the terms of this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement, the terms of this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement, as applicable, shall control.

(c)     Misallocations. In the event that at any time or from time to time (whether prior to, at or after the Effective Time), one Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) shall receive or otherwise possess any Asset that is allocated to the other Party (or any member of such other Party’s Group) pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Party shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such Asset to the Party (or to any member of such Party’s Group) so entitled thereto, and such Party (or member of such Party’s Group) shall accept such Asset. Prior to any such transfer, the Person receiving or possessing such Asset shall hold

 

15


such Asset in trust for such other Person. In the event that at any time or from time to time (whether prior to, at or after the Effective Time), one Party hereto (or any member of such Party’s Group) shall receive or otherwise assume any Liability that is allocated to the other Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such other Party shall promptly assume, or cause to be assumed, such Liability and agree to faithfully perform such Liability.

(d)     Waiver of Bulk-Sale and Bulk-Transfer Laws. CoalCo hereby waives compliance by Parent and each and every member of the Parent Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Coal Assets to any member of the CoalCo Group. Parent hereby waives compliance by CoalCo and each and every member of the CoalCo Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Parent Assets to any member of the Parent Group.

2.2     Coal Assets . For purposes of this Agreement, “ Coal Assets ” shall mean:

(a)    all of the Parent Group’s (i) direct and indirect ownership interests (including Parent Group’s general partnership interest, incentive distribution rights, limited partnership interests, and subordinated partnership interests) in CNX Coal Resources LP, which owns a 25% undivided interest (indirectly through Subsidiaries) in the mining complex known as the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and (ii) membership interests in CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, the general partner of CNX Coal Resources;

(b)    all issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of those entities included on Schedule 2.2(b) (“ Transferred Entities ”) that are owned by either Party or any members of its Group as of the Effective Time, including the entities known as Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and CNX Marine Terminals Inc., and any assets of such entities (other than Parent Assets);

(c)    all Assets of either Party or any members of its Group properly included or reflected (i.e. that which has not been included or reflected as a result of error, omission, lack of consent, contravention of consent or similar circumstances) as assets of the CoalCo Group on the CoalCo Balance Sheet, subject to any dispositions of such Assets subsequent to the date of the CoalCo Balance Sheet; provided that the amounts set forth on the CoalCo Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Coal Assets pursuant to this clause;

(d)    all Assets of either Party or any of the members of its Group as of the Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Assets being included as Assets of CoalCo or members of the CoalCo Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the CoalCo Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of the Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Assets included on the CoalCo Balance Sheet), it being understood that (i) the CoalCo Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Assets that are included in the definition of CoalCo Assets pursuant to this clause and (ii) the amounts set forth on the CoalCo Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Coal Assets pursuant to this clause;

 

16


(e)    all Coal Contracts as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of Parent or CoalCo or any member of such Party’s Group arising thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(f)    all Coal Surface Property;

(g)    all of the following Assets of either Party or any of the members of its Group as of the Effective Time:

(i)    all owned, leased, or controlled coal wherever located, and associated mining rights, whether previously mined, currently being mined, or not yet mined, but excluding any unmined coal described on Schedule 2.2(g)(i) ;

(ii)    all buildings, fixtures, systems, equipment, and items of personal property that are used exclusively in the Coal Business; all rental houses that are located on the Coal Surface Property; and all other buildings, fixtures, systems, equipment, and items of personal property designated on Schedule 2.2(g)(ii );

(h)    all Leatherwood Property;

(i)    any terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, operations and activities that, at the time of termination, divestiture or discontinuation, related to the ownership, lease, operation or sale of any interest in coal, coal reserves, or in related surface land, in any coal mine, coal processing preparation plant, mine pond, mine water treatment plant, train or barge load-out site, coal shipping terminal or coal refuse site or any other activity associated with coal reserves, coal mine or coal mining, or as otherwise set forth on Schedule 2.2(i) , but excluding ORRIs;

(j)    all Coal Intellectual Property, Coal Software and Coal Know-How as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(k)    all Coal Permits as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of either Party or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(l)    all rights and benefits under the Headquarters Lease as it relates to that portion assigned to CoalCo or applicable member of the CoalCo Group as set forth in Schedule 2.2(l) , and as such rights and benefits may be limited, modified or otherwise amended pursuant to any agreement listed on Schedule 2.2(l) entered into by CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group and Parent or any member of the Parent Group prior to the Effective Time;

(m)    a fifty percent (50%) share of those existing and future carbon credits and allowances associated with Assets owned by Parent, CoalCo, and/or their respective Group members, as of and prior to the Effective Date, as further set forth in Schedule 2.2(m) ;

(n)    all rights, interests and claims of either Party or any of the members of its Group as of the Effective Time with respect to Information that is exclusively related to the Coal Assets, the Coal Liabilities, the Coal Business or the Transferred Entities and, subject to the provisions of the applicable Ancillary Agreements, a non-exclusive right to all Information that is related to, but not exclusively related to, the Coal Assets, the Coal Liabilities, the Coal Business or the Transferred Entities;

 

17


(o)    all wells located within the boundary of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex that were acquired by Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC with the intent to plug for mining operations;

(p)    all oil and gas interests (including coal gas) purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired after July 7, 2015 by Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, and/or CNX Thermal Holdings LLC within the boundary of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which such interests remain subject to the terms of that certain Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc., and certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc., as has been and may in the future be amended and/or restated, including the Gas Party Option set forth in Section 3.5(a) thereof;

(q)    any and all Assets set forth on Schedule 2.2(q) ; and

(r)    any and all Assets that are acquired, or otherwise become Assets of the CoalCo Group after the Effective Time.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Coal Assets shall not in any event include any Asset referred to in Section 2.3 .

2.3     Parent Assets . For the purposes of this Agreement, “Parent Assets” shall mean, without duplication:

(a)    at or prior to the Effective Time, all right, title, interest or claims in any Assets of Parent and/or any member of the Parent Group and/or CoalCo and/or any member of the CoalCo Group that are not Coal Assets, including, for the avoidance of doubt:

(i)    any and all oil and gas and coalbed methane, and appurtenant rights and associated wellbores and facilities (excluding the Leatherwood Property) and existing carbon credits and allowances other than those contemplated in Section 2.2(m) , and excluding those assets referenced in Sections 2.2(o) and 2.2(p)) ,

(ii)    all surface properties and interests, easements, and licenses (including roadways) other than those expressly described as a “Coal Asset,”

(iii)    the ORRIs,

(iv)    any water, injection, and disposal rights and wells used in connection with the Parent Business,

(v)    Buchanan Generation LLC and the associated Peaker Plant,

(vi)    CNX Water Assets LLC,

(vii)    Mon-View, LLC,

(viii)    the escrow account created pursuant to the MIPA and that certain Escrow Agreement entered into pursuant to the MIPA, and remaining escrow funds therein, and

 

18


(ix)    those assets set forth on Schedule 2.3 .

(b)    any and all Assets that are acquired or otherwise become an Asset of the Parent Group after the Effective Time.

2.4     Coal Liabilities . For the purposes of this Agreement, “Coal Liabilities” shall mean the following Liabilities of either Party or any of the members of its Group:

(a)    all Liabilities properly included or reflected (i.e. that which has not been included or reflected as a result of error, lack of consent, contravention of consent or similar circumstances) as liabilities or obligations of CoalCo or the members of the CoalCo Group on the CoalCo Balance Sheet, subject to any discharge of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the CoalCo Balance Sheet; provided that the amounts set forth on the CoalCo Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Coal Liabilities pursuant to this clause (a);

(b)    all Liabilities that, as of the Effective Time, are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of CoalCo or the members of the CoalCo Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the CoalCo Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of the Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Liabilities included on the CoalCo Balance Sheet), it being understood that (A) the CoalCo Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Liabilities that are included in the definition of Coal Liabilities pursuant to this clause (A); and (B) the amounts set forth on the CoalCo Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Coal Liabilities pursuant to this clause (B);

(c)    all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent that such Liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from the Coal Business or a Coal Asset

(d)    any indemnification obligations arising under the Omnibus Agreement relating to the Coal Business or Coal Assets (but excluding any obligations referenced in Section 2.5(c) below);

(e)    any and all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the CoalCo Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, including but not limited to the Employee and Retiree Liabilities;

(f)    all other Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the ownership or operation of the Coal Assets, Coal Business, Coal Contracts, the Coal Intellectual Property, the Coal Software, the Coal Know-How, the Coal Permits, Leatherwood Property, or the Coal Surface Property; provided that to the extent a contract that relates to the Coal Business is a Shared Contract, only that portion that relates to the Coal Business will be assumed;

 

19


(g)    notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.5 , the applicable portion of any and all Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.4(g) ;

(h)    notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.5 , (i) all Coal Environmental Liabilities, and the applicable portion of all shared Environmental Liabilities as set forth on Schedule 2.4(h) (the “ Shared Environmental Liabilities ”);

(i)    all Liabilities and obligations under the Headquarters Lease as it relates to that portion assigned to CoalCo or applicable member of the CoalCo Group as set forth in Schedule 2.2(l) , and as such rights and benefits may be limited, modified or otherwise amended pursuant to any agreement listed on Schedule 2.2(l) entered into by CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group and Parent or any member of the Parent Group prior to the Effective Time; and

(j)    all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including Parent’s or CoalCo’s respective directors, officers, stockholders, current or former employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates) against any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group only to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Coal Business, the Coal Assets or otherwise relating to Coal Liabilities (whether such claims arise, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time);

provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties agree that the Parent Liabilities, including the applicable portion of all Liabilities set forth on Schedules 2.4(g ) and  2.4(h) or under the portion of any Shared Contract assumed or retained by Parent Group and any Liabilities of any member of the Parent Group pursuant to the Ancillary Agreements shall not be Coal Liabilities but instead shall be Parent Liabilities.

2.5     Parent Liabilities . For the purposes of this Agreement, “Parent Liabilities” shall mean, all Liabilities (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time) of any member of the Parent Group and/or any member of the CoalCo Group:

(a)    that are not Coal Liabilities, including Liabilities directly related to the Parent Business;

(b)    relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time, in each case to the extent such Liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from the Parent Business or a Parent Asset;

(c)    any indemnification obligations of any member of the Parent Group arising under the Omnibus Agreement (i) as it relates to the Parent Business, or (ii) arising out of the provision of services by Parent or member of Parent Group prior to the Effective Time as contemplated in Section 2.1(g) of the Omnibus Agreement;

(d)    reflected on Schedule 2.4(g) as being apportioned to Parent Group;

(e)    reflected on Schedule 2.4(h) as being Parent Group’s applicable portion of Shared Environmental Liabilities,

 

20


(f)    all Liabilities and obligations under the Headquarters Lease as it relates to that portion assigned to and/or retained by Parent or applicable member of the Parent Group as set forth in Schedule 2.2(l) , and as such rights and benefits may be limited, modified or otherwise amended pursuant to any agreement listed on Schedule 2.2(l) entered into by Parent or any member of the Parent Group and CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group prior to the Effective Time, and

(g)    arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including CoalCo’s or Parent’s respective directors, officers, stockholders, current or former employees and agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates) against any member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Parent Business or the Parent Assets (whether such claims arise, in each case, before, at or after the Effective Time).

2.6     Approvals and Notifications .

(a)     Approvals and Notifications for Coal Assets . To the extent that the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Coal Asset, or the acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of, or succession to any Coal Liability, in each case under Section 2.1 , is determined to be a transfer or assignment that requires any Approvals or Notifications, or to the extent that the Separation or the Distribution requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , however , that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between Parent and CoalCo, neither Parent nor CoalCo, nor any member of their respective Groups, shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.

(b)     Delayed CoalCo Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery to or succession of the CoalCo Group of any Coal Asset or acceptance or assumption by, performance, discharge and fulfillment by, or succession by the CoalCo Group of any Coal Liability in connection with the Separation or the Distribution would be a violation of applicable Law or is determined to be a transfer or assignment that requires any Approvals or Notifications that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Time then, unless the Parties mutually determine otherwise, the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery to or succession of the CoalCo Group of such Coal Assets or the acceptance or assumption by, performance, discharge and fulfillment of, or succession by the CoalCo Group of such Coal Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any of the foregoing shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approvals or Notifications have been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Coal Assets or Coal Liabilities shall continue to constitute Coal Assets and Coal Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.

(c)     Treatment of Delayed Coal Assets and Delayed Coal Liabilities. (i) If any contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Coal Asset (or a portion thereof) or any acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of, or succession to any Coal Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, delivered, succeeded to, accepted, assumed, or performed, discharged or fulfilled hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Effective Time, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.6(b ) or for any other reason, including due to error, and (ii) with respect to any such agreements that shall not be contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, delivered, succeeded to, accepted, assumed, or performed, discharged or fulfilled pursuant to Section 2.1(a) (notwithstanding anything therein to the contrary) (any such

 

21


Coal Asset (or portion thereof), a “ Delayed Coal Asset ” and any such Coal Liability (or portion thereof), a “ Delayed Coal Liability ”), then, insofar as reasonably possible and subject to applicable Law, the member of the Parent Group retaining such Delayed Coal Asset or such Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, for the use and benefit (or the performance and obligation, in the case of a Liability) of the member of the CoalCo Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the CoalCo Group entitled thereto) and such member of the CoalCo Group shall be afforded all the benefits and burdens of such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability, as applicable. In addition, the member of the Parent Group retaining such Delayed Coal Asset or such Delayed Coal Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the CoalCo Group to whom such Delayed Coal Asset is to be contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed or succeeded to, or which is to accept or assume, perform, discharge and fulfill or succeed to, such Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the CoalCo Group in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability had been contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, succeeded to, accepted, assumed or performed, discharged or fulfilled as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Time to the CoalCo Group. Except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, neither Parent nor any applicable member of Parent Group shall terminate, dispose of, assign, sublease, encumber, amend, or in any other way modify any Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability without the prior written consent of the applicable CoalCo Group member, which may be withheld in such CoalCo Group member’s sole discretion.

(d)     Transfer of Delayed Coal Assets and Delayed Coal Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Delayed Coal Asset or the deferral of acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to any Delayed Coal Liability pursuant to Section 2.6(b) , are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments for the transfer or assignment of any Delayed Coal Asset or the assumption of any Delayed Coal Liability have been removed, the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to the applicable Delayed Coal Asset or the acceptance and assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to the applicable Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement.

(e)     Costs for Delayed Coal Assets and Delayed Coal Liabilities. Except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Parties, any member of the Parent Group retaining a Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability due to the deferral of the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to such Delayed Coal Asset or the deferral of the acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to such Delayed Coal Liability, as the case may be, shall not be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced (or otherwise made available) by CoalCo or the member of the CoalCo Group entitled to the Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability, other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys’ fees and recording or similar fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by CoalCo or the member of the CoalCo Group entitled to such Delayed Coal Asset or Delayed Coal Liability.

 

22


(f)     Approvals and Notifications for Parent Assets. To the extent that the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Parent Asset or the acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment, or succession to any Parent Liability, in each case under Section 2.1 , is determined to be a transfer or assignment that requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , however , that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between Parent and CoalCo, neither Parent nor CoalCo, nor any member of their respective Groups, shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.

(g)     Delayed Parent Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery to or succession of the Parent Group of any Parent Asset or acceptance or assumption by, performance, discharge and fulfillment by, or succession by the Parent Group of any Parent Liability in connection with the Separation or the Distribution would be a violation of applicable Law or is determined to be a transfer or assignment that requires any Approval or Notification that has not been obtained or made by the Effective Time then, unless the Parties mutually determine otherwise, the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery to or succession of the Parent Group of such Parent Assets or the acceptance or assumption by, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or, or succession by the Parent Group of such Parent Liability, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any of the foregoing shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approval or Notification has been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Parent Assets or Parent Liabilities shall continue to constitute Parent Assets and Parent Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.

(h)     Treatment of Delayed Parent Assets and Delayed Parent Liabilities. (i) If any contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Parent Asset (or a portion thereof) or any acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of, or succession to any Parent Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, delivered, succeeded to, accepted, assumed, or performed, discharged or fulfilled hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Effective Time whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.6(g) or for any other reason, including due to error, and (ii) with respect to any such agreements that shall not be contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, delivered, succeeded to, accepted, assumed, or performed, discharged or fulfilled pursuant to Section 2.1(a) (notwithstanding anything therein to the contrary) (any such Parent Asset (or portion thereof), a “ Delayed Parent Asset ” and any such Parent Liability (or portion thereof), a “ Delayed Parent Liability ”), then, subject to applicable Law, the member of the CoalCo Group retaining such Delayed Parent Asset or such Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, for the use and benefit (or the performance or obligation, in the case of a Liability) of the member of the Parent Group entitled thereto (with associated costs being for the account of the member of the Parent Group entitled thereto) and such member of the Parent Group shall be afforded all the benefits and burdens of such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability, as applicable. In addition, the member of the CoalCo Group retaining such Delayed Parent Asset or such Delayed Parent Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice. Such member of the CoalCo Group shall also take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Parent Group to which such Delayed Parent Asset is to be contributed, assigned,

 

23


transferred, conveyed or succeeded to, or which is to accept or assume, perform, discharge and fulfill or succeed to, such Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Parent Group in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability had been contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, succeeded to, accepted, assumed or performed, discharged or fulfilled and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Time to the Parent Group. Except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, neither CoalCo nor any applicable member of CoalCo Group shall terminate, dispose of, assign, sublease, encumber, amend, or in any other way modify any Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability without the prior written consent of the applicable Parent Group member, which may be withheld in such Parent Group member’s sole discretion.

(i)     Transfer of Delayed Parent Assets and Delayed Parent Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Delayed Parent Asset or the deferral of acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to any Delayed Parent Liability, are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments for the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to any Delayed Parent Asset or the acceptance and assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to any Delayed Parent Liability have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Delayed Parent Asset or the assumption of the applicable Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement.

(j)     Costs for Delayed Parent Assets and Delayed Parent Liabilities. Any member of the CoalCo Group retaining a Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability due to the deferral of the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of or succession to such Delayed Parent Asset or the deferral of the acceptance or assumption of, performance, discharge and fulfillment of or succession to such Delayed Parent Liability, as the case may be, shall not be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced (or otherwise made available) by Parent or the member of the Parent Group entitled to the Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability, other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys’ fees and recording or similar fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by Parent or the member of the Parent Group entitled to such Delayed Parent Asset or Delayed Parent Liability.

(k)     Coal Permit Transfers .

(i)    To the extent required to effect the transfer of any Coal Permit, the Parties shall endeavor to submit within 10 days following the Closing Date (A) all filings necessary to cause the applicable Governmental Authorities to transfer to CoalCo, or the applicable member of the CoalCo Group, such Coal Permits and (B) any and all replacement bonds or other financial security, if applicable, required to complete the transfer of such Coal Permits. The Parties acknowledge that some Governmental Authorities may not require a permit transfer but may require updated ownership and control information, perhaps with a bond replacement and/or the issuance of a new license or mine number. CoalCo, or applicable member of CoalCo Group, shall use its best efforts to complete the transfer process for any Coal Permits as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event no later than 90 days following the Effective Time (or within such time frame dictated or provided by applicable regulatory requirements).

 

24


Additionally, with respect to any bonds, guarantees or other financial security which were provided by Parent and/or any members of the Parent Group in connection with the Coal Permits or otherwise, CoalCo, or the applicable CoalCo Group, shall also promptly and in any event no later than 90 days following the Effective Time (or within such time frame dictated or provided by applicable regulatory requirements) replace these bonds, guarantees or other financial security and obtain the release of Parent and/or the applicable members of the Parent Group from any obligation with respect to such bonds, guarantees or other financial security. So long as Parent and/or any members of the Parent Group maintain any such bonds, guarantees or other financial security following the Effective Time, CoalCo shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Parent and the applicable members of the Parent Group against any and all Losses suffered by such Persons related thereto in accordance with Article IV.

(ii)    Until the Coal Permits are transferred to CoalCo, CoalCo or any member of CoalCo Group may mine the coal reserves of the Coal Assets subject to the Coal Permits (the “ Affected Real Property ”) and CoalCo or any such member of CoalCo Group will operate in accordance with any Coal Permit (the “ Affected Business ”) as an “operator” pursuant to this clause (ii) . For as long as CoalCo or any CoalCo Group member operates the Affected Business on any Affected Real Property as the designated “operator” on behalf of Parent or any member of the Parent Group under each Coal Permit pursuant to the terms and conditions of such Coal Permit prior to the transfer of “permittee-liability” and the issuance of a successor permit, CoalCo shall comply, and shall cause such CoalCo Group member to comply with all applicable Laws and conditions of, or pertaining to, such Coal Permits, and CoalCo shall indemnify the Parent and any applicable member of the Parent Group and hold them harmless from and against all Losses incurred or suffered as a result of CoalCo’s or any such member’s act or omissions under or with respect to each Coal Permit in accordance with Article IV. CoalCo or CoalCo Group member, as applicable, shall have exclusive control over compliance with the Coal Permit and is hereby authorized to conduct and perform, in connection with compliance therewith, (i) water sampling, analysis and reporting, (ii) seven-day inspections of impoundments and other inspections, surveys, and reports related to impoundments, (iii) annual sediment pond inspections, (iv) emergency plan updates, and (v) similar matters. At CoalCo’s or CoalCo Group member’s request, Parent shall, and shall cause any applicable member of Parent Group to, assist CoalCo or CoalCo Group member in its obligations hereunder. CoalCo or CoalCo Group member, as applicable, shall provide Parent prompt written notice of any “notice of non-compliance,” “notice of violation,” “cessation order,” “notice of bond forfeiture” or other similar enforcement action (in any such instance, a “ Notice of Violation ”) with respect to the Coal Permits prior to final transfer of the Coal Permits to CoalCo or CoalCo Group member. In the event that any Notice of Violation is issued to Parent or any member of Parent Group, such Person shall provide CoalCo or CoalCo Group member with a copy of the same. All Losses, including all associated remedial work (or other required work) arising as a result of or relating to any Notice of Violation or other notice of default or violation under any Coal Permit, to the extent not resulting from any act or omission of Parent or any member of the Parent Group, shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility of CoalCo and/or member of CoalCo Group and shall be cured by such responsible Persons as soon as reasonably practicable. Parent or any member of Parent Group shall have the right to enter on any Affected Real Property (and to the extent practicable, shall provide reasonable prior notice to CoalCo or CoalCo Group member) for purposes of performing any remediation or reclamation activities necessary to comply with (i) the terms of the Coal Permit(s) and (ii) any applicable Law. Each party shall promptly inform

 

25


the other party of any material communication between itself and any Governmental Authority with respect to the Coal Permits. If any party receives any formal or informal request, for supplemental information or documentary material, from any Governmental Authority with respect to the Coal Permits, then such party shall cause to be made, as soon as reasonably practical, a response in compliance with such request, with a copy to the other party.

2.7     Novation of Liabilities .

(a)     Novation of CoalCo Liabilities.

(i)    Except as set forth in Schedule 2.7(a) , each of Parent and CoalCo, at the request of the other, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all Coal Liabilities and obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the Parent Group that is a party to any such arrangements, so that, in any such case, the members of the CoalCo Group shall be solely responsible for such Coal Liabilities; provided , however , that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, neither Parent nor CoalCo, nor any member of either Party’s Group, shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested.

(ii)    If Parent or CoalCo, or the applicable member of either Party’s Group, is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release referred to in clause (i) of this Section 2.7(a) and the applicable member of the Parent Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an “ Unreleased Coal Liability ”), CoalCo shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the Parent Group, as the case may be, (A) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the Parent Group that constitute Unreleased Coal Liabilities from and after the Effective Time and (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligor thereunder on any member of the Parent Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Coal Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, the applicable Parent Group member shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and CoalCo or the applicable CoalCo Group member shall assume, such Unreleased Coal Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.

(b)     Novation of Parent Liabilities.

(i)    Except as set forth on Schedule 2.7(b) , each of Parent and CoalCo, at the request of the other, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all Parent Liabilities and obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the CoalCo Group that is a party to any such arrangements, so that, in any such case, the members of the Parent Group shall be solely responsible for such Parent Liabilities; provided , however , that, except as otherwise

 

26


expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, neither Parent nor CoalCo, nor any member of either Party’s Group, shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested.

(ii)    If Parent or CoalCo, or the applicable member of either Party’s Group, is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release referred to in clause (i) of this Section 2.7(b) and the applicable member of the CoalCo Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an “ Unreleased Parent Liability ”), Parent shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the CoalCo Group, as the case may be, (A) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the CoalCo Group that constitute Unreleased Parent Liabilities from and after the Effective Time and (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligor thereunder on any member of the CoalCo Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Parent Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, the applicable CoalCo Group member shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and Parent or the applicable Parent Group member shall assume, such Unreleased Parent Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.

2.8     Release of Guarantees . In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the obligations set forth in Section 2.7 :

(a)    On or prior to the Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, each of Parent and CoalCo shall, at the request of the other Party and with the reasonable cooperation of such other Party and the applicable member(s) of such other Party’s Group, use commercially reasonable efforts but shall not be obligated to pay any consideration to (i) have any member(s) of the Parent Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Coal Liability to the extent that it relates to Coal Liabilities, including the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Parent Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Coal Liability; and (ii) have any member(s) of the CoalCo Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Parent Liability to the extent that it relates to Parent Liabilities, including the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Coal Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Parent Liability; provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the replacing party shall be obligated, to the extent required by relevant Law, regulation or contract, to post, supplement or otherwise replace any security, in such amounts and of such type, as had previously been in place with respect to such guarantee or obligation.

(b)    To the extent required to obtain a release from a guarantee of:

(i)    any member of the Parent Group, CoalCo shall execute a guarantee agreement in the form of the existing guarantee or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, which such agreement shall include the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Parent Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Parent Liability, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which CoalCo would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which CoalCo would not reasonably be able to avoid breaching; and

 

27


(ii)    any member of the CoalCo Group, Parent shall execute a guarantee agreement in the form of the existing guarantee or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, which agreement shall include the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Coal Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Coal Liability, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which Parent would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which Parent would not reasonably be able to avoid breaching.

(c)    If Parent or CoalCo is unable to (or has agreed not to) obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such removal or release referred to in Section 2.8(a) or (b) (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any removal or release of the guarantees set forth on Schedule 2.8(c) ), (i) the Party or the relevant member of its Group that has assumed the Liability (whether fully or in case of Shared Contracts, partially), with respect to which such guarantee relates shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the guarantor or obligor against or from any Liability arising from or relating thereto in accordance with the provisions of Article IV and shall, as agent or subcontractor for such guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder; and (ii) each of Parent and CoalCo, on behalf of itself and the other members of their respective Group, agrees not to renew or extend the term of, increase any obligations under, or transfer to a Third Party, any loan, guarantee, lease, contract or other obligation for which the other Party or a member of such other Party’s Group is or may be liable unless all obligations of such other Party and the members of such other Party’s Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation satisfactory in form and substance to such other Party.

2.9     Termination of Agreements .

(a)    Except as set forth in Section 2.9(b) , in furtherance of the releases and other provisions of Section 4.1 , CoalCo and each member of the CoalCo Group, on the one hand, and Parent and each member of the Parent Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate any and all agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, between or among CoalCo and/or any member of the CoalCo Group, on the one hand, and Parent and/or any member of the Parent Group, on the other hand, effective as of the Effective Time. No such terminated agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Effective Time. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of the other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.

(b)    The provisions of Section 2.9(a) shall not apply to any of the following agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings (or to any of the provisions thereof): (i) this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and each other agreement or instrument expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to be entered into by any of the Parties or any of the members of their respective Groups or to be continued from and after the Effective Time); (ii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings listed or described on Schedule 2.9(b) ; (iii) any Transfer Documents, leases, subleases, easements, rights of way, licenses, surface use agreements or other real property related agreements between CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group, on the one hand, and Parent or any member of the Parent Group, on the other hand, that was entered into in the ordinary course of business or

 

28


consistent with past practices; (iv) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Third Party is a party; (v) any intercompany accounts payable or accounts receivable accrued as of the Effective Time that are reflected in the books and records of the Parties or otherwise documented in writing in accordance with past practices, which shall be settled in the manner contemplated by Section 2.9(c) ; (vi) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent or CoalCo, as the case may be, is a party (it being understood that directors’ qualifying shares or similar interests shall be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a Subsidiary is wholly owned); and (vii) any Shared Contracts.

(c)    All of the intercompany accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of the Parent Group, on the one hand, and any member of the CoalCo Group, on the other hand, outstanding as of the Effective Time shall, as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, be repaid, settled or otherwise eliminated by means of cash payments, a dividend, capital contribution, a combination of the foregoing, or otherwise as determined by Parent in its sole and absolute discretion.

2.10     Treatment of Shared Contracts .

(a)    Subject to applicable Law and without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Section 2.1 , unless the Parties otherwise agree or the benefits of any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding described in this Section 2.10 are expressly conveyed to the applicable Party pursuant to this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, any contract or agreement, a portion of which is a Coal Contract, but the remainder of which is a Parent Asset (any such contract or agreement, a “ Shared Contract ”), shall be assigned in relevant part to the applicable member(s) of the applicable Group, if so assignable, or appropriately amended prior to, on or after the Effective Time, so that each Party or the member of its Group shall, as of the Effective Time, be entitled to the rights and benefits, and shall assume the related portion of any Liabilities, inuring to its respective businesses; provided , however , that (i) in no event shall any member of any Group be required to assign (or amend) any Shared Contract in its entirety or to assign a portion of any Shared Contract which is not assignable (or cannot be amended) by its terms (including any terms imposing consents or conditions on an assignment where such consents or conditions have not been obtained or fulfilled) and (ii) if any Shared Contract cannot be so partially assigned by its terms or otherwise, or cannot be amended or if such assignment or amendment would impair the benefit the parties thereto derive from such Shared Contract, then the Parties shall, and shall cause each of the members of their respective Groups to, take such other reasonable and permissible actions (including by providing prompt notice to the other Party with respect to any relevant claim of Liability or other relevant matters arising in connection with a Shared Contract so as to allow such other Party the ability to exercise any applicable rights under such Shared Contract) to cause a member of the CoalCo Group or the Parent Group, as the case may be, to receive the rights and benefits of that portion of each Shared Contract that relates to the Coal Business or the Parent Business, as the case may be (in each case, to the extent so related), as if such Shared Contract had been assigned to a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.10 (or appropriately amended), and to bear the burden of the corresponding Liabilities (including any Liabilities that may arise by reason of such arrangement), as if such Liabilities had been assumed by a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.10 (or appropriately amended).

(b)    Each of Parent and CoalCo shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes the portion of each Shared Contract inuring to its respective businesses as Assets owned by, and/or Liabilities of, as applicable, such Party, or the members of

 

29


its Group, as applicable, not later than the Effective Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law).

(c)    Nothing in this Section 2.10 shall require any member of either Group to make any non- de minimis payment (except to the extent advanced, assumed or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by any member of the other Group), incur any non- de minimis obligation or grant any non- de minimis concession for the benefit of any member of the other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.10 .

2.11     Bank Accounts; Cash Balances .

(a)    Each Party agrees to take, or cause the members of its Group to take, at the Effective Time (or such earlier time as the Parties may agree), all actions necessary to amend all contracts or agreements governing each bank and brokerage account owned by CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group (collectively, the “ CoalCo Accounts ”) and all contracts or agreements governing each bank or brokerage account owned by Parent or any other member of the Parent Group (collectively, the “ Parent Accounts ”) so that each such CoalCo Account and Parent Account, if currently linked (whether by automatic withdrawal, automatic deposit or any other authorization to transfer funds from or to, hereinafter “ Linked ”) to any Parent Account or CoalCo Account, respectively, is no longer Linked to such Parent Account or CoalCo Account, respectively.

(b)    With respect to any outstanding checks issued or payments initiated by Parent, CoalCo or any of the members of their respective Groups prior to the Effective Time, such outstanding checks and payments shall be honored following the Effective Time by the Person or Group owning the account on which the check is drawn or from which the payment was initiated, respectively.

(c)    As between Parent and CoalCo (and the members of their respective Groups), all payments made and reimbursements received after the Effective Time by either Party (or member of its Group) that relate to a business, Asset or Liability of the other Party (or member of its Group), shall be held by such Party in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto and, promptly following receipt by such Party of any such payment or reimbursement, such Party shall, or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to pay over to the other Party the amount of such payment or reimbursement without right of set-off.

2.12     Ancillary Agreements . Effective on or prior to the Effective Time, each of Parent and CoalCo shall, or shall cause the applicable members of their Groups to, execute and deliver all Ancillary Agreements to which it or such member, as applicable, is a party.

2.13     Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties . EACH OF PARENT (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE PARENT GROUP) AND COALCO (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE COALCO GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED OR ASSUMED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH (INCLUDING WITHOUT

 

30


LIMITATION GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS OR PERMITS OF ANY KIND), AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS OF, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SETOFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ANY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN “AS IS,” “WHERE IS” BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM OF DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (A) ANY CONVEYANCE WILL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, AND (B) ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS OR NOTIFICATIONS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR MADE OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.

2.14     Financial Information Certifications . Parent’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (as each is contemplated by the Exchange Act) are currently applicable to CoalCo as its Subsidiary. In order to enable the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of CoalCo to make the certifications required of them under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Parent, within thirty-five (35) days of the end of any fiscal quarter during which CoalCo remains Parent’s Subsidiary, shall provide CoalCo with one or more certifications with respect to such disclosure controls and procedures, its internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness thereof. Such certification(s) shall be provided by Parent (and not by any officer or employee in their individual capacity).

2.15     Transition Committee and Other Matters . The Parties have established a transition committee (the “ Transition Committee ”) that shall consist of an equal number of members from Parent and CoalCo. The Transition Committee shall be responsible for monitoring and managing all matters related to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements. The Transition Committee shall have the authority to (a) establish one or more subcommittees from time to time as it deems appropriate or as may be described in any Ancillary Agreements, with each such subcommittee comprised of one or more members of the Transition Committee or one or more employees of either Party or any member of its respective Group, and each such subcommittee having such scope of responsibility as may be determined by the Transition Committee from time to time; (b) delegate to any such committee any of the powers of the Transition Committee; (c) combine, modify the scope of responsibility of, and disband any such subcommittees; and (d) modify or reverse any such delegations. The Transition Committee shall establish general procedures for managing the responsibilities delegated to it under this Section 2.15 , and may modify such procedures from time to time. All decisions by the Transition Committee or any subcommittee thereof shall be effective only if mutually agreed by both Parties. The Parties shall utilize the procedures set forth in Article VII to resolve any matters as to which the Transition Committee is not able to reach a decision.

2.16     CoalCo Financing Arrangements .

(a)    Prior to the Effective Time and pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, (i) CoalCo or other member(s) of the CoalCo Group shall enter into one or more financing arrangements and agreements pursuant to which it or they shall, prior to the Effective Time, borrow a principal amount of $850 million, consisting of (A) a revolving credit facility with

 

31


commitments up to $300 million, (B) a Term Loan A Facility of up to $100 million, (C) a Term Loan B Facility of up to $400 million (collectively the “ CoalCo Senior Credit Facility ”), and (D) an offering of up to $350 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien debt instruments (the “ Notes ”, and together with the CoalCo Senior Credit Facility, the “CoalCo Financing Arrangements”) and (ii) in connection with the Separation, Contribution and Distribution, CoalCo shall (A) in partial consideration for the assets to be transferred to CoalCo pursuant to the Contribution, transfer $464 million (which following application of financing fees and expenses is expected to result in $450 million of net proceeds) from the CoalCo Senior Credit Facility and the Notes to Parent (the “ Cash Transfer ”), and (B) utilize a portion of the proceeds from the CoalCo Senior Credit Facility and Notes to refinance as an intercompany loan the existing indebtedness of CNX Coal Resources under its then existing revolving credit facility (together with the Cash Transfer the “ Partial Use of Proceeds ”). Parent shall use the proceeds from the Cash Transfer to make payments to third party creditors or stockholders in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service described in Section 3.3(a)(iii) .

(b)    Parent and CoalCo agree to take all necessary actions to assure the full release and discharge of Parent and the other members of the Parent Group from all obligations pursuant to the CoalCo Financing Arrangements as of no later than the Effective Time. The parties agree that CoalCo or another member of the CoalCo Group, as the case may be, and not Parent or any member of the Parent Group, are and shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the CoalCo Financing Arrangements.

(c)    Prior to the Effective Time, Parent and CoalCo shall cooperate in the preparation of all materials as may be necessary or advisable to execute the CoalCo Financing Arrangements and implement the Partial Use of Proceeds.

2.17     Parent Financing Arrangements .

(a)    Parent and CoalCo agree to take all necessary actions to assure the release and discharge of CoalCo and the other members of the CoalCo Group under Parent’s existing credit facility as of no later than the Effective Time. The parties agree that Parent or another member of the Parent Group, as the case may be, and not CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group, are and shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with any revisions required to Parent’s existing credit facility as a result of or otherwise in connection with, the Separation and Distribution.

ARTICLE III

THE DISTRIBUTION

3.1     Sole and Absolute Discretion; Cooperation.

(a)    Parent shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine the terms of the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transaction(s) and/or offering(s) to effect the Distribution and the timing and conditions to the consummation of the Distribution. In addition, Parent may, at any time and from time to time until the consummation of the Distribution, modify or change the terms of the Distribution, including by accelerating or delaying the timing of the consummation of all or part of the Distribution. Nothing shall in any way limit Parent’s right to terminate this Agreement or not to complete the Distribution as set forth in Article IX or, prior to the Distribution, alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in Article IX .

 

32


(b)    CoalCo shall cooperate with Parent to accomplish the Distribution and shall, at Parent’s direction, promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the Distribution, including in respect of the registration under the Exchange Act of CoalCo Shares on the Form 10. Parent shall select any investment bank or manager in connection with the Distribution, as well as any financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent and financial, legal, accounting and other advisors for Parent. CoalCo and Parent, as the case may be, will provide to the Agent any information required in order to complete the Distribution.

3.2     Actions Prior to the Distribution . Prior to the Effective Time and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, the following actions in connection with the Distribution:

(a)     Notice to NYSE . Parent shall, to the extent possible, give the NYSE not less than ten (10) days’ advance notice of the Record Date in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act.

(b)     CoalCo Certificate of Incorporation and CoalCo Bylaws. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Parent and CoalCo shall take all necessary actions so that, as of the Effective Time, the CoalCo Certificate of Incorporation and the CoalCo Bylaws shall become the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of CoalCo, respectively.

(c)     CoalCo Directors and Officers. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Parent and CoalCo shall take all necessary actions so that as of the Effective Time: (i) the directors and executive officers of CoalCo shall be those set forth in the Information Statement made available to the Record Holders prior to the Distribution Date, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties; (ii) each individual referred to in clause (i) shall have resigned from his or her position, if any, as a member of the Parent Board and/or as an executive officer of Parent; and (iii) CoalCo shall have such other officers as CoalCo shall appoint. The parties agree to work collaboratively as it relates to any commensurate changes to the board of directors, board committees or executive officer designations as it relates to CNX Coal Resources GP or any other member of the CoalCo Group or Parent Group, including as it relates to any filings or disclosures that may be triggered in respect thereof.

(d)     NYSE Listing. CoalCo shall prepare and file, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to have approved, an application for the listing of the CoalCo Shares to be distributed in the Distribution on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution.

(e)     Securities Law Matters. CoalCo shall file any amendments or supplements to the Form 10 as may be necessary or advisable in order to cause the Form 10 to become and remain effective as required by the SEC or federal, state or other applicable securities Laws. Parent and CoalCo shall cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective registration statements or amendments thereof which are required to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. Parent and CoalCo shall prepare, and CoalCo shall, to the extent required under applicable Law, file with the SEC any such documentation and any requisite no-action letters that Parent determines are necessary or desirable to effectuate the Distribution, and Parent and CoalCo shall each use reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from the SEC with respect thereto as soon as practicable. Parent and CoalCo shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue sky laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdiction) in connection with the Distribution.

 

33


(f)     Availability of Information Statement. Parent shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the Form 10 is declared effective under the Exchange Act and the Parent Board has approved the Distribution, cause the Information Statement to be mailed to the Record Holders, or, in connection with the delivery of a notice of Internet availability of the Information Statement to such holders, posted on the Internet.

(g)     The Distribution Agent. Parent shall enter into a distribution agent agreement with the Agent or otherwise provide instructions to the Agent regarding the Distribution.

(h)     Awards Under Equity Incentive Plans. Parent and CoalCo shall take all actions as may be necessary to approve the grants of adjusted equity awards by Parent (in respect of Parent shares) and CoalCo (in respect of CoalCo shares) in connection with the Distribution in order to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

(i)     Name Changes . (i) Parent and CoalCo shall take all actions necessary such that coincident with the Distribution, (A) CoalCo will change its name to CONSOL Energy Inc. and (B) Parent will change its name to CNX Resources Corporation, and (ii) Parent shall prepare and file, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to have approved, a supplemental listing application with the NYSE to facilitate its name change.

3.3     Conditions to the Distribution .

(a)    The consummation of the Distribution shall be subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Parent in its sole and absolute discretion, of the following conditions:

(i)    The SEC shall have declared effective the Form 10; no order suspending the effectiveness of the Form 10 shall be in effect; and no proceedings for such purposes shall have been instituted or threatened by the SEC.

(ii)    The Information Statement shall have been mailed to the Record Holders or a notice of Internet availability of the Information Statement shall have been delivered to the Record Holders.

(iii)    The private letter ruling, received by Parent on October 16, 2017 from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the federal income tax treatment of the Contribution and the Distribution, shall not have been revoked or modified in any material respect and Parent shall have received one or more opinions from Parent’s tax advisors satisfactory to the Parent Board, including the opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to the effect that the Distribution will be a transaction described in Section 355(a) of the Code, regarding the federal income tax treatment of the Contribution and the Distribution.

(iv)    The transfer of the Coal Assets (other than any Delayed Coal Asset) and Coal Liabilities (other than any Delayed Coal Liability) contemplated to be transferred from Parent (or a member of Parent Group) to CoalCo (or a member of CoalCo Group) on or prior to the Distribution shall have occurred as contemplated by Section 2.1 , and the transfer of the Parent Assets (other than any Delayed Parent Asset) and Parent Liabilities (other than any Delayed Parent Liability) contemplated to be transferred from CoalCo (or a member of CoalCo Group) to Parent (or a member of Parent Group) on or prior to the Distribution Date shall have occurred as contemplated by Section 2.1 , in each case pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

 

34


(v)    An independent appraisal firm acceptable to Parent shall have delivered one or more opinions to the Parent Board confirming the solvency and financial viability of Parent immediately prior to the Distribution and (ii) of Parent and CoalCo after consummation of the Distribution, and such opinions shall be acceptable to Parent in form and substance in Parent’s sole discretion and such opinions shall not have been withdrawn or rescinded.

(vi)    The actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, U.S. state or other securities Laws or blue sky Laws and the rules and regulations thereunder shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable Governmental Authority.

(vii)    Each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered by the applicable parties thereto.

(viii)    No order, injunction or decree issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or any of the transactions related thereto shall be in effect.

(ix)    The CoalCo Shares to be distributed to the Parent stockholders in the Distribution shall have been accepted for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution.

(x)    CoalCo, or members of the CoalCo Group, shall have entered into the CoalCo Financing Arrangements as contemplated in Section 2.16 , Parent shall have received the Cash Transfer, the Partial Use of Proceeds shall have been effectuated, and Parent shall be satisfied in its sole and absolute discretion that, as of the Effective Time, neither Parent or any member of Parent Group shall have any further Liability under the CoalCo Financing Arrangements.

(xi)    No other events or developments shall exist or shall have occurred that, in the judgment of the Parent Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the Separation, the Distribution or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

(b)    The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Parent and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of Parent or the Parent Board to waive or not waive any such condition or in any way limit Parent’s right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Article IX or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in Article IX . Any determination made by the Parent Board prior to the Distribution concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions set forth in Section 3.3(a) shall be conclusive and binding on the Parties. If Parent waives any material condition, it shall promptly issue a press release disclosing such fact and file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC describing such waiver.

3.4     The Distribution .

(a)    Subject to Section 3.3 , on or prior to the Effective Time, CoalCo shall deliver to the Agent, for the benefit of the Record Holders, book-entry transfer authorizations for such number of the outstanding CoalCo Shares as is necessary to effect the Distribution, and shall cause the transfer agent for the Parent Shares to instruct the Agent to distribute at the Effective

 

35


Time the appropriate number of CoalCo Shares to each such Record Holder or designated transferee or transferees of thereof by way of direct registration in book-entry form. CoalCo shall not issue paper stock certificates in respect of the CoalCo Shares. The Distribution shall be effective at the Effective Time.

(b)    Subject to Sections 3.3 and 3.4(c) , each Record Holder will be entitled to receive in the Distribution a number of whole CoalCo Shares equal to the number of Parent Shares held by such Record Holder on the Record Date multiplied by the Distribution Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole number.

(c)    No fractional shares shall be distributed or credited to book-entry accounts in connection with the Distribution, and any such fractional share interests to which a Record Holder would otherwise be entitled shall not entitle such Record Holder to vote or to any other rights as a stockholder of CoalCo. In lieu of any such fractional shares, each Record Holder who, but for the provisions of this Section 3.4(c) , would be entitled to receive a fractional share interest of a CoalCo Share pursuant to the Distribution, shall be paid cash, without any interest thereon, as hereinafter provided. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall direct the Agent to determine the number of whole and fractional CoalCo Shares allocable to each Record Holder, to aggregate all such fractional shares into whole shares, and to sell the whole shares obtained thereby in the open market at the then-prevailing prices on behalf of each Record Holder who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional share interests (with the Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, determining when, how and through which broker-dealer and at what price to make such sales), and to cause to be distributed to each such Record Holder, in lieu of any fractional share, such Record Holder’s or owner’s ratable share of the total proceeds of such sale, after deducting any Taxes required to be withheld and applicable transfer Taxes, and after deducting the costs and expenses of such sale and distribution, including brokers fees and commissions. None of Parent, CoalCo or the Agent shall be required to guarantee any minimum sale price for the fractional CoalCo Shares sold in accordance with this Section 3.4(c) . Neither Parent nor CoalCo shall be required to pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional shares. Neither the Agent nor the broker-dealers through which the aggregated fractional shares are sold shall be Affiliates of Parent or CoalCo. Solely for purposes of computing fractional share interests pursuant to this Section 3.4(c) and Section 3.4(d) , the beneficial owner of Parent Shares held of record in the name of a nominee in any nominee account shall be treated as the Record Holder with respect to such shares.

(d)    Any CoalCo Shares or cash in lieu of fractional shares with respect to CoalCo Shares that remain unclaimed by any Record Holder one hundred and eighty (180) days after the Distribution Date shall be delivered to CoalCo, and CoalCo or its transfer agent shall hold such CoalCo Shares and cash, if any, for the account of such Record Holder, and the Parties agree that all obligations to provide such CoalCo Shares and cash, if any, in lieu of fractional share interests shall be obligations of CoalCo, subject in each case to applicable escheat or other abandoned property Laws, and Parent shall have no Liability with respect thereto.

(e)    Until the CoalCo Shares are duly transferred in accordance with this Section 3.4 and applicable Law, from and after the Effective Time, CoalCo shall regard the Persons entitled to receive such CoalCo Shares as record holders of CoalCo Shares in accordance with the terms of the Distribution without requiring any action on the part of such Persons. CoalCo agrees that, subject to any transfers of such shares, from and after the Effective Time, (i) each such holder shall be entitled to receive all dividends, if any, payable on, and exercise voting rights and all other rights and privileges with respect to, the CoalCo Shares then held by such holder, and (ii) each such holder will be entitled, without any action on the part of such holder, to receive evidence of ownership of the CoalCo Shares then held by such holder.

 

36


ARTICLE IV

MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

4.1     Release of Pre-Distribution Claims .

(a)     CoalCo Release of Parent . Except as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and (d) , effective as of the Effective Time, CoalCo does hereby, for itself and each other member of the CoalCo Group, and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the CoalCo Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) Parent and the members of the Parent Group, and their respective successors and assigns, (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Parent Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and (iii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time are or have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of a Transferred Entity and who are not, as of immediately following the Effective Time, directors, officers or employees of CoalCo or a member of the CoalCo Group, in each case from: (A) all Coal Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and the Distribution (for the avoidance of doubt this clause (B) shall not limit or affect indemnification obligations of the Parties set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement) and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Coal Business, the Coal Assets or the Coal Liabilities.

(b)     Parent Release of CoalCo . Except as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and (d) , effective as of the Effective Time, Parent does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Parent Group and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Parent Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) CoalCo and the members of the CoalCo Group and their respective successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the CoalCo Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from: (A) all Parent Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and the Distribution (for the avoidance of doubt this clause (B) shall not limit or affect indemnification obligations of the Parties set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement) and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Parent Business, the Parent Assets or the Parent Liabilities.

 

37


(c)     Obligations Not Affected . Nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) or (b)  shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings which Section 2.9(b) or the applicable Schedules thereto provide shall not terminate as of the Effective Time, in each case in accordance with their respective terms. Nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) or (b)  shall release any Person from:

(i)    any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement among any members of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group which Section 2.9(b) or the applicable Schedules thereto provide shall not terminate as of the Effective Time, or any other Liability which Section 2.9(b) provides shall not terminate as of the Effective Time [or any intercompany account that is not settled as of the Effective Time];

(ii)    any Liability assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of any Group under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

(iii)    any Liability for the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used in the ordinary course of business by a member of one Group from a member of the other Group prior to the Effective Time;

(iv)    any Liability provided in or resulting from any Contract or understanding that is entered into after the Effective Time between any Party (and/or a member of such Party’s Group), on the one hand, and any other Party (and/or a member of the other Party’s Group), on the other hand;

(v)    any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

(vi)    any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution for claims brought against the Parties by Third Parties, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article IV and Article V and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements; or

(vii)    any Liability the release of which would result in the release of any Person other than a Person released pursuant to this Section 4.1 .

In addition, nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) shall release any member of the Parent Group from honoring its existing obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of a member of the CoalCo Group who was a director, officer or employee of any member of the Parent Group on or prior to the Effective Time, to the extent such director, officer or employee becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to such existing obligations; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Coal Liability, CoalCo shall indemnify Parent for such Liability (including Parent’s costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article IV .

(d)     No Claims . CoalCo shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the CoalCo Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Parent or any other member of the Parent Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 4.1(a) , with respect

 

38


to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 4.1(a) . Parent shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the Parent Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification against CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 4.1(b ), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 4.1(b) .

(e)     Execution of Further Releases . At any time at or after the Effective Time, at the request of either Party, the other Party shall cause each member of its Group to execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions of this Section 4.1 .

4.2     Indemnification by CoalCo . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, CoalCo shall, and shall cause the other members of the CoalCo Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Parent, each member of the Parent Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Parent Indemnitees ”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Parent Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a)    any Coal Liability;

(b)    any failure of CoalCo, any other member of the CoalCo Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Coal Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, on or after the Effective Time;

(c)    any breach by CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(d)    except to the extent it relates to a Parent Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (i) for the benefit of any member of the CoalCo Group made or given by any member of the Parent Group, which survives following the Distribution or (ii) which is set forth on Schedule 4.2(d) ; and

(e)    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in the Form 10, the Information Statement or any other Disclosure Document (other than the matters described in clause (e) of Section 4.3) .

4.3     Indemnification by Parent . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, Parent shall, and shall cause the other members of the Parent Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless CoalCo, each member of the CoalCo Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees or agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ CoalCo Indemnitees ”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the CoalCo Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a)    any Parent Liability;

 

39


(b)    any failure of Parent, any other member of the Parent Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Parent Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, on or after the Effective Time;

(c)    any breach by Parent or any other member of the Parent Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(d)    except to the extent it relates to a Coal Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (i) for the benefit of any member of the Parent Group made or given by any member of the CoalCo Group, which survives following the Distribution or (ii) which is set forth on Schedule 4.3(d) ; and

(e)    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to statements made explicitly in Parent’s name in the Form 10, the Information Statement or any other Disclosure Document; it being agreed that the statements set forth on Schedule 4.3(e) shall be the only statements made explicitly in Parent’s name in the Form 10, the Information Statement or any other Disclosure Document, and all other information contained in the Form 10, the Information Statement or any other Disclosure Document shall be deemed to be information supplied by CoalCo.

4.4     Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts .

(a)    The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification, contribution or reimbursement pursuant to this Article IV or Article V will be net of Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of any indemnifiable Liability. Accordingly, the amount that either Party (an “ Indemnifying Party ”) is required to pay to any Person entitled to indemnification or contribution hereunder (an “ Indemnitee ”) shall be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an “ Indemnity Payment ”) required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or any other amounts in respect of such Liability, then, within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of such Insurance Proceeds, the Indemnitee shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or such other amounts (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.

(b)    It is expressly agreed and understood that all rights to indemnification, contribution and reimbursement pursuant to this Article IV are in excess of all available insurance. Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties agree that an insurer that would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being understood that no insurer or any other Third Party shall be entitled to a “windfall” ( i.e. , a benefit they would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification provisions) by virtue of the indemnification and contribution provisions hereof. Accordingly, any provision herein that could have the result of giving any

 

40


insurer or other Third Party such a “windfall” shall be suspended or amended to the extent necessary to not provide such “windfall.” Each Party shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the probability of success on the merits and the cost of expending such efforts, including attorneys’ fees and expenses) to collect or recover, or allow the Indemnifying Party to collect or recover, any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification or contribution may be available under this Article IV . Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnifying Party may not delay making any indemnification payment required, or otherwise satisfy any indemnification obligation, under the terms of this Agreement pending the outcome of any Action to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or contribution or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

4.5     Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims .

(a)     Notice of Claims . If, at or following the date of this Agreement, an Indemnitee shall receive notice or otherwise learn of the assertion by a Person (including any Governmental Authority) who is not a member of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group of any claim or of the commencement by any such Person of any Action (collectively, a “ Third-Party Claim ”) with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 4.2 or 4.3 , or any other Section of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof as soon as practicable, but in any event within fourteen (14) days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires) after becoming aware of such Third-Party Claim. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail, to the extent set forth in or readily apparent from the notices and documents received by the Indemnified Party, including the facts and circumstances giving rise to such claim for indemnification, and include copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide notice in accordance with this Section 4.5(a) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by the Indemnitee’s failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 4.5(a) .

(b)     Control of Defense . An Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and seek to settle or compromise), at its own expense and with its own counsel, any Third-Party Claim; provided that, prior to the Indemnifying Party assuming and controlling the defense of such Third-Party Claim, it shall first confirm to the Indemnitee in writing that, assuming the facts presented to the Indemnifying Party by the Indemnitee are true, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify the Indemnitee for any such Losses to the extent resulting from, or arising out of, such Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense and, in the course of defending such Third-Party Claim, (i) the Indemnifying Party discovers that the facts presented at the time the Indemnifying Party acknowledged its indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim were not true and (ii) such untruth provides a reasonable basis for asserting that the Indemnifying Party does not have an indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim, then (A) the Indemnifying Party shall not be bound by such acknowledgment, (B) the Indemnifying Party shall promptly thereafter provide the Indemnitee written notice of its assertion that it does not have an indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim and (C) the Indemnitee shall have the right to assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 4.5(a) (or sooner, if the nature of the Third-

 

41


Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall provide written notice to the Indemnitee indicating whether the Indemnifying Party shall assume responsibility for defending the Third-Party Claim. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 4.5(a) , then the Indemnitee that is the subject of such Third-Party Claim shall be entitled to continue to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim.

(c)     Allocation of Defense Costs . If an Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, then such Indemnifying Party shall be solely liable for all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim and shall not be entitled to seek any indemnification or reimbursement from the Indemnitee for any such fees or expenses incurred by the Indemnifying Party during the course of the defense of such Third-Party Claim by such Indemnifying Party, regardless of any subsequent decision by the Indemnifying Party to reject or otherwise abandon its assumption of such defense. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 4.5(a) , and the Indemnitee conducts and controls the defense of such Third-Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party has an indemnification obligation with respect to such Third-Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim.

(d)     Right to Monitor and Participate . An Indemnitee that does not conduct and control the defense of any Third-Party Claim, or an Indemnifying Party that has failed to elect to defend any Third-Party Claim as contemplated hereby, nevertheless shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as necessary) of its own choosing to monitor and participate in (but not control) the defense of any Third-Party Claim for which it is a potential Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, as applicable, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, and the provisions of Section 4.5(c) shall not apply to such fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Sections 6.7 and 6.8 , such Party shall cooperate with the Party entitled to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim in such defense and make available to the controlling Party, at the non-controlling Party’s expense, all witnesses, information and materials in such Party’s possession or under such Party’s control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the controlling Party (with the reasonable out-of-pocket costs associated with such cooperation being at the expense of the non-controlling party). In addition to the foregoing, if any Indemnitee shall in good faith determine that such Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party have actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interest between them that make joint representation in connection with a Third-Party Claim inappropriate, then the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as necessary) and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, and the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for all Indemnitees.

(e)     No Settlement . Neither Party may settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which either Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, unless such settlement or compromise is solely for monetary damages that are fully payable by the settling or compromising Party, does not involve any admission, finding or determination of wrongdoing or violation of Law by the other Party and provides for a full, unconditional and irrevocable release

 

42


of the other Party from all Liability in connection with the Third-Party Claim. The Parties hereby agree that if a Party presents the other Party with a written notice containing a proposal to settle or compromise a Third-Party Claim for which either Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder and the Party receiving such proposal does not respond in any manner to the Party presenting such proposal within twenty (20) days or such longer period, not to exceed thirty (30) days, as may be agreed by the Parties (or within any such shorter time period that may be required by applicable Law or court order) of receipt of such proposal, then the Party receiving such proposal shall be deemed to have consented to the terms of such proposal.

(f)     Tax Matters Agreement Coordination. The provisions of Section 4.2 through Section 4.10 hereof (other than this Section 4.5(f) ) do not apply with respect to Taxes or Tax matters (it being understood and agreed that Taxes and Tax matters, including the control of Tax-related proceedings, shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement). In the case of any conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall prevail.

4.6     Additional Matters .

(a)     Timing of Payments . Indemnification or contribution payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article IV shall be paid reasonably promptly (but in any event within thirty (30) days of the final determination of the amount that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article IV ) by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification or contribution payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities. The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Article IV shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee, and (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Liabilities for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(b)     Notice of Direct Claims . Any claim for indemnification or contribution under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement that does not result from a Third-Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the applicable Indemnifying Party. Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period, such specified claim shall be conclusively deemed a Liability of the Indemnifying Party under this Section 4.6(b) or, in the case of any written notice in which the amount of the claim (or any portion thereof) is estimated, on such later date when the amount of the claim (or such portion thereof) becomes finally determined. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period or rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall, subject to the provisions of Article VII , be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such party as contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, without prejudice to its continuing rights to pursue indemnification or contribution hereunder.

(c)     Pursuit of Claims Against Third Parties . If (i) a Party incurs any Liability arising out of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (ii) an adequate legal or equitable remedy is not available for any reason against the other Party to satisfy the Liability incurred by the incurring Party; and (iii) a legal or equitable remedy may be available to the other Party against a Third Party for such Liability, then the other Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the incurring Party, at the incurring Party’s expense, to permit the incurring Party to obtain the benefits of such legal or equitable remedy against such Third Party.

 

43


(d)     Subrogation . In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right, defense or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim or against any other Person. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right, defense or claim.

(e)     Substitution . In the event of an Action for which a Party is entitled to indemnification hereunder and in which the Indemnifying Party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall endeavor to substitute the Indemnifying Party for the named defendant. If such substitution or addition cannot be achieved for any reason or is not requested, the named defendant shall allow the Indemnifying Party to manage the Action as set forth in Section 4.5 and this Section 4.6 , and the Indemnifying Party shall fully indemnify the named defendant against all costs of defending the Action (including court costs, sanctions imposed by a court, attorneys’ fees, experts fees and all other external expenses), the costs of any judgment or settlement and the cost of any interest or penalties relating to any judgment or settlement.

4.7     Right of Contribution .

(a)     Contribution . If any right of indemnification contained in Section 4.2 or 4.3 is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason, or is insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Liability for which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by the Indemnitees (including any costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof) as a result of such Liability (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and the members of its Group, on the one hand, and the Indemnitees entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

(b)     Allocation of Relative Fault . Solely for purposes of determining relative fault pursuant to this Section 4.7 : (i) any fault associated with the business conducted with the Delayed Coal Assets or Delayed Coal Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the Parent Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the Coal Business prior to the Effective Time shall be deemed to be the fault of CoalCo and the other members of the CoalCo Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of Parent or any other member of the Parent Group; (ii) any fault associated with the business conducted with Delayed Parent Assets or Delayed Parent Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the CoalCo Group) shall be deemed to be the fault of Parent and the other members of the Parent Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group; and (iii) any fault associated with the ownership, operation or activities of the Parent Business prior to the Effective Time shall be deemed to be the fault of Parent and the other members of the Parent Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group.

 

44


4.8     Covenant Not to Sue . Each Party hereby covenants and agrees that none of it, the members of its Group or any Person claiming through it or them shall bring suit or otherwise assert any claim against any Indemnitee, or assert a defense against any claim asserted by any Indemnitee, before any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency anywhere in the world, alleging that: (a) the assumption of any Coal Liabilities by CoalCo or a member of the CoalCo Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; (b) the retention of any Parent Liabilities by Parent or a member of the Parent Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason, or (c) the provisions of this Article IV are void or unenforceable for any reason.

4.9     Remedies Cumulative . The remedies provided in this Article IV shall be cumulative and, subject to the provisions of Article VIII , shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

4.10     Survival of Indemnities . The rights and obligations of each of Parent and CoalCo and their respective Indemnitees under this Article IV shall survive (a) the sale or other transfer by either Party or any member of its Group of any assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any liabilities; or (b) any merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of all or substantially all of its Assets, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction involving either Party or any member of its Group.

4.11     Real Property Transfer Documents . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Transfer Documents entered into in connection with the transfer of real property, no warranty or any other provision contained therein shall act to increase either Party’s Liability beyond as set forth in this Agreement. The terms of, and all covenants and agreements contained in, this Agreement, shall survive any execution and delivery of any Ancillary Agreements (including any deeds) and shall not be merged into any such instruments.

ARTICLE V

CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS

5.1     Cooperation With Respect to Insurance Matters . Parent and CoalCo agree to cooperate in good faith to provide for an orderly transition of insurance coverage from the date hereof through the Effective Time. In no event shall any member of the Parent Group or any Parent Indemnitee have Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the CoalCo Group in the event that any insurance policy or other contract or policy of insurance shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the CoalCo Group for any reason whatsoever or shall not be renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date of any such insurance policy or other contract of insurance.

5.2     Access to Insurance Policies .

(a)    From and after the Effective Time, with respect to any actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts, circumstances, losses, damages and Liability which occurred or are alleged to have occurred, or were incurred or claimed to have been incurred by any member of either Group prior to the Effective Time, the other Party will provide the requesting Party with access to, and such requesting Party may, upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the other Party, make claims under, the other Party’s insurance policies in place immediately prior to the Effective Time and the other Party’s historical policies of insurance, but solely to the extent that such policies provided coverage for members of the requesting Party prior to the Effective Time; provided that such access to, and the right to make claims under, such insurance policies, shall be

 

45


subject to the terms and conditions of such insurance policies, including but not limited to any limits on coverage or scope, and any deductibles, self-insured retentions, retrospectively rated insurance plans and other fees, costs and expenses, and shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(i)    The requesting Party shall report any claim to the other Party as promptly as reasonably practicable, and in any event in sufficient time so that such claim may be made in accordance with the policies’ terms and conditions;

(ii)    The requesting Party and the other members of its Group shall be responsible for making payments directly to insurers where possible, and shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the other Party and the members of its Group for any deductibles, self-insured retention, retrospective premium payments, and fees and expenses incurred by any member of such Group to the extent resulting from any access to, or any claims made by the requesting Party or any other members of its Group under, any insurance provided pursuant to this Section 5.2 , including claims previously reported and any indemnity payments, settlements, judgments, legal fees and allocated claims expenses and claim handling fees, whether such claims are made by a member of the requesting Party’s Group, employees or Third Parties; and

(iii)    The requesting Party shall exclusively bear (and no member of the other Party’s Group shall have any obligation to repay or reimburse any member of the such requesting Party’s Group for) and shall be liable for all uninsured, uncovered, unavailable or uncollectible amounts of all such claims made by any member of the requesting Party’s Group under the policies as provided for in this Section 5.2 . In the event an insurance policy aggregate limit is exhausted, or believed likely to be exhausted, due to noticed claims, the requesting Party’s Group, on the one hand, and the other Party’s Group, on the other hand, shall be responsible for their pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium, if any, based upon the losses of such Group submitted to the other Party’s insurance carrier(s) (including any submissions prior to the Effective Time). To the extent that either Group is allocated more than its pro rata portion of such premium due to the timing of losses submitted to the other Party’s insurance carrier(s), the other Party shall promptly pay the first Party an amount so that each Group has been properly allocated its pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium. Subject to the following sentence, the other Party may elect not to reinstate the policy aggregate. In the event that the other Party elects not to reinstate the policy aggregate, it shall provide prompt written notice to the requesting Party, and the requesting Party may direct the other Party in writing to, and the other Party shall, in such case, reinstate the policy aggregate; provided that the requesting Party shall be responsible for all reinstatement premiums and other costs associated with such reinstatement.

(b)    No member of the requesting Party’s Group, in connection with making a claim under any insurance policy of any member of the other Party’s Group pursuant to this Section 5.2 , shall take any action that would be reasonably likely to (i) have an adverse impact on the then-current relationship between any member of the other Party’s Group, on the one hand, and the applicable insurance company, on the other hand; (ii) result in the applicable insurance company terminating or reducing coverage, or increasing the amount of any premium owed by any member of the other Party’s Group under the applicable insurance policy or (iii) otherwise compromise, jeopardize or interfere with the rights of any member of the other Party’s Group under the applicable insurance policy, provided that, for avoidance of doubt that this Section 5.2(b) shall not preclude or otherwise restrict any member of the requesting Party’s Group from reporting claims to insurers in the ordinary course of business.

 

46


(c)    This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any member of the other Party’s Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

(d)    Each Party does hereby, for itself and each other member of the its Group, agree that no member of the other Group shall have any Liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of the members of the other Party’s Group as in effect at any time, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.

5.3     CoalCo Insurance Policies . Except as provided in Section 5.2, from and after the Effective Time, no member of the CoalCo Group shall have any rights to or under any of the insurance policies of any member of the Parent Group. At the Effective Time, the members of the CoalCo Group shall have in effect all insurance programs required to comply with the CoalCo Group’s contractual obligations and such other insurance policies required by Law or as reasonably necessary or appropriate for companies operating a business similar to the Coal Business. Such insurance programs shall include, among other programs: general liability, excess liability, all risk property damage (including equipment breakdown), marine and excess marine liability, commercial automobile liability, workers compensation and employers liability, excess workers compensation and employers liability, excess U.S. longshore and harbor workers, jurisdictional boiler inspection, director and officer, fiduciary liability, special risk coverage, blanket crime, employment practices, excess employment practices and surety.

5.4     Payments and Reimbursements . All payments and reimbursements by the requesting Party pursuant to Section 5.2 will be made within fifteen (15) days after the requesting Party’s receipt of an invoice therefor from the other Party. In the event that the requesting Party makes payments to insurance companies directly, then the requesting Party shall make payments in compliance with the requirements and policies and procedures with respect to insurance payments in effect prior to the Effective Time. If the other Party incurs costs to enforce the requesting Party’s obligations herein, the requesting Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other Party for such enforcement costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees pursuant to Section 4.8 . The other Party shall retain the exclusive right to control its insurance policies and programs, including the right to exhaust, settle, release, commute, buy back or otherwise resolve disputes with respect to any of its insurance policies and programs and to amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs, notwithstanding whether any such policies or programs apply to any Liabilities and/or claims the requesting Party has made or could make in the future. No member of the requesting Party’s Group shall, without the prior consent of the other Party or otherwise as expressly permitted under this Agreement, erode, exhaust, settle, release, commute, buyback or otherwise resolve disputes with such other Party’s insurers with respect to any of such other Party’s insurance policies and programs, or amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs. The requesting Party shall cooperate with the other Party and share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit the other Party to manage and conduct its insurance matters as it deems appropriate. No member of the other Party’s Group shall have any obligation to secure extended reporting for any claims under any Liability policies of any member of such Group for any acts or omissions by any member of the requesting Party’s Group incurred prior to the Effective Time.

 

47


5.5     Directors and Officers Policies . Prior to the Distribution Date, Parent may obtain “tail” directors and officers liability insurance policies having a policy period of six years from and after the Distribution Date with respect to acts or omissions that were committed prior to the Effective Time (“ D&O Tail Program ”). Such D&O Tail Program shall be consistent in all material respects and shall have material terms and conditions no less favorable than those contained in the policies comprising the Parent Directors and Officers liability insurance program in effect prior to the Effective Time (except for policy period, premium and provisions excluding coverage for wrongful acts post-dating the Effective Time). Each of the Parent Group and the CoalCo Group shall be responsible for obtaining its own Directors and Officers liability insurance policy for acts or omissions occurring on or after the Distribution Date.

ARTICLE VI

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1     Agreement for Exchange of Information and Cooperation .

(a)    Subject to Section 6.9 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, each of Parent and CoalCo, on behalf of itself and each member of its respective Group, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or make available, or cause to be provided or made available, to the other Party and the members of such other Party’s Group, at any time before, on or after the Effective Time, as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor, any information and documents or other materials (or a copy thereof) in the possession or under the control of such Party or its Group that the requesting Party or its Group requests to the extent that (i) such information relates to the Coal Business, or any Coal Asset or Coal Liability, if CoalCo is the requesting Party, or to the Parent Business, or any Parent Asset or Parent Liability, if Parent is the requesting Party; (ii) such information is reasonably requested in connection with the requesting Party’s compliance with its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, or under any contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, bond, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, guaranty or undertaking to which it or any member of its Group is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets are bound; or (iii) such information is reasonably requested in connection with the requesting Party’s compliance with any obligation imposed by any Governmental Authority or under any applicable Law or securities exchange rule; provided , however , that, in the event that the Party to whom the request has been made determines that any such provision of information could be commercially detrimental to the Party providing the information, violate any Law or agreement, or waive any privilege available under applicable Law, including any attorney-client privilege, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit compliance with such obligations to the extent and in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence. The Party providing information pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall only be obligated to provide such information in the form, condition and format in which it then exists, and in no event shall such Party be required to perform any improvement, modification, conversion, updating or reformatting of any such information, and nothing in this Section 6.1 shall expand the obligations of a Party under Section 6.4 .

(b)    Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, following the Effective Time and until the first CoalCo fiscal year end occurring after the Effective Time (and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each Party to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the Distribution Date occurs), each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate, and to cause its Representatives to cooperate, with the other Party in its information requests and other reasonable requests to enable (i) the other Party to meet its applicable financial reporting and related

 

48


obligations under applicable Laws and securities exchange rules and timetable for dissemination of its earnings releases, financial statements, periodic reports, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act; (ii) the other Party’s accountants to timely complete their review of the quarterly financial statements and audit of the annual financial statements, including, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditor’s audit of its internal control over financial reporting and management’s assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC’s and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s rules and auditing standards thereunder and any other applicable Laws; and (iii) the other Party to meet its other applicable obligations imposed by any Governmental Authority or under any applicable Law or securities exchange rule.

6.2     Ownership of Information . The provision of any information pursuant to Section 6.1 or 6.7 shall not affect the ownership of such information (which shall be determined solely in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements), or constitute a grant of rights in or to any such information.

6.3     Compensation for Providing Information . A Party requesting information shall reimburse the other Party for any non-de minimis , reasonable costs, if any, of creating, gathering, copying, transporting and otherwise complying with the request with respect to such information (including any reasonable costs and expenses incurred in any review of information for purposes of protecting the Privileged Information of the providing Party or in connection with the restoration of backup media for purposes of providing the requested information). Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties, such costs shall be computed in good faith in accordance with the providing Party’s standard methodology and procedures.

6.4     Record Retention . To facilitate the possible exchange of information pursuant to this Article VI and other provisions of this Agreement after the Effective Time, each Party agrees to use reasonable best efforts, which shall be no less rigorous than those used for retention of such Party’s own information, to retain (and not destroy) all information in its possession or control at the Effective Time in accordance with the policies of Parent as in effect at the Effective Time or such other policies as may be adopted by Parent after the Effective Time ( provided that Parent notifies CoalCo in writing of any such change); provided , however , that in the case of any information relating to Taxes, employee benefits or Environmental Liabilities, such retention period shall be extended to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (giving effect to any extensions thereof). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tax Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern the retention of Tax-related records and the exchange of Tax-related information, and the Employee Matters Agreement shall exclusively govern the retention of employment and benefits related records.

6.5     Limitations of Liability . Neither Party shall have any Liability to the other Party in the event that any information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Agreement is found to be inaccurate in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by the Party providing such information. Neither Party shall have any Liability to any other Party if any information is destroyed after commercially reasonable efforts by such Party to comply with the provisions of Section 6.4 .

 

49


6.6     Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information .

(a)    The rights and obligations granted under this Article VI are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange, retention or confidential treatment of information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement.

(b)    Any party that receives, pursuant to a request for information in accordance with this Article VI , Tangible Information that is not relevant to its request shall, at the request of the providing Party, (i) return it to the providing Party or destroy it, at the providing Party’s election; and (ii) deliver to the providing Party a written confirmation that such Tangible Information was returned or destroyed, as the case may be, which confirmation shall be signed by an authorized representative of the requesting Party.

6.7     Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation .

(a)    After the Effective Time, except in the case of an adversarial Action or Dispute between Parent and CoalCo, or any members of their respective Groups, each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available without unreasonable burden, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any Action in which the requesting Party (or member of its Group) may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such Action is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses in connection therewith.

(b)    If an Indemnifying Party elects to defend or to seek to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, the other Party shall make available to such Indemnifying Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available without unreasonable burden, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense or any related settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be, and shall otherwise cooperate in such defense or any related settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be.

(c)    Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall cooperate and consult to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.

(d)    Without limiting any provision of this Section 6.7 , each Party agrees to cooperate, and to cause the members of its Group to cooperate, with the other Party and the members of its Group in the defense of any infringement or similar claim with respect to any Intellectual Property, and each Party agrees not to, and not to permit any member of its respective Group to, claim to acknowledge, the validity or infringing use of any Intellectual Property of a Third Parties in a manner that would hamper or undermine the defense of such infringement or similar claim.

 

50


(e)    The obligation of the Parties to provide witnesses pursuant to this Section 6.7 is intended to be interpreted in a manner so as to facilitate cooperation and shall include the obligation to provide as witnesses directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents without regard to whether such person could assert a possible business conflict (subject to the exception set forth in the first sentence of Section 6.7(a) ).

6.8     Privileged Matters .

(a)    The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Effective Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the Parent Group and the CoalCo Group, and that each of the members of the Parent Group and the CoalCo Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such services for the purposes of asserting all privileges and immunities that may be asserted under applicable Law in connection therewith. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Effective Time, which services shall be rendered solely for the benefit of the Parent Group or the CoalCo Group, as the case may be. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Party shall authorize the delivery to and/or retention by the other Party of materials existing as of the Effective Time that are necessary for such other Party to perform such services.

(b)    The Parties agree as follows:

(i)    Parent shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Parent Business and not to the Coal Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Parent Group or any member of the CoalCo Group. Parent shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Parent Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Parent Group or any member of the CoalCo Group.

(ii)    CoalCo shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Coal Business and not to the Parent Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the CoalCo Group or any member of the Parent Group. CoalCo shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Coal Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the CoalCo Group or any member of the Parent Group.

(iii)    If the Parties do not agree as to whether certain information is Privileged Information, then such information shall be treated as Privileged Information, and the Party that believes that such information is Privileged Information shall be entitled to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any such information until such time as it is finally judicially determined that such information is not Privileged Information or unless the Parties otherwise agree. The Parties shall use the procedures set forth in Article VII to resolve any disputes as to whether any information relates solely to the Parent Business, solely to the Coal Business, or to both the Parent Business and the Coal Business.

 

51


(c)    Subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 6.8 , the Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege or immunity with respect to all privileges and immunities not allocated pursuant to Section 6.8(b) and all privileges and immunities relating to any Actions or other matters that involve both Parties (or one or more members of their respective Groups) and in respect of which both Parties have Liabilities under this Agreement, and that no such shared privilege or immunity may be waived by either Party without the consent of the other Party.

(d)    If any dispute arises between the Parties or any members of their respective Groups regarding whether a privilege or immunity should be waived to protect or advance the interests of either Party and/or any member of its Group, each Party agrees that it shall (i) negotiate with the other Party in good faith; (ii) endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party; and (iii) not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Party. In addition, each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold its consent to the waiver of a privilege or immunity for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests.

(e)    In the event of any adversarial Action between Parent and CoalCo, or any members of their respective Groups, either Party may waive a privilege in which the other Party or member of such other Party’s Group has a shared privilege, without obtaining consent pursuant to Section 6.8(c ); provided that such waiver of a shared privilege shall be effective only as to the use of information with respect to the Action between the Parties and/or the applicable members of their respective Groups, and shall not operate as a waiver of the shared privilege with respect to any Third Party.

(f)    Upon receipt by either Party, or by any member of its Group, of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Privileged Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which the other Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if either Party obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of its respective Group’s, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees has received any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to such other Party no later than five (5) business days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review the Privileged Information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 6.8 or otherwise to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.

(g)    Any furnishing of, or access or transfer of, any information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of Parent and CoalCo set forth in this Section 6.8 and in Section 6.9 to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges and immunities. The Parties agree that (i) their respective rights to any access to information, witnesses and other Persons, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts between the Parties contemplated by this Agreement, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and members of their respective Groups pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege or immunity that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise, and (ii) in the event of any exchange by one Party to the other Party of any Privileged Information that should not have been

 

52


transferred pursuant to the terms of this Article VI , the Party receiving such Privileged Information shall promptly return such Privileged Information to and at the request of the Party that has the right to assert the privilege or immunity.

(h)    In connection with any matter contemplated by Section 6.7 or this Section 6.8 , the Parties agree to, and to cause the applicable members of their Group to, use reasonable efforts to maintain their respective separate and joint privileges and immunities, including by executing joint defense and/or common interest agreements to implement and/or supersede the provisions of Section 6.7 or this Section 6.8 where necessary or useful for this purpose.

6.9     Confidentiality .

(a)     Confidentiality . Subject to Section 6.10 and, and without prejudice to any longer period that may be provided for in any of the Ancillary Agreements, from and after the Effective Time until the five-year anniversary of the Effective Time, each of Parent and CoalCo, on behalf of itself and each member of its Group, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to Parent’s confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Time, all confidential and proprietary information concerning the other Party or any member of the other Party’s Group or their respective businesses that is either in its possession (including confidential and proprietary information in its possession prior to the date hereof) or furnished by any such other Party or any member of such other Party’s Group or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise, and shall not use such confidential and proprietary information other than for such purposes as shall be expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, except, in each case, to the extent that such confidential and proprietary information has been (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any member of such Party’s Group or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) which sources are not themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential and proprietary information, or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of any proprietary or confidential information of such other Party or any member of such other Party’s Group. If any confidential and proprietary information of one Party or any member of its Group is disclosed to the other Party or any member of such other Party’s Group in connection with providing services to such first Party or any member of its Group under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then such disclosed confidential and proprietary information shall be used only as required to perform such services.

(b)     No Release; Return or Destruction . Each Party agrees not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any information addressed in Section 6.9(a) to any other Person, except its Representatives who need to know such information in their capacities as such (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such information), and except in compliance with Section 6.10 . Without limiting the foregoing, when any such information is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and is no longer subject to any legal hold or other document preservation obligation, each Party shall promptly, at the request of the other Party, either return to the other Party all such information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or notify the other Party in writing that it has destroyed such information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided , that the Parties and its Representatives may retain electronic back-up versions of such information

 

53


maintained on routine computer system backup tapes, disks or other backup storage devices or as otherwise (and to the extent) required by applicable Law; provided further , that any such information so retained shall remain subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

(c)     Third-Party Information; Privacy or Data Protection Laws . Each Party acknowledges that it and the members of its Group may presently have and, following the Effective Time, may gain access to or possession of confidential or proprietary information of, or legally-protected personal information relating to, Third Parties (i) that was received under privacy policies and/or confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements entered into between such Third Parties, on the one hand, and the other Party or members of such other Party’s Group, on the other hand, prior to the Effective Time; or (ii) that, as between the two Parties, was originally collected by the other Party or members of such other Party’s Group and that may be subject to and protected by privacy policies, as well as privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws. Each Party agrees that it shall hold, protect and use, and shall cause the members of its Group and its and their respective Representatives to hold, protect and use, in strict confidence the confidential and proprietary information of, or legally-protected personal information relating to, Third Parties in accordance with privacy policies and privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws and the terms of any agreements that were either entered into before the Effective Time or affirmative commitments or representations that were made before the Effective Time by, between or among the other Party or members of the other Party’s Group, on the one hand, and such Third Parties, on the other hand.

(d)     Residual Information . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each Party and the members of such Party’s Group shall be free to use for any purpose the Residual Information resulting from access Representatives of such Party or the members of its Group have had to confidential and proprietary information concerning the other Party or any member of the other Party’s Group. The Parties acknowledge and understand that the foregoing does not constitute a license under any Intellectual Property.

6.10     Protective Arrangements . In the event that a Party or any member of its Group either determines on the advice of its counsel that it is required to disclose any information pursuant to applicable Law or receives any request or demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide information of the other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, such Party shall notify the other Party (to the extent legally permitted) as promptly as practicable under the circumstances prior to disclosing or providing such information and shall cooperate, at the expense of the other Party, in seeking any appropriate protective order requested by the other Party. In the event that such other Party fails to receive such appropriate protective order in a timely manner and the Party receiving the request or demand reasonably determines that its failure to disclose or provide such information shall actually prejudice the Party receiving the request or demand, then the Party that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by its counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority, and the disclosing Party shall promptly provide the other Party with a copy of the information so disclosed, in the same form and format so disclosed, together with a list of all Persons to whom such information was disclosed, in each case to the extent legally permitted.

 

54


ARTICLE VII

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

7.1     Good-Faith Officer Negotiation . Subject to Section 7.3 and except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, either Party seeking resolution of any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (including regarding whether any Assets are Coal Assets, any Liabilities are Coal Liabilities or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement) (a “ Dispute ”), shall provide written notice thereof to the other Party (the “ Initial Notice ”), and within thirty (30) days of the delivery of the Initial Notice, the Parties shall attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the Dispute. The negotiations shall be conducted by executives who hold, at a minimum, the title of vice president and who have authority to settle the Dispute. All such negotiations shall be confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of evidence. If the Parties are unable for any reason to resolve a Dispute within thirty (30) days after the delivery of such notice or if a Party reasonably concludes that the other Party is not willing to negotiate as contemplated by this Section 7.1 , the Dispute shall be submitted to mediation in accordance with Section 7.2 .

7.2     Mediation . If the Parties are unable to resolve any Dispute pursuant to Section 7.1 , then no earlier than 10 days nor more than 60 days following written notice to the other Parties, any Party may initiate mandatory, non-binding mediation hereunder by giving a notice of mediation (a “ Mediation Notice ”) to the other Parties to the dispute or claim. In connection with any mediation pursuant to this Section 7.2 , the mediator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties to the dispute or claim and the mediation shall be conducted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the dispute or claim. All costs and expenses of the mediator appointed pursuant to this Section 7.2 shall be shared equally by the Parties to the dispute or claim. The then-current Model ADR Procedures for Mediation of Business Disputes of the Center for Public Resources, Inc., either as written or as modified by mutual agreement of the Parties to the dispute or claim, shall govern any mediation pursuant to this Section 7.2 . In the mediation, each Party to the dispute or claim shall be represented by one or more senior representatives who shall have authority to resolve any disputes. If a dispute or claim has not been resolved within 30 days after the receipt of the Mediation Notice by a Party, then any Party to the dispute or claim may refer the resolution of the dispute or claim to litigation in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.3     Injunctive Relief; Litigation . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article VII , (a) a Party may seek preliminary provisional or injunctive judicial relief with respect to a Dispute without first complying with the procedures set forth in Sections 7.1 , or 7.2 if such action is reasonably necessary to avoid irreparable damage and (b) each Party agrees that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether in tort or contract or at law or in equity, in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.2(b) .

7.4     Conduct During Dispute Resolution Process . Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall, and shall cause the respective members of their Groups to, continue to honor all commitments under this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to the extent required by such agreements during the course of dispute resolution pursuant to the provisions of this Article VII unless such commitments are the specific subject of the Dispute at issue.

 

55


ARTICLE VIII

FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

8.1     Further Assurances .

(a)    In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the Parties shall use its reasonable best efforts, prior to, on and after the Effective Time, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(b)    Without limiting the foregoing, prior to, on and after the Effective Time, each Party shall cooperate with the other Party, and without any further consideration, but at the expense of the requesting Party, to execute and deliver, or use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Approvals or Notifications of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by the other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transfers of the Coal Assets and the Parent Assets and the assignment and assumption of the Coal Liabilities and the Parent Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall, at the reasonable request, cost and expense of the other Party, take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in such other Party good and marketable title to the Assets allocated to such Party under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, free and clear of any Security Interest, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so.

(c)    On or prior to the Effective Time, Parent and CoalCo in their respective capacities as direct and indirect stockholders of the members of their Groups, shall each ratify any actions that are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by Parent, CoalCo or any of the members of their respective Groups, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(d)    Parent and CoalCo, and each of the members of their respective Groups, waive (and agree not to assert against any of the others) any claim or demand that any of them may have against any of the others for any Liabilities or other claims relating to or arising out of: (i) the failure of CoalCo or any other member of the CoalCo Group, on the one hand, or of Parent or any other member of the Parent Group, on the other hand, to provide any notification or disclosure required under any state Environmental Law in connection with the Separation or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the transfer by any member of any Group to any member of the other Group of ownership or operational control of any Assets not previously owned or operated by such transferee; or (ii) any inadequate, incorrect or incomplete notification or disclosure under any such state Environmental Law by the applicable transferor. To the extent any Liability to any Governmental Authority or any Third Party arises out of any action or inaction described in clause (i) or (ii) of the preceding sentence, the transferee of the applicable Asset hereby assumes and agrees to pay any such Liability.

 

56


(e)    To the extent required and permitted by applicable law, this Agreement shall also constitute a “deed,” “bill of sale,” or “assignment” of the Assets and Liabilities referenced herein.

8.2     Non-Solicitation; No Hire; Non-Compete; Options .

(a)    From the Effective Time until the date that is 18 months after the Effective Time, each Party shall not, and shall cause the members of its Group not to, without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent may be withheld for any reason), directly or indirectly, (i) hire or solicit for employment any employee of such other Party or (ii) induce or encourage any such employee to no longer be employed by such other Party; provided , however , that nothing in this Section shall prohibit a Party or the members of its Group from (A) engaging in general solicitations to the public or general advertising not targeted at employees of the other Party, (B) soliciting or hiring any employee whose employment has been terminated by the other Party following the Effective Time or (C) soliciting or hiring any employee whose employment with the other Party has been terminated by the employee following the Effective Time (but only after at least ninety (90) days have passed since the date of termination of employment).

(b)    From the Effective Time until the date that is 30 months after the Effective Time, each Party shall not, and shall cause the members of its Group not to, without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent may be withheld for any reason), directly or indirectly, (i) engage in a Competing Business anywhere in the Restricted Territory, (ii) own any equity interest, or operate, control or participate (including as a joint venture partner, agent, representative, consultant or lender) in any Person that engages directly or indirectly in a Competing Business in the Restricted Territory (subject to any such relationship existing on the date of this Agreement); provided , however , that this Section 8.2(b) shall not apply to Leatherwood, LLC as long as Leatherwood, LLC’s operations remain substantially similar to its operations as of the Effective Date, with the primary purpose of such operations being the acquisition and maintenance of shallow oil and gas (including coalbed methane) wells for the ultimate purpose of plugging such wells for mine through.

(c)    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the prohibitions in Section 8.2 shall not apply to:

(i)    any acquisition (whether through the acquisition of assets, securities or other ownership interests or a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction) by a Party or any member of its Group of all or any part of a business or Person that is engaged in a Competing Business where the revenues of the acquired Competing Business represent no more than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate consolidated revenues of such acquired business or Person, as applicable, for such business’s or Person’s most recently completed fiscal year; or

(ii)    the ownership by a Party or any member of its Group, directly or indirectly, of less than five percent (5%) of any class of the securities of any Person traded on a national or international securities exchange;

(d)    In the event that a Party or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and other assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, such Party shall cause proper provision to be made so that such successor or assign shall expressly assume the obligations set forth in this Section.

 

57


(e)    Each Party acknowledges that (i) the covenants set forth in this Section 8.2 are an essential element of this Agreement and that, but for these covenants, the Parties would not have entered into this Agreement, and (ii) this Section 8.2 constitutes an independent covenant and shall not be affected by performance or nonperformance of any other provision of this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any other document contemplated by this Agreement.

(f)    It is the intention of the Parties that if any restriction or covenant contained in this Section 8.2 is held to cover a geographic area or to be for a length of time which is not permitted by applicable Law, or in any way construed to be too broad or to any extent invalid, such restriction or covenant shall not be construed to be null, void and of no effect, but to the extent such restriction or covenant would be valid or enforceable under applicable Law, a court of competent jurisdiction shall construe and interpret or reform this Section 8.2 to provide for a covenant having the maximum enforceable geographic area, time period and other provisions (not greater than those contained in this Section 8.2 ) that would be valid and enforceable under such applicable Law.

(g)    Subject to, or to the extent restricted or limited by, or to the extent not prohibited by existing permits or agreements, the CoalCo Group members grant to Parent the sole, exclusive, and irrevocable right and option (“ Parent Option ”) to purchase and acquire, or cause a member of the Parent Group to purchase and acquire, any and all oil and gas interests and all associated rights to produce, that are purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired or controlled by any such CoalCo Group member via an express grant thereof within the 30 month period after the Effective Date in the Restricted Territory; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Parent Option set forth herein does not give Parent (or member of Parent Group) any rights to purchase and acquire coalbed methane contained in any coal seam. Subject to, or to the extent not restricted by or limited to, or to the extent not prohibited by existing permits or agreements, the Parent Group members grant to CoalCo the sole, exclusive, and irrevocable right and option (“ CoalCo Option ,” and together with the Parent Option, the “ Options ”) to purchase and acquire, or to cause a member of the CoalCo Group to purchase and acquire, any and all coal interests (excluding coalbed methane), and all associated mining rights, that are purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired or controlled by any such Parent Group member via an express grant thereof within the 30 month period after the Effective Date in the Restricted Territory. The CoalCo Group members (or any of them, as applicable), with respect to the Parent Option, and the Parent Group members (or any of them, as applicable), with respect to the CoalCo Option, shall be referred to herein as the “ Optionor ,” and Parent, with respect to the Parent Option, and CoalCo, with respect to the CoalCo Option, shall be referred to as the “ Optionee .” The applicable Optionor shall provide written notice to the applicable Optionee not more than thirty (30) Business Days after such Optionor’s purchase, lease, or other acquisition of any interest subject to the relevant Option (each, an “ Option Notice ”), and, at such Optionee’s written election delivered to the applicable Optionor within thirty (30) Business Days after the Optionee’s receipt of such Option Notice, the relevant Optionor and Optionee, or Optionee’s designee, shall enter into an agreement for the purchase of such covered interests in a mutually agreeable form. The purchase price to be paid to the relevant Optionor shall be determined by a good faith allocation of the consideration paid by the pertinent Optionor(s) for each of the estates purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired as part of the same transaction, and the amount of consideration allocated to the interests that are subject to the relevant Option shall be the purchase price; provided , however , that if no consideration is paid, a good faith estimate of fair market value shall be utilized in the allocation; provided further , that to the extent the interests that are subject to the relevant Option are not freely conveyable, assignable, or transferrable, the applicable Optionor shall promptly offer to provide

 

58


the beneficial ownership of such interests to the Optionee or its designee, and the Optionor and Optionee, or its designee, agree to attempt to negotiate in good faith a mutually acceptable means by which the Optionee, or its designee, will reimburse the applicable Optionor for not more than such Optionor’s fair share of the costs associated with obtaining such interests. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parent Option shall not apply to any interests purchased, leased or otherwise acquired or controlled by any CoalCo Group member after the thirtieth (30th) month following the Effective Date and shall expire and be of no further force and effect sixty (60) Business Days after such thirty (30) month period, and the CoalCo Option shall not apply to any interests purchased, leased or otherwise acquired or controlled by any Parent Group member after the thirtieth (30th) month following the Effective Date and shall expire and be of no further force and effect sixty (60) Business Days after such thirty (30) month period. This Parent Option is personal to Parent and may not be assigned by Parent, and this CoalCo Option is personal to CoalCo and may not be assigned by CoalCo, except to the extent that Parent and CoalCo may designate a designee to take title to interests acquired pursuant to the Options.

8.3     Late Payments . Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (and any amounts billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that are not paid within thirty (30) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to Prime Rate plus two (2%) percent, compounded semiannually, from such due date to the date paid.

8.4     Inducement . Each of CoalCo and Parent acknowledges and agrees that the other’s willingness to cause, effect and consummate the Separation and the Distribution has been conditioned upon and induced by its covenants and agreements in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including its assumption and/or retention of the Coal Liabilities or the Parent Liabilities, as applicable, pursuant to the Separation and the provisions of this Agreement and its covenants and agreements contained in Article IV .

8.5     Post-Effective Time Conduct . The Parties acknowledge that, after the Effective Time, each Party shall be independent of the other Party, with responsibility for its own actions and inactions and its own Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the conduct of its business, operations and activities following the Effective Time, except as may otherwise be provided in any Ancillary Agreement, and each Party shall (except as otherwise provided in Article IV ) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent such Liabilities from being inappropriately borne by the other Party.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

9.1     Termination . This Agreement and all Ancillary Agreements (except as otherwise provided therein), may be terminated and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by Parent, in its sole and absolute discretion, without the approval or consent of any other Person, including CoalCo or Parent’s stockholders. After the Effective Time, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of each of the Parties.

9.2     Effect of Termination . In the event of any termination of this Agreement prior to the Effective Time, no Party (nor any of its directors, officers or employees) shall have any Liability or further obligation to the other Party by reason of this Agreement.

 

59


ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

10.1     Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power .

(a)    This Agreement and (except as otherwise provided therein) all Ancillary Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties hereto or the parties thereto, respectively, and delivered to the other Party hereto or parties thereto, respectively or when otherwise deemed effective as provided therein.

(b)    This Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the Exhibits, Schedules and appendices hereto and thereto contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter, and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements together govern the arrangements in connection with the Separation and Distribution and would not have been entered into independently.

(c)    Parent represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Parent Group, and CoalCo represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the CoalCo Group, as follows:

(i)    each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and

(ii)    this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

(d)    Each Party acknowledges that it and each other Party is executing certain of the Ancillary Agreements by facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature, and that delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (whether executed by manual, stamp or mechanical signature) by facsimile or by e-mail in portable document format (PDF) shall be effective as delivery of such executed counterpart of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement. Each Party expressly adopts and confirms each such facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature (regardless of whether delivered in person, by mail, by courier, by facsimile or by e-mail in portable document format (PDF)) made in its respective name as if it were a manual signature delivered in person, agrees that it shall not assert that any such signature or delivery is not adequate to bind such Party to the same extent as if it were signed manually and delivered in person and agrees that, at the reasonable request of the other Party at any time, it shall as promptly as reasonably practicable cause each such Ancillary Agreement to be manually executed (any such execution to be as of the date of the initial date thereof) and delivered in person, by mail or by courier.

 

60


10.2     Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .

(a)    This Agreement and, unless expressly provided therein, each Ancillary Agreement (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or thereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.

(b)    Subject to the provisions of Article VII , each of the Parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if (and only if) such court finds it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in Delaware, and appellate courts thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement for recognition or enforcement of any judgment relating hereto, and each of the Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees not to commence any such action or proceeding except in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if (and only if) such court finds it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in Delaware, and appellate courts thereof, (ii) agrees that any claim in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if (and only if) such court finds it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in Delaware, and appellate courts thereof, (iii) waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in such courts and (iv) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in such courts.

(c)    EACH PARTY UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT.

10.3     Assignability . Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and the parties thereto, respectively, and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided , however , that neither Party nor any such party thereto may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other Party hereto or other parties thereto, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such consent shall be required for the assignment of a Party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and under all Ancillary Agreements (unless and except to the extent specifically provided for in such Ancillary Agreement) in whole (i.e., the assignment of a party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and all Ancillary Agreements all at the same time) in connection with a change of control of a Party so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Person assumes all the obligations of the relevant party thereto by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party. Nothing herein is intended to, or shall be construed to, prohibit either Party or any member of its Group from being party to or undertaking a change of control.

10.4     Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except for any Parent Indemnitee or CoalCo Indemnitee (in their respective capacities as such) expressly entitled to indemnification rights under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (a) the provisions of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement are solely

 

61


for the benefit of the Parties hereto and parties thereto, respectively, and are not intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies hereunder, and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall provide any Third Party with any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

10.5     Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent, applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service or by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, return receipt requested, by facsimile or electronic transmission with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service or by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.5 ):

If to Parent, to:

CONSOL Energy Inc.

Attention: Chief Legal Officer

Facsimile: [    ]

If to CoalCo, to:

CONSOL Mining Corporation

Attn: Chief Legal Officer

Facsimile: [    ]

A Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address to which such notices are to be given.

10.6     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

10.7     Force Majeure . No Party shall be deemed in default of this Agreement or, unless otherwise expressly provided therein, any Ancillary Agreement for any delay or failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) hereunder or thereunder so long as and to the extent to which any delay or failure in the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance of such obligations (other than a payment obligation) shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay unless this Agreement has previously been terminated under Article IX . A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event, (a) provide written notice to the other Party of the nature and extent of any

 

62


such Force Majeure condition; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, as soon as reasonably practicable.

10.8     No Set-Off . Except as expressly set forth in any Ancillary Agreement or as otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, neither Party nor any member of such Party’s Group shall have any right of set-off or other similar rights with respect to (a) any amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; or (b) any other amounts claimed to be owed to the other Party or any member of its Group arising out of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

10.9     Publicity . Prior to the Effective Time, each of CoalCo and Parent shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise making public statements with respect to the Separation, the Distribution or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby or under any Ancillary Agreement and prior to making any filings with any Governmental Authority with respect thereto, and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as may be required by applicable Law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange or national securities quotation system, or except as in the common course of placing transfer documents and other instruments of record in the applicable county or state real property records systems.

10.10     Expenses . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement (including Section 2.16(b) ) or any Ancillary Agreement, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties, all fees, costs and expenses incurred (a) on or prior to the Effective Time in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and implementation of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, the Separation, the Distribution, the Form 10 and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including third party fees and expenses incurred on a non-recurring basis as a result of such transactions) and (b) after the Effective Time, in each case, shall be borne by the Party or its applicable Subsidiary incurring such fees, costs or expenses; provided , that the costs and expenses set forth on Schedule 10.10 shall be allocated between the Parties as set forth therein.

10.11     Headings . The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

10.12     Survival of Covenants . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement, and Liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein, shall survive the Separation and the Distribution and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

10.13     Waivers of Default . Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement must be in writing and shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

10.14     Specific Performance . Subject to the provisions of Article VII , in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party hereto or parties thereto, respectively, who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of their respective rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, as applicable, in addition to

 

63


any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.

10.15     Amendments . No provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it is sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification.

10.16     Interpretation . In this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement (or such Ancillary Agreement); (c) Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) unless otherwise specified; (d) unless otherwise stated, all references to any agreement (including this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement) shall be deemed to include the exhibits, schedules and annexes to such agreement (including all Schedules, Exhibits and Appendixes); (e) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified; (f) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (g) unless otherwise specified in a particular case, the word “days” refers to calendar days; (h) references to “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or required by law to close in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania or New York, New York; (i) references herein to this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement or such other agreement as of the date on which it is executed and as it may be amended, modified or supplemented thereafter, unless otherwise specified; (j) the word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if” ; and (k) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement,” “hereby” and “hereupon” and words of similar import shall all be references to the date set forth on the cover page of this Agreement.

10.17     Limitations of Liability . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither CoalCo or any member of the CoalCo Group, on the one hand, nor Parent or any member of the Parent Group, on the other hand, shall be liable under this Agreement to the other for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, exemplary, remote, speculative or similar damages in excess of compensatory damages of the other (including lost profits or lost revenues) arising in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (other than any such Liability to the extent awarded to a Third Party with respect to a Third-Party Claim).

10.18     Performance . Parent shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the Parent Group. CoalCo shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the CoalCo Group. Each Party (including its permitted successors and assigns) further agrees that it shall (a) give timely notice of the terms, conditions and continuing obligations contained in this Agreement and any applicable Ancillary Agreement to all of the other members of its Group and (b) cause all of the other members of its Group not to take any action or fail to take any such action inconsistent with such Party’s obligations under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

64


10.19     Mutual Drafting . This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall be deemed to be the joint work product of the Parties and any rule of construction that a document shall be interpreted or construed against a drafter of such document shall not be applicable.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

65


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Separation and Distribution Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
CONSOL MINING CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to Separation and Distribution Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CoalCo

[see attached]


EXHIBIT B

Amended and Restated Bylaws of CoalCo

[see attached]

Exhibit 10.1

FORM OF

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of [DATE] by and among CONSOL Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), and CONSOL Mining Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ CoalCo ” and, together with Parent, the “ Parties ” and each a “ Party ”).

RECITALS

A.    The Parties have entered into that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement dated [                ] (the “ Separation Agreement ”), pursuant to which one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding common stock of CoalCo will be distributed to the stockholders of Parent and CoalCo will become a separate public company, all as more fully described therein.

B.    In order to ensure an orderly transition of the Coal Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement) to CoalCo and as a condition to consummating the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, CoalCo has requested to receive from Parent certain services and Parent has requested to receive from CoalCo certain services, in each case, on a transitional basis and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1     Definitions . Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Separation Agreement. In the case of capitalized terms defined herein by definitions inconsistent with the definitions ascribed to such terms in the Separation Agreement, the definitions provided herein shall be regarded as controlling for the purposes of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SERVICES

Section 2.1     Description of Initial Services . On the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (i) Parent shall provide to CoalCo, or cause to be provided to CoalCo, the initial transition services set forth on Exhibit A and (ii) CoalCo shall provide to Parent, or cause to be provided to Parent, the initial transition services set forth on Exhibit B (the services designated therein, as adjusted in accordance with this Agreement, collectively, the “ Transition Services ”), in each case, subject to the completion of the Distribution and following the Closing. The Party


providing a Transition Service under this Agreement is referred to herein as the “ Service Provider ” and the Party receiving such a Transition Service is referred to herein as the “ Recipient .”

Section 2.2     Omitted, Additional or Modified Services .

(a)    If during the 30 day period following Closing, either Parent or CoalCo reasonably determines that services that have previously been provided by a Service Provider to a Recipient which are necessary to effect an orderly transition of the separation of the Coal Business from other operations of Parent and its Affiliates (each such service an “ Omitted Service ”) have been omitted from the initial Transition Services listed on Exhibit A and Exhibit B , then the applicable Service Provider will be obligated to provide any Omitted Service and the Parties hereto will negotiate in good faith an amendment to Exhibit A or Exhibit B , as applicable, setting forth the Omitted Service and the terms and conditions for the provision of such Omitted Service.

(b)    During the 30 day period following Closing, a Recipient may also identify services in addition to the Omitted Services, which services are of the type previously provided by a Service Provider to a Recipient and that are necessary to conduct the Coal Business or Parent Business, as applicable, in substantially the same manner as conducted prior to Closing (each such service an “ Additional Service ”). Similarly, during the 30 day period following Closing, a Recipient may request modifications to any Transition Services currently being provided (a “ Modified Service ”). Upon receipt by the Service Provider of written notice from the Recipient requesting Additional Services or Modified Services during the applicable time period set forth above, the Parties hereto will negotiate in good faith an amendment to Exhibit A or Exhibit B , as applicable, setting forth the Additional Service or Modified Service and the terms and conditions for the provision of such Additional Service or Modified Service.

(c)    If, during the Term, the Recipient anticipates needing any of the Transition Services beyond the original term of such service, the Recipient may notify the Service Provider of such anticipated need and the Parties shall negotiate an extension to provide such services, provided that, no such extension may extend beyond 30 days of the original term for such service.

Section 2.3     Third Party Services . The Parties have set forth on Exhibit A or Exhibit B their expectations as to any initial Transition Services to be provided by a Person that is neither a Party nor an Affiliate or employee of any Party or its Affiliates (a “ Third Party ”) (it being understood that the absence of a Transition Service to be designated as a Transition Service to be provided by a Third Party on Exhibit A or Exhibit B shall not preclude the Service Provider from using a Third Party to provide such Transition Service). The Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts, at the Recipient’s sole cost and expense, to cause such Third Party to provide such Transition Services to Recipient. In addition, one or more Third Parties may provide Omitted Services, Additional Services or Modified Services to a Recipient. If any such Third Party is unable or unwilling to provide any such Transition Services, the Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such Transition Services in an

 

2


alternative manner that is reasonably acceptable to the Recipient. A Recipient shall have the right to pre-approve any Third Party to the extent that such Third Party is not providing services to any Party prior to the date of this Agreement. If the Service Provider intends to engage a Third Party that would be subject to the pre-approval right set forth in the immediately preceding sentence to provide one or more Transition Services, the Service Provider shall provide advance notice to the Recipient, and the Recipient shall promptly notify the Service Provider whether the Recipient consents to such engagement (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Service Provider will advise any Third Party of its obligations to comply with the confidentiality provisions in Article VI and use reasonable efforts to include similar confidentiality obligations in any agreement with such Third Party.

Section 2.4     Consents; Resources . A Service Provider shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts, at the Recipient’s sole cost and expense, to obtain all consents, approvals or authorizations (i) for any software or other Intellectual Property necessary to enable the Service Provider, its designee or a Third Party to perform the Transition Services in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) necessary to allow the Service Provider to provide the Transition Services and to allow the Recipient to access and use the Transition Services. Unless otherwise expressly agreed under the terms of a Transition Schedule as set forth in Exhibit A or Exhibit B , as applicable, or otherwise agreed to by the Parties in writing, in providing the Transition Services, neither the Service Provider, nor any of its Affiliates, shall be obligated to: (i) expend funds and other resources beyond levels that would be customary and commercially reasonable for any similar service provider (all such expenses to be reimbursed by the Recipient in accordance with this Agreement); (ii) maintain the employment of any specific employee or subcontractor; (iii) purchase, lease or license any additional equipment or materials; or (iv) pay any of the Recipient’s costs related to its receipt of such Transition Services.

Section 2.5     Standard of Services . Each Service Provider shall provide, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any relevant Third Party to provide, the Transition Services in a manner and to the extent that is substantially similar in scope, nature, quality and timeliness to the services provided to (or with respect to) the Coal Business or Parent Business, as applicable, prior to the Closing Date, provided that, in any case, the Transition Services shall be provided (i) in a professional and workmanlike manner with the same degree of care, skill, and prudence that the Service Provider would exercise when performing such services on its own behalf and (ii) in compliance with all applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the Service Provider nor any of its Affiliates will be responsible for the quality of any services provided by a Third Party or the non-compliance with Laws by such Third Party. In the event that a Third Party providing Transition Services on behalf of a Service Provider breaches or fails to perform under any agreement a Service Provider or any of its Affiliates has with such Third Party and such breach or non-performance has a material adverse impact on the Recipient, Service Provider will use commercially reasonable efforts, at the Recipient’s sole cost and expense, to enforce any claims the Service Provider (or its Affiliate) has against such Third Party for such breach or non-performance in the same manner with which the Service Provider would seek to enforce such claim in respect of a breach adversely affecting the Service Provider (or its Affiliate) and Service Provider will pay to Recipient from the

 

3


damages or other amounts that Service Provider or its Affiliates, as the case may be, recoup from such Third Party with respect to such breach or non-performance an amount equal to the losses suffered by Recipient as a result of such breach or non-performance.

Section 2.6     Provision of Services

(a)     Employment and Supervision . Except for reimbursement of employee costs by the Recipient as set forth herein, the Service Provider shall have the sole responsibility to employ, pay, supervise, direct and discharge all of its employees used in the provision of Transition Services hereunder. Except for reimbursement of employee costs by the Recipient as set forth herein, the Service Provider shall be solely responsible for the payment of all employee benefits and any other direct and indirect compensation for any of such Service Provider’s employees assigned to perform services under this Agreement, as well as such personnel’s worker’s compensation insurance, employment taxes, and other employer liabilities relating to such personnel as required by Law.

(b)     Independence . The Service Provider shall be an independent contractor in connection with the performance of Transition Services hereunder for any and all purposes (including federal or state Tax purposes), and the employees performing Transition Services in connection herewith shall not be deemed to be employees or agents of the Recipient or any of its Affiliates and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to create a joint venture or partnership.

(c)     Coordination . The Recipient shall provide the Service Provider with any and all information on a timely basis as is reasonably necessary and requested by the Service Provider to enable the performance by the Service Provider (or any Third Party) of the Transition Services. In the event of a conflict in scheduling of available employees, contractors or other resources by the Service Provider between the internal needs of the Service Provider (and its Affiliates) and the requirements of providing the Transition Services, the Service Provider shall allocate such available employees, contractors and resources in a commercially reasonable manner using a substantially similar allocation as if it were performing the Transition Services for itself.

(d)     Access . In order to enable the provision of the Transition Services by a Service Provider, the Recipient agrees that it shall provide to the Service Provider and any Third Party providing Transition Services on behalf of a Service Provider, at no cost to the Service Provider, reasonable access to the facilities, assets and books and records of the Recipient during regular and normal business hours to the extent necessary for the Service Provider to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that each Service Provider, consistent with Section 6.1, will ensure that access to technology systems is reasonably limited to those individuals or entities for whom access to such information is essential to perform their job, so as to minimize and avoid the inadvertent unauthorized access to sensitive employee information or other data.

Section 2.7     Cooperation . During the Term, the Parties shall, and shall cause each of their respective Affiliates and each of the foregoing entities’ respective employees, agents,

 

4


auditors and representatives to, cooperate with each other in good faith (a) to implement or give effect to this Agreement and (b) to facilitate an orderly and efficient transition of services, processes and functions contemplated in this Agreement, and in each case in a manner consistent with the intent of this Agreement and without undue burden on any Party thereto.

Section 2.8     Service Interruption . Except as provided in this Section 2.8 and subject to the terms of Section 2.9 , the Transition Services shall be provided during regular and normal business hours during the Term. Upon reasonable prior written notice to the Recipient given the circumstances (provided such notice shall be no less than 72 hours), the Service Provider may temporarily interrupt the provision of any Transition Services only when, and for such period of time, it is the commercially reasonable judgment of the Service Provider (or the relevant Third Party providing such Transition Services for the Service Provider) that such action is necessary, including for routine maintenance purposes. With respect to any Transition Services provided by any Third Party, the Service Provider shall forward promptly (which will be within two business days after Service Provider’s receipt of) any notice received from any such Third Party regarding the interruption of such Transition Services. In the event of any temporary interruptions, the Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the impact on the Recipient of such interruption, including by minimizing each period of interruption and scheduling such period of interruption so as to not inconvenience or impair the conduct of the Recipient’s business. Subject to the notice provisions set forth in this Section 2.8 , the Service Provider shall consult with the Recipient prior to temporary interruptions to the extent reasonably practicable or, if not reasonably practicable, promptly thereafter.

Section 2.9     Force Majeure .

(a)    No Party will be held liable or responsible to another Party or be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement for failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement when such failure or delay is caused by or results from events beyond the reasonable control of the non-performing Party, including war, acts of war, riot, rebellion, civil disturbances, terrorism, power failures, embargos, shortages, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, shortage of fuel, raw materials or components, nuclear accident, strikes, lockouts or other labor disturbances, flood, storm, fire and earthquake or other natural disasters or acts of God or acts, omissions or delays in acting by any governmental authority, or any breach by any Third Party of any of such Third Party’s obligations to the Service Provider or any of its Affiliates (solely caused by the failure of such Third Party to perform its obligations and not due to the failure of a Party to provide necessary instructions or information or to otherwise perform under any arrangement such Party has with the relevant Third Part) (collectively, each of the foregoing a “ Force Majeure Event ”). The suspension of performance as a result of a Force Majeure Event shall be of no greater in scope or longer in duration than is necessary. The non-performing Party will use commercially reasonable efforts to remedy its inability to perform and will keep the other Party reasonably informed with respect thereto. The other Party will agree to cooperate with the non-performing Party to seek other solutions that may be mutually satisfactory.

 

5


(b)    The Recipient shall be free to acquire any Transition Services from an alternate source for the period and to the extent reasonably necessitated by such non-performance pursuant to Section 2.9(a) , and the Service Provider shall cooperate with, provide information to and take such other actions as may be reasonably required to assist such alternate source to provide such Transition Services. The Recipient shall not be obligated to pay for any Transition Services during any period when such Transition Services are not being provided to the Recipient; provided, however that the Recipient shall pay Fees in accordance with Section 3.1 hereof for the assistance provided by the Service Provider to an alternative source.

(c)    Subject to Section 2.9(b) , the Parties hereto agree that this Section 2.9 shall not otherwise be construed so as to excuse a Party hereto of its obligations to otherwise perform in accordance with Article III at all other times during the term of this Agreement.

Section 2.10     S ervice Coordinators . Each of Parent and CoalCo shall identify one of its employees to serve as the primary point of contact (the “ Service Coordinator ”) for the other Party hereto with respect to the Transition Services. Each of Parent and CoalCo shall cause its Service Coordinator to be reasonably available to the other Party hereto to facilitate communication among the Parties and the identification, awareness and resolution of any interruption, deficiency or concern with respect to the Transition Services.

ARTICLE III

FEES AND PAYMENT

Section 3.1     Fees . The fees payable for any Transition Service (the “ Fees ”) shall be as set forth for such Transition Service on Exhibit A , exclusive of any applicable taxes, including any value added tax, sales tax or duty of any kind (other than taxes based on the Service Provider’s income), which as applicable shall be added to the Fees. It is the intent that the Recipient shall also reimburse the Service Provider and its Affiliates for all actual expenses, which shall expressly include any employee or subcontractor wage, benefit or other employment expenses related to the time spent providing the Transition Services not otherwise expressly included in the Fees, which the Service Provider or any of its Affiliates incur in connection with performing the Transition Services, including actual and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred and paid by the Service Provider or any of its Affiliates to any Third Party (other than expenses expressly included in the Fees) (“ Third-Party Expenses ”) in connection with performing the Transition Services (collectively, “ Expenses ”). With respect to any health or welfare benefits that CoalCo requests Parent to continue following the Closing and which are self-insured by Parent, CoalCo shall promptly reimburse Parent upon Parent’s payment of claims for such health or welfare benefits.

Section 3.2     Invoice and Payment . The Fees for the Transition Services shall be paid in advance on the date of this Agreement and any Fees owed by one Party may be netted against Fees owed by the other Party. Any Fees on Additional Services or incurred upon extension of the Term shall be paid in advance of the provision of such Transition Services. The Service Provider shall invoice the Recipient for the Expenses incurred in connection with the Transition Services as such Expenses are incurred. Each such invoice shall be accompanied by a statement properly

 

6


supported and reasonably itemized, including the names of and containing copies of invoices from any Third Party with respect to any Third-Party Expenses included in the invoiced Expenses and any other documentation reasonably requested by CoalCo to evidence any out-of-pocket expenses included therein. The Recipient shall pay all undisputed amounts of any invoice no later than ten (10) days after the Recipient’s receipt of a properly submitted invoice (the “ Invoice Due Date ”). Any amounts outstanding after the Invoice Due Date shall accrue interest at a rate which is the lower of one and one half percent (1.5%) per month or the highest monthly rate allowed by law.

Section 3.3     Disputes and Resolution . The Recipient shall promptly notify the Service Provider in writing of any amounts billed to the Recipient that the Recipient, in good faith, determines to be in dispute along with a reasonable description of the Recipient’s reason for disputing such amounts. Upon receipt of such notice, the Service Provider will research the items in question in a reasonably prompt manner and cooperate with the Service Provider to resolve any such dispute for a period of five (5) days. In the event that the Parties agree, or a court of competent jurisdiction determines, that any amount that was paid was not properly owed, the Service Provider shall refund such amount to the Recipient within five (5) business days of such agreement (or, alternatively, at the option of the Service Provider, such amount may be deducted from the amount payable under the next invoice submitted for payment). The Service Provider shall continue providing the Transition Services in accordance with this Agreement pending resolution of any dispute.

ARTICLE IV

DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Section 4.1     Disclaimer of Warranties . EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS-IS” BASIS, AND THAT EACH PARTY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSITION SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY IT OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT.

Section 4.2     Limitation on Certain Damages . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER OR ANY AFFILIATES OF THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OTHER THAN IN THE CASE OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AND EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCH LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO A THIRD-PARTY CLAIM.

 

7


ARTICLE V

OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS

Section 5.1     Parent Systems and Data . Any information system, software, computer network, database, data file, record or other information owned, licensed, leased or provided by Parent or any of its Affiliates that is used by Parent, or any of its Affiliates or provided to, or stored or accessed by, CoalCo or any of its Affiliates in connection with provision of any Transition Service shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Parent or its Affiliates, as the case may be.

Section 5.2     CoalCo Systems and Data . Any information system, software, computer network, database, data file, record or other information owned, licensed, leased or provided by CoalCo or any of its Affiliates that is used by CoalCo, or any of its Affiliates, or provided to, or stored or accessed by, Parent or any of its Affiliates in connection with any Transition Service shall remain the sole and exclusive property of CoalCo or its Affiliates, as the case may be.

Section 5.3     Other Assets . All procedures, methods, systems, strategies, tools, equipment, facilities and other resources owned, licensed or leased by any Party or its Affiliates and used or provided by such Party, any of its Affiliates or any relevant Third Party in connection with this Agreement shall remain the property of such Party or its Affiliates and, except as otherwise provided herein, shall at all times be under the sole direction and control of such Party, its Affiliates or such Third Party.

ARTICLE VI

CONFIDENTIALITY

Section 6.1     Confidentiality . Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the provisions on confidentiality set forth in Section 6.9 of the Separation Agreement shall be incorporated into this Agreement by reference. The Parties further agree that confidential information shall also include any other confidential information or data received in the course of providing or receiving any Transition Services.

ARTICLE VII

INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1     Insurance . During the Term, each Party shall maintain insurance coverage substantially similar to the insurance maintained by such Party on the date of this Agreement.

Section 7.2     Parent Indemnification . Parent shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless CoalCo and its Affiliates from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by CoalCo or any of its Affiliates arising out of or relating to any breach of applicable Law or the willful misconduct or gross negligence of Parent or its Affiliates related to this Agreement or the performance or

 

8


non-performance of the Transition Services (including any performance or non-performance by any Third Party engaged by Parent or any of its Affiliates solely to the extent the Losses from performance or non-performance arise from any willful misconduct or gross negligence by Parent or such Affiliate under such Third Party agreement or arrangement).

Section 7.3     CoalCo Indemnification . CoalCo shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Parent and its Affiliates from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by Parent or any of its Affiliates arising out of or relating to any breach of applicable Law or the willful misconduct or gross negligence of CoalCo or its Affiliates related to this Agreement or the performance or non-performance of the Transition Services (including any performance or non-performance by any Third Party engaged by CoalCo or any of its Affiliates solely to the extent the Losses from performance or non-performance arise from any willful misconduct or gross negligence by CoalCo or such Affiliate under such Third Party agreement or arrangement).

ARTICLE VIII

TERM AND TERMINATION

Section 8.1     Term .

(a)     Term of Agreement . The term of this Agreement (the “ Term ”) shall commence on the date hereof and shall end on the earliest of: (i) the date all Service Terms have expired in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the date all Transition Services have been terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (iii) the date on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.3 .

(b)     Term of Services . The applicable Service Provider shall provide each Transition Service beginning on the date hereof, or as otherwise set forth in Exhibit A or Exhibit B , as applicable, or agreed to by each of the Parties hereto in writing, and continuing for a period equal to the service term set forth in Exhibit A or Exhibit B , as applicable (the “ Service Term ”), or as otherwise agreed to by each of the Parties hereto in writing, unless renewed or sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 8.2     Termination of Services .

(a)     Voluntary Termination . A Recipient may terminate its right to receive any particular Transition Services for any or no reason, by providing the Service Provider written notice of termination (the “ Termination Notice ”), not less than ten (10) days prior to the date on which such Transition Services shall be terminated (the “ Termination Date ”) setting forth in reasonable detail such Transition Services to be terminated (the “ Terminated Services ”) and the Termination Date for each Terminated Service.

(b)     Termination for Breach . If a Recipient materially breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement with respect to any Transition Services received by such Recipient, and does not cure such default within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice

 

9


thereof from the Service Provider, then the Service Provider may, at its option, terminate any Transition Services affected by such breach by providing written notice of such termination to the Service Provider, for which termination the effective Termination Date shall be the date of receipt of such written notice.

(c)     Termination for Illegal Agreement . If a final and non-appealable order has been entered determining that the provision or use of any of the Transition Services hereunder violates any applicable Law, then any Party hereto may terminate such Transition Services by providing written notice of such termination to the other Party, for which termination the effective Termination Date shall be the date of receipt of such written notice.

(d)     Procedures on Termination of Services . Beginning on the Termination Date, the Recipient shall not be obligated to pay any Fees in connection with such Terminated Services other than Fees owed by such Recipient to the Service Provider for such Terminated Services rendered prior to the Termination Date for which payment has not yet been made; provided, that, if the Service Provider (or its Affiliate) entered into a contract with a Third Party service provided to provide such services to the Recipient, the Recipient shall reimburse the Service Provider for any Losses incurred by the Service Provider in connection with the early termination of such services.

Section 8.3     Termination of the Transition Services Agreement .

(a)     By Mutual Consent . This Agreement may be terminated by mutual written consent of the Parties in writing at any time.

(b)     Termination for Non-Payment . A Party may terminate this Agreement if such other Party fails to pay any undisputed Fees by the applicable Invoice Due Date; provided that the terminating Party has given the breaching Party written notice of such failure to pay, and the breaching Party has not cured such failure to pay within five (5) days following the date of such written notice.

(c)     Bankruptcy Termination . This Agreement may be terminated by either Party hereto upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice if the other Party hereto is declared insolvent or bankrupt, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or a receiver is appointed or any proceeding is demanded by, for or against the other under any provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.3(c) shall be without prejudice to any rights or obligations of the Parties hereto accruing prior to such termination including the right to payment of unpaid Fees and reimbursable costs owing for Transition Services performed prior to termination.

Section 8.4     Procedures on Termination of the Agreement . Following any termination of this Agreement or termination of any services to be rendered hereunder, each Party hereto will cooperate with the other Party as reasonably necessary to avoid material disruption of the ordinary course of the other Party’s and its Affiliates’ businesses.

 

10


Section 8.5     Effect of Termination; Survival . Upon the expiration of the Term, this Agreement will be of no further force and effect; provided that no Party shall be relieved of any liability for any breach or nonfulfillment of any provision of this Agreement or any obligations under Article VII prior to the expiration of the Term (including any liability to pay for Transition Services provided, or expenses incurred in connection therewith, prior to termination); provided , further , that any claims relating to breach or nonfulfillment or for indemnification under Article VII shall have been made in writing prior to the expiration of the Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Articles III , IV , V , and IX , and this Section 8.5 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement. Article VI shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement until the second anniversary of the date of the Separation Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1     Amendment and Modification . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented in any manner, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, except by an instrument in writing specifically designated as an amendment hereto, signed on behalf of each Party and making specific reference to this Agreement.

Section 9.2     Waiver . No failure or delay of either Party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, or any course of conduct, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have hereunder. Any agreement on the part of either Party to any such waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer on behalf of such Party. No course of dealing between or among any Persons having an interest in this Agreement shall be deemed effective to amend, supplement, modify or waive any part of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any Person under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 9.3     Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be given or made and shall be deemed to have been given in accordance with the notice provision set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Section 9.4     Interpretation and Conflicts . When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, Article or Exhibit such reference shall be to a Section, Article or Exhibit of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The headings contained in this Agreement or in any Exhibit are for convenience of reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit but not otherwise defined therein shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. All Exhibits annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth herein. The word “including” and words of similar import when

 

11


used in this Agreement will mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified. This Agreement is being executed pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement. In the event that any provision in this Agreement conflicts with or inconsistent with any provision in the Separation Agreement, the provisions of the Separation Agreement will control. In the event that the Distribution does not occur, then no Party will have any further obligation under this Agreement.

Section 9.5     Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto) together with the Separation Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior written agreements, arrangements, communications and understandings and all prior and contemporaneous oral agreements, arrangements, communications and understandings between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

Section 9.6     No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except as provided in Article VII , nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 9.7     Governing Law . It is the intent of the Parties that the laws which govern this Agreement be consistent with the governing law set forth in the Separation Agreement. As such, the provision of the Separation Agreement which sets forth governing law is incorporated herein by reference.

Section 9.8     Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned or delegated, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any such assignment without such prior written consent shall be null and void. This Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party may assign any or all of its rights, interests and obligations under this Agreement to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary without the consent of the other party so long as such assignment does not have any adverse consequences to the other Party or its Affiliates. No assignment will relieve the assigning Party from any of its obligations under this Agreement and the assigning Party will remain primarily liable for all of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 9.9     Severability . Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

 

12


Section 9.10     Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 9.11     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, including electronic counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same instrument and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party.

Section 9.12     Nonrecourse . This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of the Agreement may only be made against, the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or representative of any party or its Affiliates shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of such party under this Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

[Signature page follows on next page]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, each with the intent to be legally bound, as of the date first written above.

 

PARENT:
CONSOL ENERGY, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

COALCO:
CONSOL MINING CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Transition Services Agreement]


Exhibit A

Transition Services Provided by Parent


Exhibit B

Transition Services Provided by CoalCo


Exhibit C

Benefits to be Maintained

Exhibit 10.2

FORM OF TLA1

THIS TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), made and entered into as of this      day of                     , 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between CNX RESOURCES CORPORATION, a corporation organized under the laws of                      (“ Licensor ”) and CONSOL ENERGY INC. , a corporation organized under the laws of                      (“ Licensee ”).

WHEREAS , Licensor owns all right, title, and interest to the trademarks identified and set forth in Schedule 1 annexed hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Licensed Marks ”);

WHEREAS , Licensor further owns all right, title, and interest to the domain names identified and set forth in Schedule 2 annexed hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Domain Names ”);

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee and other businesses formerly operated as, or as businesses of, Licensor;

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee are now two, separate, publically traded companies;

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee entered into a Separation Agreement having an effective date of [     ] (“Separation Agreement”); unless specifically defined in this Agreement, any capitalized term in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

WHEREAS , Licensee continues to sell, and offer for sale products and services related to the coal industry, in conjunction with the Licensed Marks as of the Effective Date (“ Licensed Products ”) (the license terms of each of which are set forth in Schedule 3);

WHEREAS , Licensee wishes to obtain from Licensor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the right and license to use, have used, manufacture, have manufactured, sell, have sold, advertise, have advertised, import, have imported, export, have exported, offer for sale, and have offered for sale the Licensed Products using the Licensed Marks (the “ Licensed Purpose ”);

WHEREAS , Licensor is willing to grant such rights, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. GRANT AND SCOPE OF LICENSE .

(a)     G rant of License . Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the limited licenses to use and have used the Licensed Marks for the Licensed Products as set forth on Schedule 3 under the terms set forth in Schedule 3.

(b)     Domain Names . Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the limited right to use the Domain Names under the terms set forth in Schedule 3.

(c)     Goodwill. Licensee expressly recognizes and acknowledges that its use of the Licensed Marks shall inure solely to the benefit of Licensor, and shall not confer on Licensee any ownership rights to the Licensed Marks. Licensee agrees and covenants that it shall not challenge, contest, or take any actions inconsistent with Licensor’s exclusive rights of ownership of the Licensed Marks.

(d)     Trademark Notices. All print and electronic displays of the Licensed Marks by Licensee shall include at Licensor’s option, a notice to the effect that the Licensed Marks is owned by Licensor and used by Licensee under license from Licensor.

(e)     Licensee Cooperation. Licensee agrees to reasonably cooperate with Licensor in achieving registration of the Licensed Marks worldwide, and in maintaining and protecting existing registrations therefor at Licensor’s sole expense. Licensee shall execute any and all documents which Licensor may reasonably request in support of such registrations, and, at Licensor’s request, Licensee shall provide use evidence, testimony, and documentation that may be required in any ex parte or inter partes administrative proceedings and prosecutions, maintenance and renewals involving registrations of the Licensed Marks, at Licensee’s sole expense.

(f)     Quality Control, Licensor Approvals. Licensor as owner of the Licensed Marks shall have the right at all times to control and approve the nature and quality of the Licensed Products, and to inspect Licensee’s business operations upon reasonable prior notice for the purpose of ensuring that a high level of quality of the Licensed Products is being maintained by Licensee. At Licensor’s reasonable request during each calendar year, Licensee shall submit samples of Licensed Products to Licensor, at no cost to Licensor, and shall not materially depart therefrom without Licensor’s prior express written consent. The Licensed Products, as well as all promotional, packaging and advertising material relative thereto, shall include all appropriate legal notices as required by Licensor. No more frequently than once per year, a third party auditor chosen by Licensor and approved by Licensee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, shall be entitled at any time on reasonable notice to the Licensee to enter, during regular business hours, any premises used by the Licensee or its manufacturers for the manufacture, packaging, storage, or performance of the Licensed Products, to inspect such premises, all plant, workforce and machinery used for manufacture, packaging, storage, or performance of Licensed Products and all other aspects of the manufacture, packaging, storage, and performance of Licensed Products (“Access Rights”). Prior to exercising such Access

 

2


Rights, the third party auditor shall enter into a nondisclosure agreement with Licensee that, among other terms deemed acceptable by Licensee and such third party auditor, shall: (a) limit the content of any report made by the third party auditor to Licensor to a description of the manner in which, and the conditions under which, the Licensed Marks is used by Licensee or its manufacturers; and (b) prevent the disclosure of any of Licensee’s trade secrets and/or Confidential Information. To the extent reasonably practicable, all Licensed Products shall include notices on labeling, packaging, adverting, and other promotion material for the Licensed Products stating that the Licensed Marks are owned by Licensor and used by Licensee under license from Licensor. The Licensed Products shall be of a quality commensurate with previous products and services provided by Licensee prior to execution of the Separation Agreement. If the quality of a class of the Licensed Products falls below such standards, Licensee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to restore such quality. In the event that Licensee has not taken appropriate steps to restore such quality within ninety (90) days after notification by Licensor, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

(g)     Compliance with Trademark Usage Guidelines. Licensee agrees to comply with Licensor’s trademark usage guidelines and any other policies and requirements applicable to the Licensed Marks.

 

2. ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

(a)     Third Party Infringement. In the event that Licensee becomes aware that any third party is infringing the Licensed Marks, Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor and provide pertinent details. Licensor shall have the right in its sole discretion to bring a legal action for infringement against the third party, together with the right to enforce and collect any judgment thereon. If Licensor elects to exercise such right, Licensee shall, at Licensor’s request, provide reasonable assistance to Licensor, at the sole expense of Licensor. In the event that Licensor declines to bring a legal action for infringement against a third party operating in the coal business identified by Licensee, Licensee shall have the right to bring a legal action for infringement against the third party upon receiving the prior written approval of Licensor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

3. INDEMNIFICATION.

(a)    Licensee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Licensor and its officers, directors, employees, agents, corporate subsidiaries, parents, and affiliates ( “Licensor Indemnitees” ) from and against any and all demands, claims, actions or causes of action, assessments, deficiencies, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable expenses of investigation and attorneys’ fees and expenses), incurred in conjunction with or arising out of or relating to any third-party claim concerning the Licensed Products and any acts or omissions of Licensee, including without limitation Licensee’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement. The Licensor Indemnitees agree to cooperate with Licensee, at Licensee’s expense, to provide copies of any documents or materials reasonably requested by Licensee in support of its defense of the Licensor Indemnitees.

 

3


4. TERM AND TERMINATION.

(a)     Term. The Term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for the time periods set forth in Schedule 2 unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(b)     Termination for Breach. Licensor and Licensee will be entitled to terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other party in the event the other party is in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder and shall fail to remedy any such default within ninety (90) days after notice thereof by the non-breaching party.

(c)     Termination Upon Bankruptcy. Either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other in the event of: (a) the other party’s making assignment for the benefit of its creditors or filing a voluntary petition under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, under the reorganization or arrangement provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or under the provisions of any law of like import; or (b) the filing of an involuntary petition against the other party under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, under the reorganization or arrangement provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or under any law of like import; or (c) the appointment of a trustee or receiver for the party or its property.

(d)     Survival of Obligations; Return of Confidential Information. Notwithstanding any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Sections 1(d), 3(a), 4(d), 5(a), 5(b), and 6(a) through 6(j) shall survive and continue to be enforceable as set forth herein. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall promptly return to Licensor, or at Licensor’s direction, destroy all confidential information and all copies thereof in Licensee’s possession.

 

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

(a)    Licensor represents and warrants to Licensee that Licensor’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement is not in conflict with, and will not result in a breach of or constitute a default under, any other contract, instrument, rule of law or order of any court or governmental agency to which Licensor is a party or by which Licensor is bound.

(b)    Licensee represents and warrants to Licensor that Licensee’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement are not in conflict with, and will not result in a breach of or constitute a default under, any other contract, instrument, rule of law or order of any court or governmental agency to which Licensee is a party or by which Licensee is bound.

 

6. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)     Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

(b)     Waive r. The waiver by any party of a breach or a default of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or any other provision, nor shall any delay or omission on the part of a party to exercise or avail itself of any right, power or privilege that it has or may have hereunder operate as a waiver of any right, power or privilege by such party.

 

4


(c)     Waiver of Jury Trial. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law each party hereby irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim, or counterclaim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any matter arising hereunder.

(d)     No Agency. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute Licensor, on the one hand, or Licensee, on the other hand, as the agent or representative of the other, or as joint venturers or partners for any purpose. Neither Licensor, on the one hand, nor Licensee, on the other hand, shall be responsible for the acts or omissions of the other. No party will have authority to speak for, represent or obligate the other party in any way without prior written authority from such other party.

(e)     Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Separation Agreement together contain the full understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and writings relating thereto. No waiver, alteration or modification of any of the provisions hereof shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by the parties.

(f)     Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered in construing this Agreement.

(g)     Notices. All notices required or permitted hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed facsimile transmission if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications will be sent to the party to be notified at the address as set forth below or at such other address as such party may designate by written notice to the other parties hereto. Notices shall be provided to the addresses set forth below:

 

If to Licensor:   If to Licensee:
CNX Resources Corporation   CONSOL Energy Inc.
Address   Addresss
Attn: General Counsel   Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.:   Fax No.:

(h)     Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is invalid or in conflict with any law of any relevant jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and the invalid provision shall be severed herefrom.

 

5


(i)     Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by Licensee in any manner without the prior written consent of Licensor in its sole discretion, including without limitation by operation of law, a change of control, merger, acquisition, or otherwise. Licensor may freely assign any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and will be binding on the parties hereto and their respective permitted assigns.

(j)     Counterparts ; Images Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of such together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Scanned PDF copies of signatures and facsimile copies of signatures may be deemed original signatures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized officers as of the Effective Date.

 

CNX RESOURCES CORPORATION    CONSOL ENERGY INC.
By:   

 

             By:   

 

Name:   

 

             Name:   

 

Date:   

 

             Date:   

 

 

6


SCHEDULE 1

LICENSED MARKS

United States Trademarks

 

Word Mark

   Serial Number    Reg. Number  

CNXC

   86/656,210   

CNX COAL RESOURCES LP

   86/655,972   

 

7


SCHEDULE 2

DOMAIN NAMES

 

  cnxcoalresources.com  
  cnxcoalresourceslp.com  
  cnxmetcoalinternational.com  
  cnxmetcoalinternationalinc.com  
  cnxcresources.com  
  cnxlp.com  
  cnxcoal.com  
  cnxmarineterminals.com  

 

8


SCHEDULE 3

LICENSE TERMS

1.    The license granted to use and have used the Licensed Marks with respect to, and in conjunction with, the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, importation, exportation, and provision of Licensed Products is non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty-free and includes the right to sublicense to Licensee’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

2.    Licensor further grants Licensee the right to sublicense the Licensed Marks to any third party which currently is licensed to use the Licensed Marks in connection with any Licensee related business. The term of this grant will be 1 year.

3.    Licensee is expressly prohibited from using the Licensed Marks with respect to, in conjunction with, the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, importation, exportation, or provision of products or services in the natural gas business.

4.    The term of the license granted for Licensed Products is 1 year from the Effective Date.

5.    Licensor agrees that for a term of 5 years, it shall not use nor license others to use the Licensed Marks in the coal business.

6.    The license granted herein shall not include any right for Licensee, nor any sublicensee, to use any corporate name, fictitious name, or other corporate identifier that includes or comprises the Licensed Marks. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Licensee from making factually accurate statements concerning its contractual relationship with Licensor, provided that the wording of such statements shall be subject to Licensor’s prior written approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

7.    The term of the license granted for Domain Names is 1 year from the Effective Date.

8.    Upon the termination of the license to use the Domain Name, Licensee shall disable and cease using the domain name and transfer administrative control to Licensor.

 

9

Exhibit 10.3

FORM OF TLA2

THIS TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), made and entered into as of this      day of                     , 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between CONSOL ENERGY INC. , a corporation organized under the laws of              (“ Licensor ”) and CNX RESOURCES CORPORATION, a corporation organized under the laws of                      (“ Licensee ”).

WHEREAS , Licensor owns all right, title, and interest to the trademarks “CONSOL” and certain other trademarks identified and set forth in Schedule 1 annexed hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Licensed Marks ”);

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee and other businesses formerly operated as, or as businesses of, Licensee;

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee are now two, separate, publically traded companies;

WHEREAS , Licensor and Licensee entered into a Separation Agreement having an effective date of [            ] (“Separation Agreement”); unless specifically defined in this Agreement, any capitalized term in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

WHEREAS , Licensee continues to sell, and offer for sale products and services related to the natural gas industry in conjunction with the Licensed Marks as of the Effective Date (“ Licensed Products ”) (the license terms of each of which are set forth in Schedule 2);

WHEREAS , Licensee wishes to obtain from Licensor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the right and license to use, have used, manufacture, have manufactured, sell, have sold, advertise, have advertised, import, have imported, export, have exported, offer for sale, and have offered for sale the Licensed Products using the Licensed Marks (the “ Licensed Purpose ”);

WHEREAS , Licensor is willing to grant such rights, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. GRANT AND SCOPE OF LICENSE.

(a)     Grant of License . Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the limited licenses to use and have used the Licensed Marks for the Licensed Products as set forth on Schedule 2 under the terms set forth in Schedule 2.

(b)     Goodwill. Licensee expressly recognizes and acknowledges that its use of the Licensed Marks shall inure solely to the benefit of Licensor, and shall not confer on Licensee any ownership rights to the Licensed Marks. Licensee agrees and covenants that it shall not challenge, contest, or take any actions inconsistent with Licensor’s exclusive rights of ownership of the Licensed Marks.

(c)     Trademark Notices. All print and electronic displays of the Licensed Marks by Licensee shall include at Licensor’s option, a notice to the effect that the Licensed Marks is owned by Licensor and used by Licensee under license from Licensor.

(d)     Licensee Cooperation. Licensee agrees to reasonably cooperate with Licensor in achieving registration of the Licensed Marks worldwide, and in maintaining and protecting existing registrations therefor at Licensor’s sole expense. Licensee shall execute any and all documents which Licensor may reasonably request in support of such registrations, and, at Licensor’s request, Licensee shall provide use evidence, testimony, and documentation that may be required in any ex parte or inter partes administrative proceedings and prosecutions, maintenance and renewals involving registrations of the Licensed Marks, at Licensee’s sole expense.

(e)     Quality Control, Licensor Approvals. Licensor as owner of the Licensed Marks shall have the right at all times to control and approve the nature and quality of the Licensed Products, and to inspect Licensee’s business operations upon reasonable prior notice for the purpose of ensuring that a high level of quality of the Licensed Products is being maintained by Licensee. At Licensor’s reasonable request during each calendar year, Licensee shall submit samples of Licensed Products to Licensor, at no cost to Licensor, and shall not materially depart therefrom without Licensor’s prior express written consent. The Licensed Products, as well as all promotional, packaging and advertising material relative thereto, shall include all appropriate legal notices as required by Licensor. No more frequently than once per year, a third party auditor chosen by Licensor and approved by Licensee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, shall be entitled at any time on reasonable notice to the Licensee to enter, during regular business hours, any premises used by the Licensee or its manufacturers for the manufacture, packaging, storage, or performance of the Licensed Products, to inspect such premises, all plant, workforce and machinery used for manufacture, packaging, storage, or performance of Licensed Products and all other aspects of the manufacture, packaging, storage, and performance of Licensed Products (“Access Rights”). Prior to exercising such Access Rights, the third party auditor shall enter into a nondisclosure agreement with Licensee that, among other terms deemed acceptable by Licensee and such third party auditor, shall: (a) limit the content of any report made by the third party auditor to Licensor to a description of the manner in which, and the conditions under which, the Licensed Marks is used by Licensee or its manufacturers; and (b) prevent the disclosure of any of Licensee’s trade secrets and/or Confidential Information. To the extent reasonably practicable, all Licensed Products shall

 

2


include notices on labeling, packaging, adverting, and other promotion material for the Licensed Products stating that the Licensed Marks are owned by Licensor and used by Licensee under license from Licensor. The Licensed Products shall be of a quality commensurate with previous products and services provided by Licensee prior to execution of the Separation Agreement. If the quality of a class of the Licensed Products falls below such standards, Licensee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to restore such quality. In the event that Licensee has not taken appropriate steps to restore such quality within ninety (90) days after notification by Licensor, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

(f)     Compliance with Trademark Usage Guidelines. Licensee agrees to comply with Licensor’s trademark usage guidelines and any other policies and requirements applicable to the Licensed Marks.

 

2. ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

(a)     Third Party Infringement. In the event that Licensee becomes aware that any third party is infringing the Licensed Marks, Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor and provide pertinent details. Licensor shall have the right in its sole discretion to bring a legal action for infringement against the third party, together with the right to enforce and collect any judgment thereon. If Licensor elects to exercise such right, Licensee shall, at Licensor’s request, provide reasonable assistance to Licensor, at the sole expense of Licensor. In the event that Licensor declines to bring a legal action for infringement against a third party operating in the gas business identified by Licensee, Licensee shall have the right to bring a legal action for infringement against the third party upon receiving the prior written approval of Licensor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

3. INDEMNIFICATION.

(a)    Licensee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Licensor and its officers, directors, employees, agents, corporate subsidiaries, parents, and affiliates ( “Licensor Indemnitees” ) from and against any and all demands, claims, actions or causes of action, assessments, deficiencies, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable expenses of investigation and attorneys’ fees and expenses), incurred in conjunction with or arising out of or relating to any third-party claim concerning the Licensed Products and any acts or omissions of Licensee, including without limitation Licensee’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement. The Licensor Indemnitees agree to cooperate with Licensee, at Licensee’s expense, to provide copies of any documents or materials reasonably requested by Licensee in support of its defense of the Licensor Indemnitees.

 

4. TERM AND TERMINATION.

(a)     Term. The Term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for the time periods set forth in Schedule 2 unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(b)     Termination for Breach. Licensor and Licensee will be entitled to terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other party in the event the other party is in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder and shall fail to remedy any such default within ninety (90) days after notice thereof by the non-breaching party.

 

3


(c)     Termination Upon Bankruptcy. Either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other in the event of: (a) the other party’s making assignment for the benefit of its creditors or filing a voluntary petition under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, under the reorganization or arrangement provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or under the provisions of any law of like import; or (b) the filing of an involuntary petition against the other party under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, under the reorganization or arrangement provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or under any law of like import; or (c) the appointment of a trustee or receiver for the party or its property.

(d)     Survival of Obligations; Return of Confidential Information. Notwithstanding any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Sections 1(d), 3(a), 4(d), 5(a), 5(b), and 6(a) through 6(j) shall survive and continue to be enforceable as set forth herein. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall promptly return to Licensor, or at Licensor’s direction, destroy all confidential information and all copies thereof in Licensee’s possession.

 

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

(a)    Licensor represents and warrants to Licensee that Licensor’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement is not in conflict with, and will not result in a breach of or constitute a default under, any other contract, instrument, rule of law or order of any court or governmental agency to which Licensor is a party or by which Licensor is bound.

(b)    Licensee represents and warrants to Licensor that Licensee’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement are not in conflict with, and will not result in a breach of or constitute a default under, any other contract, instrument, rule of law or order of any court or governmental agency to which Licensee is a party or by which Licensee is bound.

 

6. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a)     Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

(b)     Waive r. The waiver by any party of a breach or a default of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or any other provision, nor shall any delay or omission on the part of a party to exercise or avail itself of any right, power or privilege that it has or may have hereunder operate as a waiver of any right, power or privilege by such party.

(c)     Waiver of Jury Trial. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law each party hereby irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim, or counterclaim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any matter arising hereunder.

 

4


(d)     No Agency. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute Licensor, on the one hand, or Licensee, on the other hand, as the agent or representative of the other, or as joint venturers or partners for any purpose. Neither Licensor, on the one hand, nor Licensee, on the other hand, shall be responsible for the acts or omissions of the other. No party will have authority to speak for, represent or obligate the other party in any way without prior written authority from such other party.

(e)     Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Separation Agreement together contain the full understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and writings relating thereto. No waiver, alteration or modification of any of the provisions hereof shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by the parties.

(f)     Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered in construing this Agreement.

(g)     Notices. All notices required or permitted hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed facsimile transmission if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications will be sent to the party to be notified at the address as set forth below or at such other address as such party may designate by written notice to the other parties hereto. Notices shall be provided to the addresses set forth below:

 

If to Licensor:    If to Licensee:
CONSOL Energy Inc.    CNX Resources Corporation
Address    Address
Attn: General Counsel    Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.:    Fax No.:

(h)     Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is invalid or in conflict with any law of any relevant jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and the invalid provision shall be severed herefrom.

(i)     Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by Licensee in any manner without the prior written consent of Licensor in its sole discretion, including without limitation by operation of law, a change of control, merger, acquisition, or otherwise. Licensor may freely assign any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and will be binding on the parties hereto and their respective permitted assigns.

(j)     Counterparts ; Images Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of such together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Scanned PDF copies of signatures and facsimile copies of signatures may be deemed original signatures.

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized officers as of the Effective Date.

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.            CNX RESOURCES CORPORATION
By:  

 

     By:  

 

Name:  

 

     Name:  

 

Date:  

 

     Date:  

 

 

6


SCHEDULE 1

LICENSED MARKS

United States Trademarks

 

Word Mark

   Serial Number      Reg. Number  

CONSOL ENERGY

     77/799,873        4,242,300  

CONSOL ENERGY

     75/924,231        2,756,594  

LOGO

     77/799,903        4,242,301  

LOGO

     75/924,232        2,756,595  

 

7


SCHEDULE 2

LICENSE TERMS

1.    The license granted to use and have used the Licensed Marks with respect to, and in conjunction with, the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, importation, exportation, and provision of Licensed Products is non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty-free and includes the right to sublicense to Licensee’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

2.    Licensor further grants Licensee the right to sublicense the Licensed Marks to any third party which currently is licensed to use the Licensed Marks in connection with any Licensee related business. The term of this grant will be 1 year.

3.    Licensee is expressly prohibited from using the Licensed Marks with respect to, in conjunction with, the manufacture, offer for sale, sale, importation, exportation, or provision of products or services in the coal business.

4.    The term of the license granted for Licensed Products is 1 year from the Effective Date.

5.    Licensor agrees that for a term of 5 years, it shall not use nor license others to use the Licensed Marks in the natural gas business.

6.    The license granted herein shall not include any right for Licensee, nor any sublicensee, to use any corporate name, fictitious name, or other corporate identifier that includes or comprises the Licensed Marks. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Licensee from making factually accurate statements concerning its contractual relationship with Licensor, provided that the wording of such statements shall be subject to Licensor’s prior written approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

8

Exhibit 10.5

Execution Version

SECOND AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF

MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT

by and among

CONSOL MINING CORPORATION AND COALCO AFFILIATES (OTHER THAN

GAS PARTY AND THE GAS PARTY AFFILIATES)

(COLLECTIVELY, “COAL PARTY”)

and

CNX GAS COMPANY LLC AND

CNX RESOURCE HOLDINGS LLC

(COLLECTIVELY, “GAS PARTY”)

and

THE CEI PARTIES

dated

October 20, 2017

and effective as of

7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 6, 2017


ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION    2
  1.1    Defined Terms    2
  1.2    References and Rules of Construction    2
ARTICLE II SAFETY AND COOPERATION; STANDARD OF CARE    3
  2.1    Safety and Cooperation    3
  2.2    Standard of Care    4
  2.3    Damage to Property; Liens and Encumbrances    4
  2.4    Relationship of the Parties.    4
  2.5    Access to Certain Data    4
  2.6    Pooling and Unitization    4
  2.7    Preservation of Certain Leasehold Interests    5
ARTICLE III OPERATIONS IN THE COOPERATION AREA    5
  3.1    Operations in the Coal Area    5
  3.2    Operations in the Non-Coal Area    7
  3.3    Plugging, Relocation, and Shut-In Rights and Expenses in a Mine Area    8
  3.4    Operations in the Cooperation Area Outside a Mine Area.    14
  3.5    Permits in the Cooperation Area    15
  3.6    As-Built Drawings    15
  3.7    Drilling Procedures.    15
  3.8    Allowances and Credits    16
ARTICLE IV COORDINATION COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN MINE AREAS    18
  4.1    Coordination Committee    18
  4.2    Development Plans    20
  4.3    Notices and Updates    21
ARTICLE V SURFACE USE; WATER USE; LICENSE USE    21
  5.1    Surface Use Rights    21
  5.2    Surface Easement Requests    23
  5.3    Reimbursement of Certain Costs    24
  5.4    Other Surface Facilities    24
  5.5    Water Use; Withdrawals    24
  5.6    Reimbursement of Certain Costs    26
  5.7    License Use Rights    26
  5.8    License Requests    27
  5.9    Reimbursement of License Costs    27
  5.10    Form of Licenses    28
ARTICLE VI LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION    28

 

i


  6.1    Release.    28
  6.2    Indemnities    28
  6.3    Disclaimer    29
  6.4    Conspicuous    29
  6.5    Subsidence    29
ARTICLE VII TERM; TERMINATION    30
  7.1    Term    30
  7.2    Termination    30
  7.3    Effect of Termination    31
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS    31
  8.1    Assignment    31
  8.2    Notices    34
  8.3    Further Assurances    36
  8.4    Expenses    36
  8.5    Waiver; Rights Cumulative    36
  8.6    Entire Agreement; Conflicts    37
  8.7    Amendment    37
  8.8    Governing Law; Jurisdiction    37
  8.9    Parties in Interest    37
  8.10    Preparation of Agreement    37
  8.11    Severability    37
  8.12    Counterparts    37
  8.13    Memorandum    38
  8.14    General Principles—Litigation    38
  8.15    Confidentiality    38
  8.16    Amendment and Restatement of Original MCSA and A&R MCSA    39
  8.17    Status of Noble SUA.    39
  8.18    Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction.    40
  8.19    Coal Severance Notice (52 P.S. 1551)    41
  8.20    “Red” Coal Notice (52 P.S. 1406.1451).    42

 

APPENDIX :  
  Appendix I     Definitions
EXHIBITS :  
  Exhibit A     Insurance Requirements
  Exhibit B     Shared Information
  Exhibit C     Leasehold Release Provisions
  Exhibit D     Existing Permits/Agreements
  Exhibit E     Sources
SCHEDULES :  
  Schedule 2.1     Mason Dixon Reserve/Wadestown Prospect
  Schedule 3.3(a)     Valuation Formula

 

ii


  Schedule 3.3(c)     Stranded Coal Formula
  Schedule 3.7     Drilling Procedures
  Schedule 8.17     Noble SUA Parties
  Schedule I     AAI Area
  Schedule II     Gas Party Affiliates

 

iii


SECOND AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF

MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF MASTER COOPERATION AND SAFETY AGREEMENT (as may be amended, revised, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), dated the 20 th day of October, 2017, and effective as of 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time October 6, 2017 (the “ Effective Time ”), is by and between CONSOL MINING CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation (“ CoalCo ,” and together with all Affiliates of CoalCo as of the Effective Time designated as a “Coal Party” on the signature pages hereto and any additional Affiliates of CoalCo joined to this Agreement at any time hereafter pursuant to Section  8.1(b)(ii)(A), except for and other than Gas Party and the Gas Party Affiliates, collectively, “ Coal Party ”), CNX GAS COMPANY LLC , a Virginia limited liability company, and CNX RESOURCE HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (collectively, “ Gas Party ”), and CONSOL Energy Inc. (“ CEI ”) and each party designated as a “CEI Party” on the signature pages hereto (CEI and such parties, collectively, the “ CEI Parties ”) for the limited purpose expressly set forth in Section  8.16 . All of the foregoing Persons other than the CEI Parties are referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Coal Party, as of the Effective Time, owns or controls certain coal reserves throughout North America (North America, except for and excluding the Pennsylvania Mine Area as defined in the Thermal A&R MCSA, is referred to hereinafter as the “ Cooperation Area ”), and may thereafter acquire ownership or control of additional coal reserves in the Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia Counties identified on Schedule I (the “ AAI Area ”), such coal reserves owned or controlled as of the Effective Time in the Cooperation Area, together with such coal reserves thereafter acquired in the AAI Area, collectively, the “ Coal Interests ”;

WHEREAS, Coal Party, after the Effective Time, may open or acquire mines to develop its Coal Interests in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and/or West Virginia (such States, except for and excluding the Pennsylvania Mine Area, collectively the “ Four State Area ”) for which mining permits will be, or have been, issued by Governmental Authorities pursuant to applicable Law (collectively, such mines that may in the future be opened or acquired and permitted in the Four State Area are referred to hereinafter as the “ Mines ” and individually as a/the “ Mine ”);

WHEREAS, Gas Party, as of the Effective Time, owns, controls or operates certain Gas interests located in the Cooperation Area, and may thereafter acquire ownership or control of or operate Gas interests located in the AAI Area, including leased as well as fee-owned interests (such Gas interests owned, controlled or operated as of the Effective Time in the Cooperation Area, together with such Gas interests thereafter acquired in the AAI Area, collectively, the “ Gas Interests ”);

WHEREAS, Coal Party and Gas Party each acknowledge and agree that they will have, in relation to such Mines, overlapping interests with respect to the other’s operations in the Life of Mine Plan, as hereinafter defined, area in and around each Mine (such Life of Mine Plan area

 

1


for each Mine, the “ Mine Area ”) and desire to cooperate with each other, as further provided herein, with respect to coal and gas production from each Mine Area; and

WHEREAS, Coal Party and Gas Party, as of the Effective Time, each own, control or operate various surface lands, rights of way, easements, roadways, and other surface rights within the Cooperation Area, and may thereafter acquire ownership or control of or operate various surface lands, rights of way, easements, roadways, and other surface rights in the AAI Area (such surface rights owned, controlled or operated as of the Effective Time in the Cooperation Area, together with such surface rights thereafter acquired in the AAI Area, for each Party, respectively, its “ Surface Rights ”);

WHEREAS, Coal Party desires to make their Surface Rights available for use by Gas Party in connection with Gas Party’s exploration, production, and development of the Gas Interests (including without limitation for use in transporting and marketing of production therefrom or from adjacent lands) and Gas Party desires to make certain of its Surface Rights available for use by Coal Party, in each case, as set forth below; and

WHEREAS, the safety of each Party’s operations within each Mine Area is a paramount objective of the Parties in entering into this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Parties entered into an Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated and effective as of 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 6, 2017 (the “ A&R MCSA ”), and desire to amend and restate such A&R MCSA in its entirety and replace it with this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1      Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in Appendix I .

1.2      References and Rules of Construction . All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Schedules, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Schedules, Appendices, Articles, Sections, subsections, and other subdivisions of or to this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. Titles appearing at the beginning of any Exhibit, Schedule, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection, and other subdivision of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement, and shall be disregarded in construing the language hereof. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and “hereof,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Exhibit, Schedule, Appendix, Article, Section, subsection, or other subdivision unless expressly so limited. The phrase “which include” and the word “including” (in its various forms) mean “including without limitation.” All references to “$” or “dollars” shall be deemed references to United States dollars. Each accounting term not defined herein will have the meaning given to it under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Pronouns in masculine, feminine, or neuter genders

 

2


shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms, and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. References to any Law means such Law as it may be amended from time to time. If a date specified herein for providing any notice or taking any action is not a Business Day, then the date for giving such notice or taking such action shall be the next day which is a Business Day.

ARTICLE II

SAFETY AND COOPERATION; STANDARD OF CARE

2.1      Safety and Cooperation .

(a)    In accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, in each Mine Area, each Party shall comply with its own and, while on any other Party’s property, such other Party’s safety and access policies and shall cause all personnel engaged or directed by such Party and all contractors and subcontractors engaged in activities on behalf of such Party to similarly comply with such safety and access policies as required of the Parties themselves. The Parties shall cooperate and act in good faith (i) with respect to their respective coal or gas operations in each Mine Area, and (ii) when exercising their respective rights and performing their respective obligations under this Agreement. The Parties further agree to comply with the insurance requirements set forth on Exhibit A hereto in each Mine Area, which requirements may be amended from time to time as agreed to by the Parties.

(b)    The Parties shall endeavor to cooperate and work together in the area commonly known and referred to as Coal Party’s Mason Dixon Reserve and Gas Party’s Wadestown Prospect, which areas overlap and are generally depicted on the map attached hereto as Schedule 2.1 , to attempt to (i) identify locations and development timing for proposed Wells in Pillar Permit Areas, mains, longwall gate pillars, barriers, and/or other locations acceptable to both Coal Party and Gas Party and reasonably likely to minimize the significance of any conflicts with Coal Party’s anticipated mining operations, and (ii) identify locations and construction timing for Gas Party’s proposed Non-Well Facilities that are acceptable to both Coal Party and Gas Party and reasonably likely to minimize the likelihood of any required relocation thereof, in each case of clauses (i)  and (ii) , as determined by both Coal Party and Gas Party in accordance with prudent coal mining and oil and gas development practices, subject to Section  2.1(d) .

(c)    The Parties shall endeavor to cooperate and work together to attempt to identify locations and construction timing for Gas Party’s proposed Transmission Pipelines that cross over Coal Party’s Coal Interests in the Four State Area that are acceptable to both Coal Party and Gas Party and reasonably likely to minimize the likelihood of any required relocation thereof, as determined by both Coal Party and Gas Party in accordance with prudent coal mining and oil and gas development practices, subject to Section  2.1(d) .

(d)    For the avoidance of doubt, any failure to cooperate or work together under Section  2.1(b) and/or Section  2.1(c) shall not be applied to the prejudice of, or as a limitation on, the rights and obligations of the Parties under any other provision of this

 

3


Agreement and shall not impose any additional liability on any Party, other than as expressly set forth herein.

2.2    Standard of Care. Each Party shall conduct its operations in a Mine Area in a good and workmanlike manner, in accordance with good and safe practices and standards for the type of work being conducted as a reasonably prudent operator operating under similar circumstances and in a manner that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

2.3      Damage to Property; Liens and Encumbrances . Subject to ARTICLE III , Gas Party and Coal Party, as applicable, shall timely repair any damage to the real or personal property of any other Party that is caused by such Gas Party’s or Coal Party’s access, use and/or operations. Neither Gas Party nor Coal Party shall take any action to encumber or permit any lien on any other Party’s real or personal property.

2.4      Relationship of the Parties . This Agreement is not intended to create an association, partnership, joint venture, or principal and agency relationship between the Parties. No Party is now, nor will any Party be, an employee, contractor, partner, joint venturer, agent, or representative of any other Party for any purpose under this Agreement.

2.5      Access to Certain Data in a Mine Area . In connection with Gas Party’s and Coal Party’s cooperation and safety efforts in a Mine Area, upon reasonable prior notice by either Gas Party or Coal Party (the “ Data Requesting Party ”), the other Party shall give the Data Requesting Party access to (a) the results of any core hole samples and desorption tests relating to the Coal Gas or coal, as applicable, relating to any Third Party leasehold or fee-owned property in which both Gas Party has a Gas Interest and Coal Party has a Coal Interest, (b) any title studies, opinions, or reports relating to any Third Party leasehold or fee-owned property in which both Gas Party has a Gas Interest and Coal Party has a Coal Interest, provided, however, that the scope of Data Requesting Party’s access to the foregoing shall be limited to information that is relevant to the Data Requesting Party’s Coal Interests or Gas Interests, as applicable, and (c) any information reasonably requested by the Data Requesting Party in connection with and reasonably necessary with respect to the drilling of any Protected Well or Non-Protected Well through a coal seam owned or controlled by Coal Party, in each case, to the extent permitted by Existing Permits/Agreements or confidentiality or other restrictions of any agreement with a Third Party; provided , however , Gas Party shall not be required to provide any information with respect to any other coal seams, formations or zones, or any other property interests whatsoever, other than the coal seams owned or controlled by Coal Party in the pertinent Mine Area at the time the request is made. Gas Party and Coal Party shall each use its commercially reasonable efforts to share, without formal request from the other, the information set forth on Exhibit B with respect to the drilling of any Protected Well or Non-Protected Well in a Mine Area. Coal Party and Gas Party agree that all information furnished by the other Party hereunder is proprietary and confidential and will be protected as provided in Section  8.15 hereof, and each shall attempt to protect any attorney client privilege of any title studies, opinions, or reports that are made available to it by the other.

2.6      Pooling and Unitization . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Gas Party shall have the right to pool or unitize any Gas Assets as may be (i) established or

 

4


prescribed by field rules or other regulatory order or (ii) as determined by Gas Party in its sole discretion.

2.7      Preservation of Certain Leasehold Interests . If (i) Coal Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which Gas Party has a Gas Interest or (ii) Gas Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which Coal Party has a Coal Interest, in each case, Coal Party and Gas Party agree that the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit C shall apply.

ARTICLE III

OPERATIONS IN THE COOPERATION AREA

3.1      Operations in the Coal Area . With respect to the land in a Mine Area that is, during the relevant calendar year, (i) currently being actively mined by Coal Party for the production of coal from Coal Party’s Coal Interests, or (ii) identified in good faith by Coal Party as land to be mined for the production of such coal during the following ten (10) calendar years of the then-current Life of Mine Plan as shown on the Annual Coal Development Plan finalized for that Mine pursuant to Section  4.2(b)(iii) and located either (A) at a Mine where there is currently active mining for the production of such coal, or (B) at a Mine for which a mining permit has been issued and at which Coal Party has (1) secured its necessary financial commitment to proceed with such Mine and (2) commenced and is diligently pursuing material construction activities directly related to the installation of a slope or shaft for purposes of accessing such coal and is actively pursuing commencement of mining to produce such coal (such area, the “ Coal Area ”):

(a)    If Coal Party determines, in its sole discretion, that venting of Coal Gas is necessary for mine safety considerations, Coal Party shall have the right to: (i) drill, vent, and/or flare holes to vent such Coal Gas; (ii) install any necessary equipment on the surface or subsurface, including pipelines and facilities, to remove but not Capture such Coal Gas; and/or (iii) cause Gas Party to vent, flare, or Capture for processing and sale such Coal Gas from any existing Gas Party Well that is then Capturing Coal Gas from the Coal Gas seam or gob area in the mine at issue. Gas Party shall have the exclusive right to Capture any and all Coal Gas; provided, however , that in the event that Gas Party determines it shall not Capture sealed gob Gas in a Mine Area, or portion thereof, and notifies Coal Party in writing of such determination, then Coal Party may Capture such sealed gob Gas in that Mine Area, or portion thereof, at its discretion and sole risk and expense. In the event that Coal Party vents or flares Coal Gas within one hundred fifty feet (150 ft.) of any Gas Party well or other surface facility, then Coal Party shall maintain methane concentrations at less than 0.5%.

(b)    Coal Party shall have the absolute right to Stimulate any coal seam for production or to degas a Mine Area; provided , however , that Gas Party may elect to Stimulate any coal seam in which Coal Party has a Coal Interest, at its sole cost and expense, upon prior written notice to Coal Party. In the event Gas Party so elects, Gas Party shall employ customary Stimulation best practices consistent with industry practices as determined by Gas Party for Stimulating such coal seams and shall keep Coal Party reasonably informed of any such Stimulation activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Gas Party may employ experimental

 

5


Stimulation techniques with respect to any coal seam in which Coal Party has a Coal Interest only with the prior written consent of Coal Party, which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed (or impose any financial or economic burdens or requirements on Gas Party other than, or in addition to, those set forth in this Agreement).

(c)    Gas Party shall, subject to Coal Party’s plugging, relocation, and shut-in rights pursuant to Section  3.3 , have the right to locate and drill Wells, and construct pipelines and facilities, in the Coal Area that are attributable to the Gas Interests and the right to exercise its Surface Use Rights set forth in Section  5.1 below in the Coal Area, including the right to transport Third Party Gas from lands in the Coal Area or other lands and the right to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, and/or any of its joint ventures on lands in the Coal Area or other lands; provided , however , that, prior to drilling any Well which will have all or part of its vertical wellbore in the Coal Area at the time that Governmental Authorities issue the drilling permit for such Well, Gas Party shall request the prior written consent of Coal Party with respect to the casing design and location of such Well at the vertical depth at which such Well penetrates the coal seam(s) owned or controlled by Coal Party as part of its Coal Interests, which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed (or impose any financial or economic burdens or requirements on Gas Party other than, or in addition to, those set forth in this Agreement). Upon receiving a request from Gas Party to drill such Well, Coal Party may, within fifteen (15) days, (i) consent to the casing design of such Well at the foregoing depth and its proposed location; (ii) consent to the casing design of such Well at the foregoing depth but not consent to its proposed location; or (iii) not consent to the casing design of such Well at the foregoing depth and its proposed location. In the case of (i), such Well shall be deemed a “ Protected Well .” In the case of (ii) or (iii), Coal Party and Gas Party shall meet to attempt a mutually agreeable solution within the next subsequent fifteen (15) days, and if they are unable to agree, Gas Party may nevertheless drill such Well without obtaining Coal Party’s consent, and such Well shall be deemed a “ Non-Protected Well .”

(d)    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and regardless of whether a Well to be drilled in a Coal Area is deemed a Protected Well or a Non-Protected Well (i) Gas Party shall, upon fifteen (15) days advance written notice to Coal Party followed by twenty four (24) hours advance written notice to Coal Party (via email or facsimile), in each case prior to commencement of drilling, have the right to drill Wells through Coal Party’s Coal Interests, and (ii) Coal Party shall, after being notified of such drill plan by Gas Party, provide such window as is necessary or required for Gas Party to safely drill such Well, or Wells (by way of example, but not of limitation, to drill such Wells from a multi-well pad), through Coal Party’s Coal Interests, either (A) during a Coal Party scheduled idle mine shift, in which event Gas Party shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by Coal Party as a result of Gas Party’s drilling of such Well, or Wells, including without limitation those associated with idling of the Mine or evacuation required by applicable Law, or (B) at Gas Party’s option, during a Coal Party scheduled active mine shift, in which event Gas Party shall be responsible for the actual costs and expenses reasonably incurred by Coal Party as a result of Gas Party’s drilling of such Well, or Wells, including without limitation those associated with idling of the Mine or evacuation required by applicable Law; provided, however, that (x) Coal Party shall, within three (3) Business Days after Coal Party’s receipt of Gas Party’s fifteen (15) day advance written notice, notify Gas Party in writing of all Coal Party’s scheduled idle mine shifts that fall within the next

 

6


two (2) week period, and (y) such drilling window shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Coal Party and Gas Party, start not less than six (6) hours, nor more than twenty four (24) hours, after Gas Party’s twenty four (24) hour advance written notice to Coal Party.

3.2      Operations in the Non-Coal Area . With respect to the land in any Mine Area that is not, during the relevant calendar year, shown by Coal Party (such showing by Coal Party to be in good faith) as a Coal Area on the Annual Coal Development Plan finalized for any Mine (the “ Non-Coal Area ”):

(a)    Gas Party shall, subject to Coal Party’s plugging, relocation, and shut-in rights pursuant to Section  3.3 , have the right to locate and drill Wells, and construct pipelines and facilities, in the Non-Coal Area that are attributable to the Gas Interests and the right to exercise its Surface Use Rights set forth in Section  5.1 below in the Non-Coal Area, including the right to transport Third Party Gas from lands in the Coal Area or other lands and the right to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, and/or any of its joint ventures on lands in the Coal Area or other lands. Coal Party shall have the absolute right to Stimulate any coal seam for production, but not Capture, in the Non-Coal Area or to degas the Non-Coal Area.

(b)    Any Well drilled by Gas Party such that the vertical wellbore of the Well was located within the Non-Coal Area at the time that Governmental Authorities issue the original drilling permit for such Well shall be deemed a Protected Well.

(c)    Each Well in the Non-Coal Area that exists or for which a drilling permit has been issued by Governmental Authorities as of the Effective Time shall be deemed a Protected Well hereunder. Further, in the event that, after the Effective Time, Coal Party acquires ownership or control of any Mine for which a mining permit or permits have been issued by Governmental Authorities prior to Coal Party’s acquisition thereof (i) each Well in the Mine Area of such Mine that exists or for which a drilling permit has been issued by Governmental Authorities as of the date such Mine is acquired by Coal Party shall be deemed a Protected Well hereunder, and (ii) each Well in the Mine Area of such Mine for which a drilling permit is issued by Governmental Authorities after the date such Mine is acquired by Coal Party shall be subject to this Agreement, including ARTICLE III hereof.

(d)    To the extent Gas Party desires to drill the vertical wellbore of a Well, or Wells, in the Non-Coal Area within a Mine Area, Gas Party and Coal Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other with respect to the location of such Gas Party Wells and operations; provided, however , that if Coal Party and Gas Party do not agree on the location of such Well in the Non-Coal Area portion of a Mine Area within thirty (30) days after written notification from Gas Party to Coal Party of such Well’s planned location, Gas Party shall have the right to determine the location of any such Well in the Non-Coal Area portion of such Mine Area in its sole discretion and such Well shall be deemed a Protected Well; provided, further , that Gas Party shall have no obligation to notify Coal Party prior to drilling any Well that is not located in a Mine Area at the time such Well is permitted, or to coordinate with Coal Party concerning the location of any such Well.

 

7


3.3      Plugging, Relocation, and Shut-In Rights and Expenses in a Mine Area .

(a)     Protected Wells: In the event Coal Party reasonably anticipates needing to mine-through, or shut-in (including temporarily plugging) to allow Mine-By of, a Protected Well in connection with mining Coal Party’s Coal Interests in a Mine Area, Coal Party may upon reasonable advance notice to Gas Party, but in no event upon less than thirty (30) months’ advance notice, require that any such Protected Well, to the extent not prohibited by any applicable Existing Permits/Agreements binding on Gas Party, be (i) plugged and abandoned consistent with mine-through Laws and relocated, in which event such notice shall specify the Mining P&A Date and Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party for 100% of the costs associated with the plugging and abandoning of such Protected Well and compensate Gas Party pursuant to Schedule 3.3(a) , taking into account the Gas Reserves (including proved developed producing, proved developed non-producing, proved undeveloped, possible undeveloped, and probable undeveloped reserves) and the underlying leases, if applicable, that are lost due to such plugging, abandonment and relocation; provided, however , that (A) at Coal Party’s request, Gas Party shall, to the extent not prohibited by any applicable Existing Permits/Agreements, promptly transfer the applicable wellbore to Coal Party or its designee for such plugging and abandoning consistent with mine-through Laws, and prior to such transfer, Coal Party shall compensate Gas Party for the then-current fair market value of such Protected Well, which, taking into account the Gas Reserves and the underlying leases if applicable, shall be determined pursuant to Schedule 3.3(a) , or (B) Gas Party may request to pursue a Mine-By or Long-Wall Move-Around of such Well pursuant to Section  3.3(c), in lieu of plugging and abandonment; or (ii) shut-in (including temporarily plugging) for a period of time, in which event Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party for any costs and damages reasonably incurred by Gas Party in connection with such shut-in, including any losses (including interest on such amounts) resulting from the delay in Gas Party receiving net revenues from production from such Protected Well caused by such shut-in. In addition, Coal Party shall compensate Gas Party for losses incurred by Gas Party due to any lessor’s claims for damages arising or resulting from actions taken pursuant to this Section  3.3(a) that have been finally determined.

(b)     Non-Protected Wells: In the event Coal Party reasonably anticipates needing to mine-through, or shut-in (including temporarily plugging) to allow Mine-By of, a Non-Protected Well in connection with mining Coal Party’s Coal Interests in a Mine Area, Coal Party may upon reasonable advance notice to Gas Party, but in no event upon less than thirty (30) months’ advance notice, require that any such Non-Protected Well, to the extent not prohibited by any applicable Existing Permits/Agreements binding on Gas Party, be (i) plugged and abandoned consistent with mine-through Laws and relocated, in which event such notice shall specify the Mining P&A Date and Gas Party shall bear 100% of the costs associated with plugging and abandoning such Non-Protected Well and 100% of the loss of value of such Well; provided, however , that (A) at Coal Party’s request, Gas Party shall, to the extent not prohibited by any applicable Existing Permits/Agreements, promptly transfer the wellbore of such Well to Coal Party or its designee for such plugging and abandoning consistent with mine-through Laws, and Gas Party shall reimburse Coal Party for all reasonable and actual costs associated with such plugging, abandonment and relocation, or (B) Gas Party may request to pursue a Mine-By or Long-Wall Move-Around of such Well pursuant to Section  3.3(c), in lieu of plugging and abandonment; or (ii) shut-in (including temporarily plugging), and Gas Party shall bear 100% of any costs and damages incurred by Gas Party in connection with such shut-in (including

 

8


temporarily plugging) of such Non-Protected Well, and if such Well can be reopened, in connection with the reopening of such Well. Coal Party shall not be liable to any other Party for any lost Gas Reserves or lost leases in the exercise of its rights under this Section  3.3(b) , unless and except in the event that a Non-Protected Well is plugged and abandoned for mine through pursuant hereto and Coal Party fails to mine through such Well within the next forty eight (48) calendar months after such plugging and abandonment, in which event Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party for 50% of the costs associated with the plugging and abandoning of such Non-Protected Well and compensate Gas Party for 50% of the lost value of such Non-Protected Well, taking into account the Gas Reserves and underlying leases, if applicable, that are lost.

(c)     Long-Wall Move-Around Wells and Mine-By Wells . In the event that Gas Party is required to plug and abandon any Protected or Non-Protected Well in a Mine Area as a result of Coal Party’s exercise of its rights under this ARTICLE III and Gas Party desires to drill or retain such Protected or Non-Protected Well, Gas Party may, to the extent permitted under this Section  3.3(c) , request to have a Long-Wall Move-Around or a Mine-By with respect to such Well in lieu of such plugging and abandonment, in each case, as follows:

(i)    Long-Wall Move-Around Wells. In the event Gas Party desires in a Mine Area that Coal Party conduct a Long-Wall Move-Around of any Protected or Non-Protected Well that is required to be plugged and abandoned for mine-through pursuant to this ARTICLE III:

(1)    Gas Party may request in writing, not later than twenty-four (24) months prior to the anticipated Mining P&A Date of such Well, as identified by Coal Party, that Coal Party conduct a Long-Wall Move-Around of such Protected or Non-Protected Well, which request when delivered by Gas Party to Coal Party shall include evidence of Gas Party’s compliance with the insurance requirements set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, and any amendments thereof then in effect;

(2)    Not more than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of Gas Party’s written request for Coal Party to conduct a Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to any applicable Protected or Non-Protected Well, Coal Party shall provide to Gas Party in writing:

(A)    Either its consent to such proposed Long-Wall Move-Around (subject to Gas Party paying the value of the stranded coal reserves and associated operational costs, as determined pursuant hereto) or its non-consent to such proposed Long-Wall Move-Around, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (or to impose any financial or economic burdens or requirements on Gas Party other than, or in addition to, those set forth in this Agreement); provided, however , in no event shall Coal Party be obligated to grant such consent to the extent such Long-Wall Move-Around would be reasonably likely to adversely affect or endanger the health or safety of any personnel working within the applicable Mine or above or below such Mine, would violate any applicable Laws, would be prohibited by any Existing Permits/Agreements binding on Coal Party, would cause Coal Party to be unable to meet or perform its contractual obligations in any material respect or would materially interfere with

 

9


or adversely affect Coal Party’s ability to operate its Mine in an efficient manner that maintains coal quality and allows continued timely implementation of its then-current Annual Coal Development Plan; and, further, provided that it will not be deemed unreasonable for Coal Party to condition its consent upon Gas Party furnishing assurance of Gas Party’s financial ability to pay Coal Party for the value of the stranded coal reserves and operational costs that Coal Party reasonably estimates will be associated with the requested Long-Wall Move-Around, including but not limited to requiring Gas Party to post a surety bond in favor of Coal Party for the amount of such value and costs; and

(B)    If Coal Party elects to consent to such request, a good-faith estimate of the value of the stranded coal reserves and operational costs that Coal Party reasonably estimates will be associated with the requested Long-Wall Move-Around, as determined using the formulas set forth on Schedule 3.3(c) ;

(3)    If Coal Party elects not to consent to such request pursuant to subsection (2)  above for a Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, then there shall be no Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to such Well, and such Well shall be plugged and abandoned as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b) , as applicable, and the cost and expense associated with such plugging and abandonment shall be allocated as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b), as applicable; and

(4)    If Coal Party consents to such request pursuant to subsection (2)  above for a Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, then, not more than thirty (30) days after receipt of Coal Party’s good-faith estimate of the value of the stranded coal reserves and operational costs associated with such request, Gas Party shall provide to Coal Party in writing either:

(A)    Confirmation to proceed with the requested Long-Wall Move-Around, together with Gas Party’s reasonable good faith estimate of the compensation and reimbursement to which Gas Party would have been entitled under Section  3.3(a) if the pertinent Well is a Protected Well and had been plugged for mine-through (the “ Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate ”), and (a) Coal Party shall conduct the Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, (b) Gas Party shall pay to Coal Party an amount equal to the value of any stranded coal reserves and operational costs associated with the Long-Wall Move-Around for such Well, as determined utilizing the formulas set forth on Schedule 3.3(c) attached hereto, minus the Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate, if applicable, (c) Coal Party shall invoice Gas Party for the value of the stranded reserves and operational costs associated with the Long-Wall Move-Around for such Well, minus the Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate (if applicable), after Coal Party completes such Long-Wall Move-Around as to such Well, and (d) Gas Party shall pay such invoice within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof; or

 

10


(B)    Notice that Gas Party withdraws its request for such Long-Wall Move-Around, and then there shall be no Long-Wall Move-Around with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, and such Well shall be plugged and abandoned as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b) , as applicable, and the cost and expense associated with such plugging and abandonment shall be allocated as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b), as applicable.

(ii)     Mine-By Wells . In the event Gas Party desires in a Mine Area that Coal Party conduct a Mine-By of any Protected or Non-Protected Well that is required to be plugged and abandoned for mine-through pursuant to this ARTICLE III :

(1)    Gas Party may request in writing, not later than twenty-four (24) months prior to the anticipated Mining P&A Date of such Protected or Non-Protected Well, as identified by Coal Party, that Coal Party conduct a Mine-By of such Well, which request when delivered by Gas Party to Coal Party shall include evidence of Gas Party’s compliance with the insurance requirements set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, and any amendments thereof then in effect;

(2)    Not more than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of Gas Party’s written request for Coal Party to conduct a Mine-By with respect to any such Protected or Non-Protected Well, Coal Party shall provide to Gas Party in writing:

(A)    Either its consent to such proposed Mine-By or its non-consent to such proposed Mine-By, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (or to impose any financial or economic burdens or requirements on Gas Party other than, or in addition to, those set forth in this Agreement); provided, however , in no event shall Coal Party be obligated to grant such consent to the extent such Mine-By would be reasonably likely to adversely affect or endanger the health or safety of any personnel working within the applicable Mine or above or below such Mine, would violate any applicable Laws, would be prohibited by any Existing Permits/Agreements binding on Coal Party, would cause Coal Party to be unable to meet or perform its contractual obligations in any material respect or would materially interfere with or adversely affect Coal Party’s ability to operate its mine in an efficient manner that maintains coal quality and allows continued timely implementation of its then-current Annual Coal Development Plan; and

(B)    If Coal Party elects to consent to such request, a good-faith estimate of the value of any stranded coal reserves and incremental operational costs that Coal Party reasonably estimates will be associated with the requested Mine-By, as determined using the formulas set forth on Schedule 3.3(c) ;

(3)    If Coal Party elects not to consent to such request for a Mine-By pursuant to subsection (2)  above with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, then there shall be no Mine-By with respect to such Well, and such Well shall be plugged and abandoned as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b) , as

 

11


applicable, and the cost and expense associated with such plugging and abandonment shall be allocated as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b), as applicable;

(4)    If Coal Party consents to such request for a Mine-By pursuant to subsection (2)  above with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, then, not more than thirty (30) days after receipt of Coal Party’s good-faith estimate of the value of the stranded coal reserves and incremental operational costs associated with such request, Gas Party shall provide to Coal Party in writing either:

(A)    Confirmation that Gas Party desires to proceed with the requested Mine-By, together with a Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate (if applicable), and, upon receipt of such confirmation (a) Gas Party and Coal Party shall proceed to file all necessary documentation and applications with the appropriate regulatory agencies to Mine-By such Protected or Non-Protected Well, (b) Coal Party and Gas Party shall diligently work together in obtaining all of the necessary regulatory paperwork, and (c) Coal Party and Gas Party shall each continue to update the other Party every sixty (60) calendar days thereafter with respect to the status of the pending approvals and shall provide copies of any documentation filed with, or received from, such regulatory agencies ; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event Coal Party and Gas Party fail to obtain all applicable regulatory approvals from the appropriate regulatory agencies to Mine-By as to such Well at least sixty (60) days prior to the time that the anticipated Mine-By is to occur, then Gas Party shall be deemed not to have requested such Mine-By and Coal Party shall be deemed not to have consented thereto; and, further, provided that, if there are more than six (6) Wells on the pertinent Well pad, such sixty (60) day period shall be increased by an additional ten (10) days for each Well above six (6) Wells on that Well pad; or

(B)    Notice that Gas Party withdraws its request for such Mine-By, and then there shall be no Mine-By with respect to such Protected or Non-Protected Well, and such Well shall be plugged and abandoned as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b) , as applicable, and the cost and expense associated with such plugging and abandonment shall be allocated as set forth in Section  3.3(a) or Section  3.3(b), as applicable

(5)    If Coal Party and Gas Party receive all necessary regulatory approvals for the Mine-By of such Protected or Non-Protected Well, then (A) Coal Party and Gas Party shall commence and diligently pursue the completion of such Mine-By in accordance with applicable Laws and within the time period outlined in such regulatory approvals, (B) Gas Party shall pay to Coal Party an amount equal to the value of any stranded coal reserves and incremental operational costs, including without limitation any out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Coal Party for idling its mine due to delays in implementing the associated Mine-By Temporary P&A, associated with the Mine-By for such Well, as determined utilizing the formulas set forth on Schedule 3.3(c) attached hereto, minus the Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate (if applicable), (C) Coal Party shall invoice Gas Party for the value of the stranded reserves and operational costs

 

12


associated with the Mine-By for such Well, minus the Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate (if applicable), after Coal Party completes its work associated with such Mine-By, and (D) Gas Party shall pay such invoice within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof;

(6)    If Gas Party elects to reopen any Protected or Non-Protected Well that has been Mine-By Temporary P&A following Mine-By by Coal Party, then (A) before such reopening, Gas Party shall first obtain all necessary regulatory approvals and then attempt to reopen such Well only after the first longwall panel has been mined to a minimum distance past the affected Well as required by applicable Law, and (B) Gas Party shall furnish to Coal Party all reports and data reasonably requested by Coal Party with respect to the affected Well for health and safety purposes, including well integrity data required to be reported under any applicable Law or needed to acquire any regulatory approval; and

(7)    With respect to any Protected Wells to be Mine-By Temporary P&A, Coal Party shall pay Gas Party the costs of the first Mine-By Temporary P&A and subsequent reopening of such Well(s), and Gas Party shall bear the costs of any subsequent Mine-By Temporary P&A and reopening of such Well(s), unless a subsequent Mine-By Temporary P&A is required for mining-related regulatory compliance, in which case Coal Party shall pay Gas Party the costs of such Mine-By Temporary P&A and subsequent reopening of such Well(s).

(d)     Non-Well Operations : In a Mine Area, Coal Party may require at any time that Gas Party relocate (within a reasonable time, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) months following receipt of such notice from Coal Party) an easement (including Surface Easements), pipeline, facility, or other related equipment located in a Mine Area (other than a Well and associated Well equipment) (each, a “ Non-Well Facility ”) if any such Non-Well Facility is reasonably expected by Coal Party to interfere with Coal Party’s present or planned operations or uses in, on, or under any of its Coal Interests, and the following shall apply:

(i)    All costs and expenses of Gas Party associated with the initial relocation of any Non-Well Facility constructed after the Effective Time shall be (1) borne 100% by Gas Party, if at the time of construction such Non-Well Facility was within a Coal Area and its location was not approved in writing by Coal Party, and (2) otherwise, borne 50% by Gas Party and 50% by Coal Party.

(ii)    With respect to any Non-Well Facility existing in the Cooperation Area as of the Effective Time, this Agreement shall govern and supersedes the Original MCSA, and if such Non-Well Facility was located in the (1) Coal Area of a Mine Area at the time it was constructed, all costs and expenses associated with the initial relocation shall be borne 100% by Gas Party, and (2) Non-Coal Area of a Mine Area or outside a Mine Area at the time it was constructed, all costs and expenses associated with the initial relocation shall be borne 50% by Gas Party and 50% by Coal Party.

(iii)    Coal Party may require a second or further relocation with respect to any Non-Well Facility that has been previously relocated pursuant hereto; provided, however , that (X) the costs and expenses of any such second or further relocation shall be borne solely by

 

13


Coal Party, (Y) Coal Party shall compensate Gas Party for lost profits due to the Non-Well Facility being out of service, and (Z) Coal Party shall indemnify and hold Gas Party harmless from any Claim made by a Third Party arising from such Non-Well Facility being out of service during the relocation. For the avoidance of doubt, the costs and expenses of any relocation performed pursuant to this Section  3.3(d) shall, in each instance, include the cost and expense incurred to acquire any new easements or rights-of-way from Third Parties that are reasonably necessary or required in connection with such relocation and lost profits due to the Non-Well Facility being out of service. For the further avoidance of doubt, any new easements that are necessary or required in connection with such relocation shall, to the extent practicable, be granted free of charge pursuant to the Surface Use Rights herein granted.

(e)    For the avoidance of doubt, where this Section  3.3 has been qualified by language such as “to the extent not prohibited by any Existing Permits/Agreements” or phrases of similar import, the Parties agree that such provisions herein and the relevant Existing Permits/Agreements shall be construed and applied in a manner consistent with the objectives contained in this Agreement.

3.4      Operations in the Cooperation Area Outside a Mine Area . For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any land, including Coal Interests, Gas Interests and/or Surface Rights, in the Cooperation Area that is, at any given time, outside a Mine Area:

(a)    Gas Party shall have (i) the absolute right to freely operate and develop its Gas Interests and to utilize its Surface Use Rights and License Use Rights, including, without limitation, the absolute right to drill Wells, to determine the location of its Wells in its sole discretion, and to construct Non-Well Facilities, and including, without limitation, the right to transport Third Party Gas from lands in the Coal Area or other lands and to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, any of its joint ventures, and/or any of its Affiliates on lands in the Coal Area or other lands and to otherwise exercise all rights granted to Gas Party in ARTICLE V , and (ii) no obligation to notify Coal Party prior to drilling any such Well or to coordinate with Coal Party concerning the location of any such Wells or Non-Well Facilities.

(b)    Notwithstanding its obligations to cooperate with Gas Party and to allow Gas Party to utilize all rights granted to Gas Party pursuant to this Agreement, Coal Party shall, except as otherwise provided in Section  3.4(c) or Section  6.5 , have no rights under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right to subside or to cause Gas Party to plug, abandon and/or relocate, with respect to (i) any Well of Gas Party, or its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, and/or any of its joint ventures, which had its vertical wellbore outside the Mine Area at the time the initial drilling permit for such Well was issued, or (ii) any Non-Well Facility of Gas Party, or its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, and/or any of its joint ventures, which was located outside the Mine Area at the time originally constructed.

(c)    The terms of this Section  3.4 shall apply with respect to each existing Well and Non-Well Facility of Gas Party that is outside a Mine Area but within the Cooperation Area as of the Effective Time and any Well and Non-Well Facility of Gas Party drilled or constructed after the Effective Time and that, when constructed, is outside a Mine Area but within the

 

14


Cooperation Area; provided, however , if a Mine Area is thereafter established or purchased by Coal Party that encompasses any such Well or Non-Well Facility (i) all such Wells existing within such area as of the date such Mine Area is established or purchased, and all Wells in such Mine Area for which drilling permits have been issued by Governmental Authorities as of the date of such establishment or purchase, shall be deemed Protected Wells and subject to such provisions of this Agreement covering Protected Wells, and (ii) all such Non-Well Facilities constructed within such area prior to the date such Mine Area is established or purchased shall be deemed installed outside the Coal Area and subject to the provisions of this Agreement covering Non-Well Facilities.

3.5      Permits in the Cooperation Area . Coal Party and Gas Party are each responsible for obtaining all permits, title reports, licenses, and bonds related to its operations. Provided that such other Party has complied with its obligations under this Agreement and to the extent not prohibited by Existing Permits/Agreements: (a) Coal Party, including for the avoidance of doubt Coal Party’s Affiliates, shall support Gas Party’s permitting and regulatory activities in the Cooperation Area and agrees it will not object, protest, appeal, or interfere with any applications submitted by Gas Party for permits, approvals, or authorizations required by any Governmental Authority in the Cooperation Area and will timely execute or submit applicable waivers, consents (including consents to Stimulate), or other documents as requested by Gas Party in accordance with the aforementioned; and (b) Gas Party shall support Coal Party’s permitting and regulatory activities in each Mine Area, including with respect to initial start-up of a Mine, and agree they will not object, protest, appeal, or interfere with any applications submitted by Coal Party for permits, approvals, or authorizations required by any Governmental Authority in such Mine Area and will timely execute or submit applicable waivers, consents, or other documents as requested by Coal Party in accordance with the aforementioned. Applications covered include not only initial applications for a mine permit in a Mine Area or Well permit or Non-Well Facilities permit anywhere in the Cooperation Area but also amendments or revisions to existing applications, renewals, six (6) month map filings, or similar submissions after an original application; provided, however , that the Party which is supporting the other Party’s permitting and/or regulatory activities shall not be required to incur any out-of-pocket costs in connection therewith other than as set forth herein. Coal Party and Gas Party each agree to comply in all material respects with all applicable Existing Permits/Agreements burdening the Coal Interests and Gas Interests, as applicable; provided, however , that for the avoidance of doubt the Parties agree that the relevant Existing Permits/Agreements shall be construed and applied in a manner consistent with the objectives contained in this Agreement.

3.6      As-Built Drawings . In the event any new surface facilities are constructed or surface real property improvements are made by Coal Party or Gas Party within a Mine Area, the constructing Party shall promptly provide the other Party with As-Built Construction Drawings showing the nature and location of such new construction or improvement as are available to the constructing Party, or alternatively notify the other Party and make such As-Built Construction Drawings available to the other Party for copying.

3.7      Drilling Procedures . The procedures set forth in Schedule 3.7 will be followed when drilling Wells in a Mine Area after the Effective Time.

 

15


3.8      Allowances and Credits . The Coal Party and Gas Party agree that any baseline or additional Allowances or Energy Credits (whether the Allowances are allocated on a pre- or post- Coal Gas Capture basis or whether due to Coal Gas Capture or any other Coal Gas or mining activities) directly attributable (i) to Gas Party’s Capture of Coal Gas or Coal Gas activities, in each case, associated with the Coal Interests existing as of the Effective Time within the Cooperation Area and (ii) to mining activities by Coal Party or its Coal Affiliates with respect to Coal Interests existing as of the Effective Time within the Cooperation Area, in each case, to which each Party is or may become entitled to claim, own or benefit from prior to, on or after the Effective Time (such Allowances and Energy Credits, as limited by items (i) and (ii) above, the “ Subject Coal Allowances ” and “ Subject Coal Energy Credits ,” respectively), whether allocated by any government or regulatory agency, purchased or otherwise acquired by a Party, shall be held, controlled and owned fifty percent (50%) by Gas Party and fifty percent (50%) by Coal Party. The Parties agree to cooperate to the extent reasonably necessary as to their agreement in respect of the ownership and control of all such Subject Coal Allowances and Subject Coal Energy Credits consistent with the foregoing.

(a)    For the avoidance of doubt, Gas Party and Coal Party shall each hold all rights, title and interest in and to its fifty percent (50%) share of all Subject Coal Energy Credits and its fifty percent (50%) share of all Subject Coal Allowances, whether Verified, as defined below, or not Verified, severally and not jointly or as tenants in common, so that Gas Party and Coal Party each may (i) hold, control, or own, or (ii) sell, lease, assign, transfer, trade and/or convey, in each case, its percentage share in whole or in part of its Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or Subject Coal Allowances without the consent of the other Party, free and clear of all liens, claims or encumbrances, and to the extent all such percentage share of a Party is sold, leased, assigned, transferred, traded and/or conveyed, the remaining percentage share of that type and vintage of Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances shall be held, owned, controlled, or sold, leased, assigned, transferred, traded and/or conveyed, solely by the other Party.

(b)    To the extent that any lien, claim or encumbrance may arise by or through any Party upon the Subject Coal Energy Credits or the Subject Coal Allowances of the other Party, then the Party by or through whom the lien, claim or encumbrance arose agrees (at its own cost and expense) to take any and all actions necessary to promptly remove any such lien, claim or encumbrance that encumbers the other Party’s Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances.

(c)    Gas Party and Coal Party will cooperate in the selection of the firm to verify or certify all or any portion of the Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances ( Verify or Verification ). In the event the Parties cannot agree on the Verification firm, each Party shall each have the exclusive right to determine which firms such Party will retain to Verify all or any portion of the Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances. Any Party Verifying the Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances must give reasonable written notice of such Verification and the type of Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances being so Verified to the other Party and will provide to the other Party a copy of any reports related to any such Verification. If the Parties select different Verification firms or obtain separate Verification reports from the same firm, each Party will be entitled to its percentage share of the average of the total Verified Subject Coal Energy Credits

 

16


and Verified Subject Coal Allowances determined by the Verification firms or reports, as the case may be.

(d)    Each Party shall each have the exclusive right, as to its percentage of the Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances, to determine under which Programs and system(s), and using whatever means, such Party will (i) sell, lease, assign, transfer, trade and/or convey or (ii) register, record, or otherwise perfect (“ Register ”), in each case, its share of the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances, and to sell, lease, assign, transfer, trade and/or convey the same to any Third Party such Party so chooses. Each Party Registering Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances must give reasonable written notice of registration (“ Registration ”) to the other Party and will provide to the other Party a copy of any reports related to any such Registration. If, in the course of a Party Registering or selling, leasing, assigning, transferring, trading and/or conveying its percentage share of the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances, the quantity of the share of Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances actually Registered or transferred is less or greater than the percentage of the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances divided, neither the Party Registering or transferring the Subject Coal Energy Credits or the Subject Coal Allowances, nor the other Party, will be entitled to any adjustment in its share or other compensation for the greater or lesser quantity.

(e)    Each Party acknowledges that the other Party has the right to fifty percent (50%) of any and all consideration derived from the sale, lease, assignment, transfer, trade and/or conveyance of all Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or all Subject Coal Allowances contemplated herein. Further, the Parties shall proceed as follows with respect to Credit Producers:

(i)    The Party engaging a Credit Producer, whether the Coal Party or the Gas Party, shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of the proposed project (each, a “ Project Notice ”), including (1) the name and contact address, telephone no. and facsimile no. for the Credit Producer, (2) the proposed terms of the project, (3) the name of the pertinent Mine Area, (4) the proposed payment or consideration scheme, and (5) any other relevant information concerning the project;

(ii)    The Party receiving the Project Notice shall have the right to either (1) agree to receive its fifty percent (50%) share of the consideration as proposed in the Project Notice, or (2) enter into separate negotiations with the Credit Producer, limited to the manner or scheme in which the Credit Producer will pay such Party for its fifty percent (50%) share of the consideration for the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances, which negotiations shall be allowed for a period of up to thirty (30) days from the date of such Party’s receipt of the Project Notice;

(iii)    In the event that the Party receiving the Project Notice does not initially agree to the payment scheme as proposed in the Project Notice, but fails to reach its own agreement with the Credit Producer regarding the manner or scheme for payments within thirty (30) days after such Party’s receipt of the Project Notice, then any consideration for the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances shall be paid according to the project agreement between the Credit Producer and the Party that engaged the Credit Producer, and the Party that executed the project agreement with the Credit Producer shall promptly and fully pay

 

17


to the other Party its fifty percent (50%) share of the consideration, and shall include with such payment all necessary documentation to enable verification of the consideration received by such executing Party;

(iv)    The Project Notice and the right of the non-engaging Party to seek to negotiate a separate agreement with the Credit Producer regarding the consideration scheme for its fifty percent (50%) share, as described above, shall not be construed as a requirement that the consent of the non-engaging Party is needed for a project agreement proposed hereunder to proceed between the engaging Party and the Credit Producer;

(v)    Throughout the process set forth above, the Party that engaged the Credit Producer shall endeavor to keep the other Party reasonably apprised of applicable information related to the quantity of Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or Subject Coal Allowances generated, registration activities and market activities, and shall permit the other Party to perform an annual audit during reasonable business hours to verify the consideration paid for the Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or Subject Coal Allowances that are generated by the project; and

(vi)    The Party that engaged the Credit Producer shall direct the Credit Producer to take all necessary steps to Verify, Register, market and sell any Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or Subject Coal Allowances derived from the Coal Gas activities for which such Credit Producer was engaged.

(f)    Each Party agrees to provide the other Party with reasonable cooperation in attaining any Verification, certification, documentation or other needed approvals, or in negotiating or finalizing any sale, Registration, transfer or other use of the Subject Coal Energy Credits or Subject Coal Allowances of the other Party or otherwise carrying out the provisions of this Section  3.8 .

(g)    Each Party agrees to meet upon the reasonable request of the other Party, but at least annually, to determine the nature, type, vintage and number of Subject Coal Energy Credits available as each Party’s percentage share of the Subject Coal Energy Credits and to discuss any proposed Subject Coal Allowances adjustments.

(h)    The Parties acknowledge that Coal Party is the Party which owns or controls the Coal Interests and that neither this Section  3.8 nor any agreement between the Parties related to the Subject Coal Energy Credits and Subject Coal Allowances shall create in Gas Party any rights or obligations related to Coal Party’s control and operation of any Coal Interests subject to a project agreement for the Subject Coal Energy Credits and/or Subject Coal Allowances.

ARTICLE IV

COORDINATION COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN MINE AREAS

4.1      Coordination Committee .

(a)    To facilitate cooperation and coordination of operations between Coal Party and Gas Party in each Mine Area, Coal Party and Gas Party agree to establish a

 

18


Coordination Committee for each Mine. The Coal Party or Coal Parties that own and operate a Mine shall, collectively as applicable, be entitled to appoint one operational representative to the Coordination Committee for such Mine (the “ Coal Party Representative ”), and Gas Party shall be entitled to appoint one operational representative to such Coordination Committee (the “ Gas Party Representative ”). For each Mine, (i) within thirty (30) days after the acquisition or permitting thereof, Coal Party (or the Coal Parties, as applicable) shall notify Gas Party in writing of such Mine and identify the one Coal Party Representative for such Mine, (ii) within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notification from Coal Party, Gas Party shall notify Coal Party (or Coal Parties, as applicable) of its Gas Party Representative for such Mine, and (iii) a Coordination Committee for such Mine shall thereby be established and act hereunder. Each of Coal Party and Gas Party shall have the right to change its representative serving on a Coordination Committee at any time by giving notice of such change to the other relevant Party.

(b)    A Coordination Committee shall have only the powers and duties expressly ascribed to it in this Agreement for the applicable Mine for which it was established.

(c)    The representative of a Party on a Coordination Committee shall be authorized to represent and bind such Party (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in instances where the Coal Party Representative represents more than one Coal Party) with respect to any matter that is within the powers of such Coordination Committee hereunder and is properly brought before such Coordination Committee. On all matters coming before a Coordination Committee, the Coal Party Representative and the Gas Party Representative shall each have an equal vote.

(d)    Unless otherwise agreed by the members of a Coordination Committee, each Coordination Committee shall meet at least once per calendar quarter to review and discuss (i) the relevant then-current Gas Development Plan, then-current Life of Mine Plan, Annual Gas Development Plan, and Annual Coal Development Plan, (ii) any updates to such plans provided by Coal Party or Gas Party, as applicable, since the previous Coordination Committee meeting, and (iii) such other matters as may be reasonably proposed by Coal Party or Gas Party. Such quarterly meetings shall not be required, if at the relevant time there are no active mining operations in the Mine Area for the pertinent Mine. All meetings shall be held during normal business hours, with the time and place of each meeting to be mutually agreed upon by Coal Party and Gas Party, or if not mutually agreed to, then the selection of the time and place of each such meeting shall alternate between the location of each Party’s Section  4.1(a) Representative. Members of a Coordination Committee shall be allowed to participate telephonically (or, to the extent available, by video conference) in any such meeting. Each of Coal Party and Gas Party may call a special meeting of a Coordination Committee on reasonable prior written notice.

(e)    To the fullest extent permitted by Law and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no member of a Coordination Committee, in his or her capacity as a member of that Coordination Committee, shall have any duty, fiduciary or otherwise, to the Parties that did not appoint such member with respect to any act or omission by such member under this Agreement. Each of Coal Party and Gas Party agrees and acknowledges that each member of a Coordination Committee shall be entitled to determine whether or not to take any action under this Agreement by only considering the interests of the Party that designated such member to that Coordination Committee and not the interests of any other Party.

 

19


4.2      Development Plans .

(a)    Coal Party and Gas Party acknowledge and agree that for the period from the Effective Time until the date Gas Party receives Coal Party’s Life of Mine Plan for a Mine, all operations of Gas Party throughout the Cooperation Area shall be deemed outside of any Mine Area. Coal Party shall, within sixty (60) days following the acquisition or permitting of any Mine, provide the pertinent Gas Party Representative with a Life of Mine Plan for such Mine; and Gas Party shall, within sixty (60) days following receipt of such Life of Mine Plan, provide the pertinent Coal Party Representative with a three (3) year plan generally describing the anticipated drilling and development activities of Gas Party (the “ Gas Development Plan ”) within the Mine Area of such Mine.

(b)    Other than with respect to calendar year 2017, each calendar year, with respect to each Mine in which Coal Party holds Coal Interests and in which Gas Party holds Gas Interests:

(i)    On or before October 1 st of each calendar year, Coal Party will submit to the Coordination Committee (A) an update to the Life of Mine Plan for such Mine to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any updates with respect to the calendar years already included in the Life of Mine Plan and (B) a plan for the anticipated mining activities of Coal Party during the following calendar year in such Mine Area, which shall include, with respect to each Mine, an accurate map of its current and completed mining areas, all then-permitted or planned Pillar Permit Areas for Gas Party’s well locations, line projections to designate its planned and proposed mining development headings and full extraction mining areas, and the proposed timing of such mining activities within such Mine Area, together with the location of Gas Party’s then-existing or planned Wells or facilities as set forth in the most recent Annual Gas Development Plan that would reasonably be expected to be impacted by Coal Party’s mining operations in the Mine Area within the next six (6) years (the “ Annual Coal Development Plan ”);

(ii)    On or before October 1 st of each calendar year, Gas Party will submit to the Coordination Committee (A) an update to the Gas Development Plan for such Mine to extend such plan for an additional calendar year and to include any updates with respect to the calendar years already included in the Gas Development Plan and (B) a plan generally describing the anticipated drilling and development activities of Gas Party in such Mine Area during the following calendar year, which shall include an accurate map of its current active and inactive Wells and its proposed pad locations for proposed Wells that it plans to drill within such Mine Area (the “ Annual Gas Development Plan ”); and

(iii)    Each member of a Coordination Committee shall review and provide suggestions with respect to the coordination of the proposed drilling and development plans and the updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan for such Coordination Committee’s pertinent Mine. No later than December 1st of each calendar year immediately preceding the relevant calendar year, each Coordination Committee shall meet to finalize an Annual Coal Development Plan and an Annual Gas Development Plan for the pertinent Mine; provided, however , that the final Annual Coal Development Plan and the final Annual Gas Development Plan, respectively, for each successive calendar year shall be determined in the

 

20


sole discretion of Coal Party and Gas Party, respectively, and finalized and circulated to the other Party and the Coordination Committee, on or before December 15 th of the preceding calendar year, and shall in the title block thereof state the name of the pertinent Mine, the nature of the plan as a “final” Annual Coal Development Plan or a “final” Annual Gas Development Plan (as applicable), and the relevant calendar year for which the plan applies.

4.3      Notices and Updates .

(a)    Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide periodic updates, including at Coordination Committee meetings, to the information, reports, and forecasts used in preparing the updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan, as applicable, and shall prepare and submit to each Coordination Committee additional updates to the Life of Mine Plan and Gas Development Plan promptly upon (i) a material change that impacts the operations related to the relevant Life of Mine Plan and the relevant Gas Development Plan and/or (ii) upon reasonable request of such Coordination Committee.

(b)    Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide periodic notice to the other with respect to its anticipated development activities in the Coal Area and in the portion of the Non-Coal Area within a Mine Area, and, in the event such activities are anticipated to differ materially from the activities contemplated under the relevant Annual Gas Development Plan or Annual Coal Development Plan, as applicable, a detailed explanation of such change in its activities. Further, in the event that Gas Party or Coal Party modifies or supplements any Annual Gas Development Plan or Annual Coal Development Plan delivered hereunder, as applicable, in a manner that would reasonably be expected to impact the other Party’s operations in the Coal Area, then Gas Party or Coal Party, as applicable, shall promptly provide the other Party with an updated Annual Gas Development Plan or Annual Coal Development Plan, as applicable.

(c)    Coal Party and Gas Party shall each provide notices, as promptly as possible with respect to any written Claim or communication from a Governmental Authority that may impact the other’s operations. In addition, each of Coal Party and Gas Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware of any potential conflict between its operations in a Mine Area and those of any other Party which is reasonably expected to impact such other Party’s operations, provide notice to such other Party of such potential conflict in accordance with Section  8.2 of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

SURFACE USE; WATER USE; LICENSE USE

5.1      Surface Use Rights .

(a)    (i) Gas Party shall have the right on a non-exclusive basis and, except as provided below in Section  5.3 , free of charge to use and access any Surface Rights of any Coal Party in the Cooperation Area to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with Gas Party’s operations to develop the Gas Interests owned or controlled by Gas Party within the Cooperation Area, including for purposes of using or constructing roads, constructing pad sites, drilling locations, impoundments, tank stations and other surface facilities, and laying pipelines for the transportation of Gas and water, and, further, including the right to transport Third Party Gas

 

21


from lands in the Coal Area or other lands and the right to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, any of its joint ventures, and/or Affiliates on lands in the Coal Area or other lands, and (ii) Coal Party shall have the right, on a non-exclusive basis and, except as provided below in Section  5.3 , free of charge to use and access any Surface Rights of Gas Party in the Four State Area to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with Coal Party’s operations to develop the Coal Interests owned or controlled by Coal Party in the Four State Area, including for purposes of using or constructing roads and constructing other facilities related to such coal operations (such use and access rights as described in and limited by clauses (i)  and (ii) above, respectively as to Gas Party and Coal Party, the “ Surface Use Rights ”), which Surface Use Rights shall, in each case, be exercised by making a Surface Easement Request as provided in Section  5.2(a) herein below and obtaining an easement as provided in Section  5.2(b) and 5.2(c) herein below. Gas Party and Coal Party shall comply with reasonable requirements of the other such Party, as applicable, with respect to operations or activities that utilize Surface Use Rights involving the other Party’s Surface Rights and with applicable regulatory requirements.

(b)    Subject to complying with this Section  5.1(b) and with Section  8.1 , any Party may Assign any of its Surface Rights; provided, however , that the Party intending to Assign any of its Surface Rights that are subject to the Surface Use Rights of another Party under Section  5.1(a) shall first provide all the Parties entitled to exercise Surface Use Rights with respect thereto with written notice of such intention on or before forty five (45) days prior to the date such Assignment is to be consummated (a “ Surface Assignment Notice ”). Each Surface Assignment Notice shall include a description of those portions of the Surface Rights that will be Assigned pursuant to such proposed Assignment. Within thirty (30) days of Gas Party’s and/or Coal Party’s receipt of a Surface Assignment Notice, Gas Party and/or Coal Party, as applicable, shall have the right to deliver a Surface Easement Request to the Section  4.1(a) Representative of the Party proposing such Assignment with respect to the Surface Rights that are subject to such Surface Assignment Notice in order to exercise such Party’s Surface Use Rights described above. Following its receipt of a Surface Easement Request pursuant to this Section  5.1(b) , the Party proposing such Assignment shall use its reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine (prior to the date such Surface Rights are to be Assigned) if any such Surface Easement Request (i) is sufficiently specific in nature, including a description of the Surface Easement being requested, its purpose, and a plat showing the approximate location, scope, and length of such Surface Easement, (ii) is within the scope of the requesting Party’s Surface Use Rights, and (iii) would not materially impair the value of the Surface Rights which are subject to such proposed Assignment. Should such Assigning Party be satisfied that each of clause (i) , clause (ii) , and clause (iii)  of this Section  5.1(b) are satisfied by such requested Surface Easement, and subject to (A) any restrictions under an applicable Existing Permit/Agreement and (B) the other terms of this Agreement, then such selling Party shall prepare and deliver, without costs or fees, such Surface Easement to the requesting Party prior to the date such Surface Right is Assigned. For the avoidance of doubt, each Party shall have the right to Assign its Surface Rights, subject to complying with this Section  5.1(b) and Section  8.1 herein below; and whether such Surface Rights remain subject to this Agreement after such Assignment shall be determined as set forth in Section  8.1 .

 

22


5.2      Surface Easement Requests .

(a)    Gas Party may submit written requests to Coal Party and Coal Party may submit written requests to Gas Party for specific easements and rights of way across the Surface Rights that are subject to such requesting Party’s Surface Use Rights under Section  5.1(a) and which are held by such other Party as reasonably necessary for Gas Party or Coal Party, as applicable, to exercise its Surface Use Rights described in Section  5.1 and/or to exercise its Water Use Rights described in Section  5.5 (each such easement or right of way, a “ Surface Easement ”). Each such request (a “ Surface Easement Request ”) shall include (i) a description of the Surface Easement being requested, including its specific purpose along with a full disclosure of the scope of the related activities that are reasonably anticipated to be undertaken by the requesting Party in connection with such requested easement, (ii) a plat or construction drawing showing the approximate location, scope, and length of such Surface Easement, and (iii) a description of the Surface Rights that would be affected by such Surface Easement.

(b)    Following its receipt of a Surface Easement Request, not later than forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt thereof, the Party receiving such Surface Easement Request shall use reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine if such Surface Easement Request (i) is sufficiently specific in nature, (ii), is within the scope of the requesting Party’s Surface Use Rights and/or Water Use Rights, and (iii) would not materially impair the value of the Surface Right which is subject to such Surface Easement Request for its intended use by the receiving Party; provided, however , the receiving Party shall, when evaluating the criteria in this clause (iii) , take into consideration the reasonably anticipated timing of its operations on such Surface Right in relation to the anticipated duration and effect of the requesting Party’s proposed surface use, and shall not unreasonably withhold, condition, or delay its approval if such duration and effect would not render the affected Surface Right substantially unfit for such receiving Party’s intended use, based on such timing. Should the Party receiving such Surface Easement Request be satisfied that each of clause (i) , clause (ii) , and clause (iii)  of this Section  5.2(b) be satisfied by such Surface Easement Request, and subject to any restrictions under applicable Existing Permits/Agreements and the other terms of this Agreement, such Party shall prepare and deliver, without costs or fees, such Surface Easement to the requesting Party, which Surface Easement shall be granted on a non-exclusive basis. In the event that the Party receiving such Surface Easement Request finds that the criteria in clause (iii)  is not satisfied, such Party shall cooperate with the requesting Party, in order to identify a mutually acceptable location on the affected Surface Right that will satisfy that criteria, including by meeting on-site with the requesting Party within fifteen (15) days of being requested to do so in writing; provided, further , that if such Surface Easement Request is by a Gas Party for a location outside a Coal Area and the Parties are unable to agree on a mutually acceptable location within thirty (30) days following Coal Party’s receipt of the request, then Coal Party shall grant the Surface Easement as requested by Gas Party.

(c)    Any Surface Easement delivered pursuant to a Surface Easement Request under this Section  5.2 or Section  5.1(b) shall be in recordable form and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Party to whom the easement is granted. Any Surface Easement granted pursuant to a Surface Easement Request under this Section  5.2 or Section  5.1(b) shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon the Parties’ respective successors and assigns in accordance with its terms, which easement shall contain

 

23


language that it is non-exclusive and subject to (i) any applicable restrictions under any Existing Permits/Agreements, (ii) any applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement, including a granting Party’s right to require relocation in accordance with this Agreement, and (iii) any applicable Laws.

(d)    With respect to Surface Easements granted by Coal Party pursuant to this Agreement, Coal Party shall have the right to relocate such Surface Easements as set forth in Section  3.3(d) . With respect to Surface Easements granted by Gas Party pursuant to this Agreement, Gas Party may require at any time that the Coal Party relocate (within a reasonable time, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) months following receipt of such notice from Gas Party) any such Surface Easement if such Surface Easement is reasonably expected by Gas Party to interfere with Gas Party’s present or planned operations or uses in, on, or under any of its Gas Interests or surface interests, and all costs and expenses of Coal Party (i) associated with the initial relocation requested by Gas Party shall be borne 100% by Coal Party and (ii) associated with a second or further relocation requested by Gas Party with respect to any Surface Easement that has been previously relocated pursuant hereto shall be split equally between Coal Party and Gas Party.

5.3      Reimbursement of Certain Costs . If Gas Party or Coal Party exercises its Surface Use Rights described in Section  5.1 , then such Party shall (a) reimburse the Party whose Surface Rights are impacted by such use for certain maintenance costs attributable to such Party’s exercise of such Surface Use Rights, including, Third Party consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, and governmental and regulatory taxes and fees and (b) pay for any costs incurred with respect to such Party’s usage of services arising out of such Party’s exercise of such Surface Use Rights. For the avoidance of doubt, all Surface Easements granted pursuant to a Surface Easement Request under Section  5.1(b) or Section  5.2(b) shall be granted free of charge, but shall be subject to the reimbursement and payment obligations set forth in the first sentence of this Section  5.3 .

5.4      Other Surface Facilities . The Parties shall cooperate to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement regarding the use of all other surface facilities with respect to their respective Surface Use Rights set forth in Section  5.1 .

5.5      Water Use; Withdrawals . Coal Party shall make available, on a non-exclusive basis, to Gas Party water at the Sources to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with or relating to Gas Party’s operations with respect to its Gas Interests within the Cooperation Area, including the right to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, any of its joint ventures, and/or Affiliates on lands in the Coal Area or other lands (“ Water Use Rights ”) and the exercise of such Water Use Rights will be subject to (i) the terms of this Agreement and all applicable Laws, (ii) any applicable terms of any Existing Permits/Agreements, and (iii) the following terms, conditions, and limitations:

(a)     Transportation Costs . Gas Party shall be responsible for transporting water withdrawn pursuant to an Approved Withdrawal Plan from the Sources by truck or by water pipelines constructed and operated by Gas Party at Gas Party’s sole cost and expense.

 

24


(b)     Withdrawals; Approved Withdrawal Plans .

(i)    Gas Party shall coordinate and plan all of its water withdrawals from the Sources for purposes of operations (each, a “ Withdrawal ”) by providing Coal Party with a written plan for such withdrawals (a “ Withdrawal Plan ”). Any proposed Withdrawal Plan shall contain all relevant information regarding the planned Withdrawals, including the following: (1) the Source covered by such Withdrawal Plan, (2) the estimated amounts of Withdrawals to be made from such Source, (3) the timing of such Withdrawals, which for the avoidance of doubt, may cover a multi-year period, and (4) an estimate of the expected Third Party costs and expenses, including consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, applicable governmental and regulatory taxes and fees, and other reasonable expenses likely to be incurred by Coal Party in connection with items (1), (2), and (3) above.

(ii)    Each proposed Withdrawal Plan shall be subject to (1) the provisions of Section  5.5(b)(ii) , (2) the prior written approval of Coal Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned, or to impose any financial or economic burdens on Gas Party other than those set forth in this Agreement), (3) all applicable terms of any Existing Permits/Agreements, and (4) all applicable Laws, including environmental Laws, in each case, before Gas Party can commence or make any Withdrawals. Coal Party shall respond (through its Coal Party Representative) to the proposed Withdrawal Plan within thirty (30) calendar days following its receipt of such plan. Any Withdrawal Plan that is approved by the Coal Party is referred to herein as an “ Approved Withdrawal Plan .” Gas Party shall notify Coal Party of any material changes to any prior Approved Withdrawal Plans, including, but not limited to, Gas Party’s abandonment of any water pipelines constructed by Gas Party.

(iii)    For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged by Gas Party that Coal Party shall have priority over Gas Party with respect to Coal Party’s then-current or planned use (at the time of the submission of such Withdrawal Plan) of any water from a Source covered by a proposed Withdrawal Plan.

(c)     Priority . Withdrawals pursuant to an existing Approved Withdrawal Plan shall have priority over any other use of the water at the Sources by Coal Party or Persons granted rights to such water after the date of the approval of the relevant Approved Withdrawal Plan; provided, however , that (i) in the event that during the period of time covered by an Approved Withdrawal Plan, the availability of water is reduced because of drought or other unexpected event, the water available for an Approved Withdrawal Plan may be reduced ratably with the then-existing use of such water by Coal Party, and (ii) at any time, Coal Party shall have the right to limit Withdrawals in order to maintain reasonable water levels, pass-by flow and/or flow limitations in Sources that are ponds and reservoirs.

(d)     Closure of Sources . Coal Party reserves the right to close any Source at any time in its sole discretion without any liability to Gas Party, subject to the provisions of this Section  5.5(d) . Unless required by applicable Law to close a Source at an earlier time, Coal Party will not close any Source without having given Gas Party six (6) calendar months’ advance written notice. If (i) Coal Party desires to close a Source, (ii) the reason for closing the Source is not because the closing is required under applicable Law or because a change in Law would

 

25


require that Coal Party make material capital improvements or otherwise expend any material cost to modify or improve such Source, and (iii) Gas Party has an Approved Withdrawal Plan with respect to such Source and has built a pipeline across the Coal Party Lands in order to receive its Withdrawals from such Source, then Coal Party shall reimburse Gas Party only for the actual costs incurred by Gas Party to build such pipeline across the Coal Party Lands prior to such closure. For clarification, such reimbursement shall only be made by Coal Party to Gas Party to the extent such pipeline has not been abandoned by Gas Party.

(e)     Gas Party Discretion . Whether Gas Party utilizes the Sources for its water requirements for its applicable operations or obtains water from other sources will be subject to Gas Party’s discretion as a prudent Gas operator.

5.6      Reimbursement of Certain Costs . Coal Party shall make available to Gas Party water at the Sources pursuant to an Approved Withdrawal Plan at no charge to Gas Party, except that Coal Party reserves the right to charge Gas Party (i) the cost of any new facilities (including driveways, stand pipes, taps, pumps, and treatment costs (but only to the extent such treatment costs are incurred as a result of Gas Party requiring additional water treatment above and beyond any water treatment performed by Coal Party pursuant to applicable permits), (ii) the cost of any improvements to any new or existing facilities, (iii) maintenance and operating costs related to any new or existing facilities, in each case, that are required to accommodate the Withdrawals included in such Approved Withdrawal Plan, and (iv) any Third Party consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, and all other applicable taxes, fees, and other reasonable Third Party expenses paid by Coal Party in connection with items (i), (ii), and (iii) above. Gas Party’s share of such costs shall be based on Gas Party’s proportionate use of such new or existing facilities through its Withdrawals.

5.7      License Use Rights . The following non-exclusive licenses are granted, as set forth in Sections 5.7(a) and 5.7(b) below (collectively, such licenses, the “ License Use Rights ”), to the extent such License Use Rights are reasonably necessary in connection with Gas Party’s operations with respect to its Gas Interests within the Cooperation Area, or with respect to Section  5.7(b) to the extent such License Use Rights are reasonably necessary in connection with Coal Party’s operations with respect to its Coal Interests in a Mine Area, and the exercise of such License Use Rights will be subject to and limited by (i) the terms of this Agreement and all applicable Laws and (ii) the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements.

(a)     Disposal or Storage of Fluids . Subject to ARTICLE III herein and only to the extent such disposal or storage is not prohibited by applicable Laws, the terms of the instruments creating the Coal Interests, and the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements, Coal Party hereby grants to Gas Party a license for the purpose of disposing of (i) any fluid or liquid from any Well or System within the Cooperation Area, or (ii) any fluid or liquid from any other Gas Well or System outside of the Cooperation Area in which such Well or System Gas Party has an interest or control, in each case, into any void owned or controlled by any Coal Party that is located in any Mine where the underground areas thereof have been permanently closed and where such disposal or storage will not, in Coal Party’s sole, reasonable discretion, determined in good faith in accordance with prudent mining activities, adversely affect ongoing mining operations and/or Coal Party’s mine water treatment obligations in any way (unless the adverse effect on the mine water treatment obligations is an incremental increase in water treatment costs

 

26


attributable to such fluid or liquid disposal and Gas Party is willing to reimburse Coal Party for such incremental increase in costs). Coal Party agrees not to object to any permit or other regulatory filing or application of Gas Party with respect to the use of any such void, including cooperation on the resolution of all regulatory proceedings and litigation. Coal Party further agrees not to object to any permit or other regulatory filing or application of Gas Party with respect to the use of a void and to timely execute any waiver or consent with respect to such permit, regulatory filing, or application upon the written request of Gas Party; and in any event, to execute such waiver or consent not less than three (3) Business Days from Coal Party’s receipt of such written request for a written waiver or consent.

(b)     Power Lines and Substations . Gas Party or Coal Party may access and draw electrical power from any power line or substation of the other Party when necessary or convenient for operations related to its rights hereunder, but only if and to the extent such power line or substation is owned or controlled by the other Party as of the Effective Time in the Cooperation Area and is currently being used by Gas Party with respect its operations in the Cooperation Area as of the Effective Time or is currently being used by Coal Party with respect to its operations in a Mine Area as of the Effective Time, as applicable, has surplus power or has the capacity to provide surplus power, and to the extent permitted by all applicable Laws and the terms of all Existing Permits/Agreements; provided, however , that, upon demand, the accessing Party shall reimburse the other Party at cost for any usage of power in connection with the foregoing. To the extent not already accomplished in other documents, Coal Party and Gas Party each hereby grant to the other Party a license to access and draw electrical power from the other Party’s power lines and substations consistent with the foregoing for the Term of this Agreement. Gas Party and Coal Party shall, upon demand, pay to the other Party its ratable share of all operating expenses and, with respect to any power line or substation owned or controlled by the other Party that is accessed and used pursuant to the License Use Rights herein granted.

5.8      License Requests. In order for Gas Party or Coal Party to exercise its License Use Rights, it shall request from the other Party specific licenses (each such license, a “ License ”). Each such request (a “ License Request ”) made pursuant to this Section  5.8 shall be made in writing and shall include (i) a description of the License being requested, including its specific purpose, and (ii) a description of the Surface Rights or other assets, as applicable, that would be affected by such License. Following the receipt of a License Request pursuant to this Section  5.8, the Party receiving such License Request shall use reasonable discretion (exercised in good faith) to determine if such License Request (x) is sufficiently specific in nature and (y) would not materially impair the value of the Surface Right or other asset which is subject to such License Request. Should the Party receiving such License Request be satisfied that both clause (x) and clause (y) of this Section  5.8 are satisfied by such requested License, and subject to any restrictions under applicable Existing Permits/Agreements and the other terms of this Agreement, such receiving Party shall prepare and deliver, without cost or fees to the other Party, such License; provided, however, such License shall contain language that it is non-exclusive and subject to (A) any applicable restrictions under any Existing Permits/Agreements, (B) the other terms of this Agreement, and (C) any applicable Laws.

5.9      Reimbursement of License Costs . With respect to any License Use Rights, Gas Party and Coal Party will reimburse the other Party for any costs (i) associated with the maintenance of that portion of the other Party’s Surface Rights or other assets pertaining to such

 

27


License Use Rights (on the basis of usage or other allocation methodology reasonably calculated to reflect Gas Party’s or Coal Party’s use, as applicable, of such portion thereof in proportion to the total use of such Surface Rights or other assets), (ii) any direct or Third Party out-of-pocket costs payable under permits and/or any Third Party agreement burdening such portion of the other Party’s Surface Rights or other assets, to the extent pertaining and directly attributable to the exercise of such License Use Rights, including, in the case of Gas Party’s License Use Rights to dispose of fluids or liquids into Coal Party’s mine voids, any reasonable incremental increase in water treatment costs actually incurred as a result of the exercise of such License by Gas Party, and (iii) any Third Party consultants’ fees, experts’ fees, bonding costs and fees, permit fees, demolition and disposal expenses and fees, governmental and regulatory taxes and fees, and other reasonable Third Party expenses paid by the other Party, to the extent directly attributable to Gas Party’s or Coal Party’s, as applicable, use of the other Party’s Surface Rights or other assets.

5.10      Form of Licenses . Any License delivered to Gas Party or Coal Party pursuant to Section  5.8 shall be in recordable form and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Party to which it was delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, any License granted pursuant to Section  5.8 shall be non-exclusive as set forth herein and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon the granting Party’s respective successors and assigns in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE VI

LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

6.1      Release. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN (A) NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTIES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFITS OR DAMAGES FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION ARISING FROM OR CAUSED BY THE ACTION OR INACTION OR COMPARATIVE OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF SUCH PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT; AND (B) EACH PARTY RELEASES THE OTHER PARTIES AND SUCH PARTIES’ OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND AFFILIATES FROM, AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE ANY OF THEM FOR, ANY SUCH SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR DAMAGES FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.

6.2      Indemnities .

(a)     Gas Party Indemnity . Gas Party shall be responsible for, shall pay on a current basis, and hereby releases, defends, indemnifies and holds harmless each Coal Party, and their respective stockholders, partners, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, attorneys, agents and representatives from and against any and all Claims arising out of or related to (i) Gas Party’s operations or activities on the Surface Rights of such Coal Party, including without limitation Third Party Claims, liabilities incurred in connection with the investigation or defense of any Claim, Claims based upon or for bodily injury, illness or death or damage to property, and/or Claims arising out of or related to the Gas Party’s use of any Surface Easement or License granted pursuant hereto, and (ii) Gas Party’s negligence in the conduct of its operations in the Mine Area of a Mine or at any Well or Non-Well Facility; in each case, except

 

28


to the extent that such Claim is subject to, or limited by, the terms of Section  3.3, Section  3.4, Section  5.3, Section  5.6, Section  5.9, Section  6.1, Section  6.3 or Section  6.5 of this Agreement.

(b)     Coal Party Indemnity . Coal Party shall be responsible for, shall pay on a current basis, and hereby releases, defends, indemnifies and holds harmless each Gas Party, and each of their respective stockholders, partners, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, attorneys, agents and representatives from and against any and all Claims arising out of or related to (i) Coal Party’s operations or activities on the Surface Rights of Gas Party, including without limitation Third Party Claims, liabilities incurred in connection with the investigation or defense of any Claim, Claims based upon or for bodily injury, illness, or death or damage to property, and/or Claims arising out of or related to the Coal Party’s use of any Surface Easement or License granted pursuant hereto, whether arising before or after the Effective Time, and (ii) Coal Party’s negligence in the conduct of its operations in the Mine Area of a Mine or at any Well or Non-Well Facility; in each case, except to the extent that such Claim is subject to, or limited by, the terms of Section  3.3, Section  3.4, Section  5.3, Section  5.6, Section  5.9, Section  6.1, Section  6.3 or Section  6.5 of this Agreement.

6.3      Disclaimer . NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER TERM OR PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, NO PARTY MAKES ANY, AND EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS ANY, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULTS OF ITS OPERATIONS OR ANY DATA OR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SUCH PARTY HEREUNDER.

6.4      Conspicuous . THE PARTIES AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE, THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN ALL-CAPS FONT ARE “CONSPICUOUS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW.

6.5      Subsidence . Coal Party shall not be liable to Gas Party for any damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties, or other amounts resulting from damage to Gas Party’s operations where such damage is caused by mine subsidence in a Mine; except that Coal Party shall be liable to Gas Party for all damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties, or other amounts resulting from mine subsidence damage to:

(a)    Any Protected Well, including compensation to Gas Party as determined pursuant to the provisions of Section  3.3(a), provided, however, that, if the Protected Well is at or past its Protected Well Life Date, then Coal Party and Gas Party shall each be responsible for 50% of such damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties or other amounts;

(b)    Any surface easements (including Surface Easements), Non-Well Facilities or Systems located outside of a Coal Area of a Mine Area at the time of initial construction, unless (i) at the time of initial construction such Non-Well Facility or System was located in an area of the Mine that was previously mined, in which event Coal Party shall not be liable, or (ii) such surface easement, Non-Well Facility or System is a pipeline that is not a Transmission Pipeline;

 

29


(c)    Any surface easements (including Surface Easements), Non-Well Facilities or Systems for which Gas Party has paid for relocation as set forth in Section  3.3(d) ;

(d)    Any Well or any Non-Well Facilities or Systems that are subject to Section  3.4 , unless such Non-Well Facility or System is a pipeline that is not a Transmission Pipeline; and

(e)    Any Non-Well Facility or System that is a pipeline, but is not a Transmission Pipeline, provided, however, Coal Party and Gas Party shall each be responsible for 50% of such damages, costs, fees, expenses, royalties or other amounts with respect to such pipelines;

Provided, further, that, in each case (X) Coal Party shall not be entitled to the benefit of this Section  6.5 , unless Coal Party has requested plugging and abandonment of the pertinent Well or relocation of the pertinent Non-Well Facility pursuant to Section  3.3 , as applicable, and (Y) for the avoidance of doubt, that in the event of a conflict between the terms of any Existing Permits/Agreements and the terms of this Section  6.5 , the terms of this Section  6.5 shall govern and control as between Coal Party, on the one hand, and Gas Party, on the other hand.

ARTICLE VII

TERM; TERMINATION

7.1      Term . Unless terminated earlier as provided herein or by express written agreement of the Parties, the term of this Agreement shall commence at the Effective Time and continue in full force and effect for as long as Coal Party and Gas Party each own or control any Coal Interests or Gas Interests, respectively, within the Cooperation Area (the “ Term ”), except for those provisions of this Agreement that expressly survive expiration or termination hereof and except for the rights and obligations under any Surface Easements and/or Licenses granted prior to any termination pursuant to this ARTICLE VII . For the avoidance of doubt, it is the intent of the Parties that all rights and obligations under this Agreement, including those with respect to ARTICLE V [Surface Use; Water Use; License Use] , shall not be interpreted as non-vested future interests in land subject to possible invalidation under the rule against perpetuities, as it may be applicable in the various jurisdictions in the Cooperation Area. In the event that such rights and obligations are determined to be subject to the rule against perpetuities in any jurisdiction, such rights and obligations shall be deemed to survive only until the last of the descendants of Queen Victoria of England now living dies, plus 21 years, or any such other longer period of time as may be allowable by Law, as may be amended from time to time.

7.2      Termination . Gas Party may terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part (including with respect to any Mine Area, State or County or any Gas Interests or Surface Rights that are Assigned by Gas Party), upon written notice to Coal Party following the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (a) a Change of Control of a Coal Party owning the pertinent Mine Area; (b) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of any Coal Party within a Mine Area; (c) a Change of Control of Gas Party; or (d) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Gas Party within (i) any Mine Area, (ii) any of the States in the Four State Area, or any County thereof, and/or (iii) the Cooperation Area. Furthermore, either Gas Party or Coal Party may

 

30


terminate this Agreement if, within the Cooperation Area, there are (i) no Coal Interests or Surface Rights owned or controlled by Coal Party and (ii) no Gas Interests owned or controlled by Gas Party.

7.3      Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this ARTICLE VII , this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect, except for the provisions of Sections 6.1 , 6.2(a) , 6.2(b) , 6.5 and 7.2 , which, in each case, shall continue in full force and effect. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any Party from its obligations or liabilities arising hereunder prior to the date of such termination, including for the avoidance of doubt its obligations with respect to reimbursement, compensation and/or payment arising under or called for in Section  3.3 and Section  6.5 relative to Wells and Non-Well Facilities that exist as of the date of such termination. For the avoidance of doubt, any and all easements or licenses granted pursuant hereto shall survive such termination, and remain in full force in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1      Assignment .

(a)     Affiliate Assignments; and Initial Assignments . In the event of an Affiliate Assignment or an Initial Assignment (i) the Assigning Party shall not be required to give a Surface Assignment Notice under Section  5.1(b) or direct a Consent Request to the Non-Assigning Party under Section  8.1(b) , however (ii) each and every Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right and/or License Use Asset that is Assigned shall remain subject to, and burdened by, all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the Assignee shall be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the each Assigned Coal Interest, Assigned Gas Interest, Assigned Surface Right and/or Assigned License Use Asset, as the case may be, and (iii) the Assigning Party shall cause the Assignment of the relevant Coal Interest(s), Gas Interest(s), Surface Right(s), and/or License Use Asset(s) to be made subject to this Agreement and cause its Assignee to expressly agree in writing to be bound by this Agreement as though it was an original Party hereto with respect to each Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right and/or License Use Asset that is Assigned.

(b)     Subsequent Assignments . In the event that any Assigning Party desires to Assign any Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement, and which has previously been Assigned by virtue of an Initial Assignment, to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Assigning Party (in each case a “ Subsequent Assignment ”), the following shall apply:

(i)    Such Assigning Party shall, at least forty five (45) days prior to making the Subsequent Assignment, notify the Non-Assigning Party of the prospective Assignment by giving written notice to the Coal Party Notice Rep or to Gas Party, as applicable, and requesting in writing the Non-Assigning Party’s consent for the Assigning Party to Assign this Agreement in connection with such Subsequent Assignment, including in such request a description of the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights and/or License Use Assets, as

 

31


applicable, that will be Assigned, the name of the Assignee, and the address of the Assignee (each, a “ Consent Request ”).

(ii)    Within thirty (30) calendar days after its receipt of the Consent Request, the Non-Assigning Party shall notify the Assigning Party in writing that it either (A) consents to the Assignment of this Agreement as it relates to all, or only certain specified, interests, rights and/or assets being Assigned in such Subsequent Assignment, in which case the Assigning Party shall, to the extent that Non-Assigning Party gives its consent, cause the Subsequent Assignment of the relevant Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights, and/or License Use Assets to be made subject to this Agreement and shall cause its Assignee to expressly agree in writing to be bound by this Agreement as though it was an original Party hereto; or (B) does not consent to the Assignment of this Agreement as it relates to all, or only certain specified, interest, rights and or assets being Assigned in such Subsequent Assignment, in which case the Assigning Party may Assign the relevant Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights, and/or License Use Assets to the intended Assignee but may not Assign this Agreement to such Assignee to the extent that such consent has been denied, and the Assignee shall not, except as provided in this Section  8.1(b) and as to easements and Licenses previously granted hereunder, be bound by or have any rights under this Agreement to the extent that such consent has been denied and this Agreement shall, on the effective date of the Subsequent Assignment, terminate with respect to the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights and/or License Use Assets that are Assigned to such Assignee to the extent that such consent has been denied; provided , however , that:

(1)    In the event of clause (A)  above, the Non-Assigning Party’s consent shall not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent, or further, Assignment of this Agreement beyond the Subsequent Assignment thereof for which consent was specifically given;

(2)    In the event of clause (B)  above, this Agreement shall, to the extent that the Non-Assigning Party denies consent, terminate and be of no further force or effect with respect to the Assigned Coal Interests, Assigned Gas Interests, Assigned Surface Rights, and/or Assigned License Use Assets, except for the provisions of Sections 6.1, 6.2(a), 6.2(b), 6.3, 6.5 and 7.2 , which, in each case, shall survive such termination and continue in full force and effect (and the Subsequent Assignment shall expressly be made subject to the foregoing Sections and the rights and obligations set forth therein), and such termination shall not relieve any Party from its obligations or liabilities arising hereunder prior to the date of such termination, and the Assignee in such Subsequent Assignment shall take its interests subject thereto; and

(3)    In the event the Non-Assigning Party does not respond to the Assigning Party with its election under this Section  8.1(b)(ii) within the thirty (30) day period, the Non-Assigning Party shall be deemed to have elected to give consent under clause (A)  above for Assigning Party to Assign this Agreement as it relates to all of the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights and/or License Use Assets described in the Consent Request. Further, in such event, the Assigning Party shall cause its Assignee to expressly agree in writing to be bound by this Agreement as though it was an original Party hereto.

 

32


(4)    If the Assigning Party does not complete the Subsequent Assignment that was the subject of any Consent Request within six (6) months after the Non-Assigning Party’s receipt of such Consent Request, then such Consent Request, and any consent or non-consent given in response thereto, shall be deemed to have expired, and the Assigning Party shall be required to send another Consent Request as set forth in Section  8.1(b)(i).

(iii)    Except as provided in Section  8.1(b)(ii)(3) , this Agreement shall not be Assigned in connection with any Subsequent Assignment without first obtaining consent from the Non-Assigning Party. In the event that the Assigning Party fails to make a Consent Request in connection with any Subsequent Assignment, then: (1) the Assigning Party shall not Assign this Agreement; (2) the Assigning Party shall not be relieved from its obligations and liabilities hereunder with respect to the property interests or assets being Assigned, including those arising under Sections 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 6.2 and 6.5 and, in addition, its Assignee shall take its interest in the Assigned property interests or assets subject to the obligations and liabilities imposed thereon by this Agreement; and (3) the Non-Assigning Party shall retain its right to consent or not consent to the Assignment of this Agreement with respect to the property interests and/or assets Assigned by such Subsequent Assignment, and may exercise such rights in the manner provided in Section  8.1(b)(ii) at any time after it receives actual written notice of the Subsequent Assignment.

(c)     Notice of Assignment . In the event that an Assigning Party Assigns any of Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right and/or License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement, the Assigning Party shall, regardless of whether such Assignment is an Affiliate Assignment, an Initial Assignment or a Subsequent Assignment, within forty five (45) days after making the Assignment (i) notify the Non-Assigning Party in writing of the Assignment, including in such notice a description of the Coal Interest(s), Gas Interest(s), Surface Right(s) and/or License Use Asset(s), as applicable, that was, or were, Assigned, the name of the Assignee, and the address of the Assignee, and (ii) furnish the Non-Assigning Party with a copy of (1) the Assignment, and (2) if applicable, Assignee’s written agreement to be bound by this Agreement.

(d)     Assignment of Property Rights and Interests . This Section  8.1 shall not be construed as limiting any Party’s right to freely Assign any of the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights and/or License Use Assets held by such Party in the Cooperation Area, subject, however, to compliance with the Surface Assignment Notice requirements of Section  5.1(b) , and the Consent Request requirements of Section  8.1(b) . Nor shall this Section  8.1 be construed as limiting any Party’s right to terminate this Agreement under Section  7.2 . For the avoidance of doubt, Section  8.1(b) is not intended to restrict a Party’s ability to Assign its property interests or assets that are subject to this Agreement; however, Section  8.1(b) is intended to restrict an Assigning Party’s ability to Assign this Agreement in connection with Subsequent Assignments of property interests or assets, by requiring Consent from the Non-Assigning Party in order to Assign this Agreement.

(e)     Extent of Assignee’s Interest in After-Acquired Surface Rights, Coal Interests, and Gas Interests . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, an Assignee shall only acquire, and have, rights hereunder with respect to Surface Rights, Coal

 

33


Interests, or Gas Interests that are acquired by a Coal Party or a Gas Party after the date of the Assignment whereby such Assignee obtained its interest in a Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement, to the extent that each of the following criteria are met: (i) this Agreement was Assigned to such Assignee in connection with the Assignment of such interest to such Assignee and is applicable thereto; (ii) the Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset that was Assigned to such Assignee is located in the AAI Area; and (iii) such after-acquired Surface Right, Coal Interest, or Gas Interest lies over or under the Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset that was Assigned to such Assignee; provided, however, that, in the case of a Subsequent Assignment, the Assignee shall not acquire, or have, any rights hereunder with respect to any Surface Rights, Coal Interests, or Gas Interests that are acquired by any Coal Party or any Gas Party after the date of the Subsequent Assignment whereby such Assignee obtained its interest in the pertinent Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset.

(f)     Effect of Assignment of this Agreement . Any Assignment of this Agreement made in contravention of this Section  8.1 shall be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. If this Agreement is Assigned, no act or omission of any such Assignee or Party shall affect the rights or liabilities of any other Assignee or Party hereunder, and liability for breach of any obligation arising hereunder shall rest exclusively with the Assignee or Party that commits such breach.

8.2      Notices . For purposes of this Section  8.2 , each Coal Party hereby collectively appoints CONSOL Mining Corporation (the “ Coal Party Notice Rep ”) as representative for Coal Party and to act in the name and on behalf of Coal Party, in each case, with respect to the receipt and delivery of any notice or communication hereunder. All notices and communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered personally, or sent by bonded overnight courier, or mailed by U.S. Express Mail or by certified or registered U.S. Mail with all postage fully prepaid or by electronic mail with a PDF of the notice or other communication attached (provided that any such electronic mail is confirmed either by written confirmation or U.S. Express Mail), in each case, addressed to the appropriate Person at the address for such Person as follows:

If to Coal Party, in all instances except those set forth below:

CONSOL Mining Corporation

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Anthony Drezewski, Director Land Resources

Email: anthonydrezewski@cnxlp.com

With a copy to:

Attention: General Counsel

Email: marthawiegand@consolenergy.com

 

34


If to Gas Party, in all instances except those set forth below:

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Alexander J. Reyes, Vice President Land Operations

Email: alexanderreyes@consolenergy.com

With a copy to:

Attention: Stephanie Gill

Email: stephaniegill@consolenergy.com

If to Coal Party pursuant to Section  3.1(c) or Section  3.1(d) :

CONSOL Mining Corporation

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Casey Saunders, Senior Project Engineer

Email: caseysaunders@cnxlp.com

If to Gas Party pursuant to Section  3.1(c) or Section  3.1(d) :

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Luke Beebe, Manager – Drilling

Email: LukeBeebe@consolenergy.com

If to Coal Party pursuant to Section  3.6 :

CONSOL Mining Corporation

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Matt Petrovich, Senior Project Engineer

Email: matthewpetrovich@cnxlp.com

If to Gas Party pursuant to Section  3.6 :

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Rodney Pratt, Director – Land Resources

Email: RodneyPratt@consolenergy.com

 

35


If to Coal Party pursuant to Section  5.2 or Section  5.8 :

CONSOL Mining Corporation

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Anthony Drezewski, Director Land Resources

Email: anthonydrezewski@cnxlp.com

If to Gas Party pursuant to Section  5.2 or Section  5.8 :

CNX Gas Company LLC

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg PA, 15317

Attention: Eric Large, Manager – Land Corporate and Holdings

Email: EricLarge@consolenergy.com

Any notice given in accordance herewith shall be deemed to have been given when (a) delivered to the addressee in person or by courier, (b) transmitted by electronic communications during normal business hours, or if transmitted after normal business hours, on the next Business Day, or (c) upon actual receipt by the addressee after such notice has either been delivered to an overnight courier or deposited in the U.S. Mail if received during normal business hours, or if not received during normal business hours, then on the next Business Day, as the case may be. Any Party may change their contact information for notice by giving notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section  8.2 .

8.3      Further Assurances . In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

8.4      Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the Parties in negotiating this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring the same, including legal and accounting fees, costs, and expenses.

8.5      Waiver; Rights Cumulative . Any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof may be waived only by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving compliance. No course of dealing on the part of any Party, or its respective officers, employees, agents, or representatives, nor any failure by any Party to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof or affect in any way the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the performance of such provision. No waiver by any Party of any condition, or any breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of any breach of any other term or covenant. The rights of the Parties under this Agreement shall be cumulative, and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right.

 

36


8.6      Entire Agreement; Conflicts . This Agreement, and the documents to be executed hereunder, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all provisions and concepts contained in all prior letters of intent, memoranda, agreements, or communications between the Parties or their Affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event of a conflict between the terms and provisions in the body of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of Appendix I hereto, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control.

8.7      Amendment . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Parties and expressly identified as an amendment or modification; provided, however, that this Agreement may be amended as to any Mine Area by an instrument in writing executed by Gas Party and only those other Parties that, at the time of such amendment, own or control Coal Interests or Surface Rights in such Mine Area, without the necessity of having the remainder of the Parties join in such amendment, so long as such amendment does not impact any other Mine Area.

8.8      Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state or commonwealth.

8.9      Parties in Interest . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall entitle any Person other than the Parties to any Claim, cause of action, remedy, or right of any kind. For the avoidance of doubt, Gas Party shall not exercise its rights under the following, or similar, language found in Sections 3.1(c) , 3.2(a) , 3.4(a) , 3.4(b) , 5.1(a) , and 5.5 for the benefit of CONE Gathering LLC: “ to support operations of Gas Party, its partners, joint venturers, co-working interest owners, and/or any of its joint ventures .”

8.10      Preparation of Agreement . All of the Parties and their respective counsels participated in the preparation of this Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Agreement, it is the intent of the Parties that no presumption shall arise based on the identity of the draftsman of this Agreement.

8.11      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced under any governing rule of Law or public policy by a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction that is not subject to appeal, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby, taken as a whole, is not affected in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled and the Parties achieve substantially the same economic and/or legal results as originally intended to the extent possible.

8.12      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such

 

37


counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

8.13      Memorandum . Upon request, the Parties shall execute and deliver a memorandum with respect to this Agreement which shall be filed in the real property records of any County in the Cooperation Area in which any Party owns or controls, at the time of such request, a real property interest subject to this Agreement. From and after such filing, upon request from any Party, each other Party shall execute and deliver any additions, deletions, modifications, or supplements to such memorandum that a proposing Party may reasonably request from time to time to cover any additions, deletions, modifications, or supplements to this Agreement or the assets covered by this Agreement.

8.14      General Principles—Litigation . Coal Party and Gas Party anticipate that legal issues and litigation hearings, proceedings, and appeals may arise involving Coal Interests and Coal Gas that is claimed from the same chain of title, including ownership issues, lease interpretation issues, title issues, and regulatory issues related thereto, all of which are contemplated by this Section  8.14 . Therefore, the basic principles set forth below shall be followed to the extent, and only to the extent, that Coal Party and Gas Party have a joint and not adverse interest with respect to any such Coal Interests and Coal Gas that is claimed from the same chain of title.

(a) Notice . Coal Party shall promptly notify Gas Party, and Gas Party shall notify Coal Party, of any challenge or threat to the title of its lessor(s), or claim of ownership to any Coal Gas, regardless of whether such challenge or claim is oral or written.

(b) No Compromise . Gas Party shall not release, terminate, exchange, assign, or in any manner compromise Coal Party’s claims to title to such Coal Interests without the prior written approval of Coal Party. Coal Party shall not release, terminate, exchange, assign, or in any manner compromise Gas Party’s claims to title to Coal Gas without the prior written approval of Gas Party.

8.15      Confidentiality . Each Party shall keep confidential all information obtained from any other Party which is nonpublic and confidential or proprietary in nature (including any information any Party specifically designates as confidential), except as provided below, and use such information only in connection with their respective capacities under this Agreement and for the purposes contemplated hereby. Each Party shall be permitted to disclose such information (i) to any Affiliates, outside legal counsel, accountants, and other professional advisors who need to know such information in connection with the administration and enforcement of this Agreement, or to any Person who is a prospective purchaser of an interest that may be subject to this Agreement, including any Coal Interest or Gas Interest, subject to agreement of such Persons to maintain the confidentiality thereof, (ii) to the extent required by applicable Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, or in connection with any investigation or proceeding arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) if it becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or becomes available from a source not known to be subject to confidentiality restrictions, (iv) in connection with the exercise, preservation, or protection of any right or remedy hereunder, applicable Law, or equity, or (v) if such other Party shall have consented to such disclosure, such

 

38


consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned. For the avoidance of doubt, Coal Party’s ten year plans, life of mine plans, timing maps, reserve control maps, and coal quality maps shall be deemed nonpublic and confidential or proprietary in nature, and Gas Party’s exploration and production plans and maps (including drilling and pipeline plans and maps), reserve estimates, production estimates, and similar operational and production-related information shall be deemed nonpublic and confidential or proprietary in nature, and each Party agrees that the aforesaid information is subject to the terms of this Section  8.15 with disclosure permitted only as set forth in clauses (i)  through (v) herein.

8.16      Amendment and Restatement of Original MCSA and A&R MCSA . The Parties and the CEI Parties all hereby acknowledge and agree that the Original MCSA and the A&R MCSA are, each, hereby amended and restated in their entirety, and replaced and superseded by this Agreement. The CEI Parties hereby terminate and release all of their rights in and to the Original MCSA and this Agreement. The CEI Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, from and after the Effective Time, (i) the CEI Parties are not parties to this Agreement, (ii) the CEI Parties have no interest or rights under this Agreement, and (iii) this Agreement, and any amendments or restatements thereof, may be further amended, revised, or terminated without the consent or signature of any of the CEI Parties.

8.17      Status of Noble SUA. The Parties hereto that were also parties to the Noble SUA, or that are successor-entities thereto or are bound by the Noble SUA by virtue of an Affiliated Transfer thereunder (such Parties, as set forth on Schedule 8.17 attached hereto, collectively, the “ Noble SUA Parties ”) hereby acknowledge and agree that the Noble SUA was formerly applicable with respect to certain operations of said Noble SUA Parties in the fifty-one (51) Pennsylvania and West Virginia Counties that comprised the Development Area thereunder, and that, effective as of December 1, 2016, the Noble SUA terminated by its own terms, except as to certain provisions thereof that expressly survived termination. To avoid confusion regarding the applicability of the surviving provisions of the Noble SUA and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Noble SUA Parties hereby agree that, after the Effective Time, as between such Noble SUA Parties:

(a)    This Agreement shall replace and supersede the Noble SUA in all respects, including as to any and all surviving rights and obligations of such Noble SUA Parties thereunder;

(b)    Each existing Well in the Cooperation Area that was, as of the Effective Time, classified as a “Protected Well” under the Noble SUA shall be deemed and treated as Protected Well hereunder;

(c)    Each existing Well that was, as of the Effective Time, classified as a “Non-Protected Well” under the Noble SUA shall (i) if such Well was drilled in a location that was outside the Coal Area (as defined herein) but within a Mine Area at the time the drilling permit was issued for such Well, be deemed and treated as a Protected Well hereunder, (ii) if such Well was drilled in a location that was inside the Coal Area (as defined herein) at the time the drilling permit was issued for such Well, be deemed and treated as a Non-Protected Well hereunder (for the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge that none of the existing Wells located in the Four State Area fall within this category), and (iii) if such Well was drilled in a

 

39


location that was outside a Mine Area (as defined herein) but within the Cooperation Area at the time the drilling permit was issued for such Well, be deemed and treated as those wells in Section  3.4 , along with its associated Non-Well Facilities;

(d)    Each existing easement (and the surface facilities and/or operations permitted thereunder) that was made, or granted, subject the Noble SUA shall be deemed to have been made, or granted, pursuant to this Agreement, such that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall apply thereto, in lieu of the terms and conditions of the Noble SUA (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the pertinent terms and conditions of Section  3.3 hereof shall be applicable with respect thereto, as opposed to the relocation provisions found in Section 5(g) of the Noble SUA);

(e)    For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement shall govern and control, as between the Noble SUA Parties, to the extent that there are any conflicts between the surviving terms and conditions of the Noble SUA and the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

Provided, however , that this Agreement does not, and shall not be deemed or construed to, amend, modify, terminate, or waive any provision of the Noble SUA with respect to any rights or obligations of any Third Party who, as of the Effective Time of this Agreement, is bound by the Noble SUA, but is not a signatory hereto, or any rights or obligations of any Noble SUA Party to any such Third Party.

8.18      Choice of Law; Mediation; Submission to Jurisdiction .

(a)    To resolve disputes other than those disputes governed by Schedule  3.3(a) , the Parties shall, with respect to disputes between Gas Party, on the one hand, and Coal Party, on the other hand, comply with the dispute resolution procedures in this Section  8.18 . This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. The Parties shall inform one another promptly following the occurrence or discovery of any item or event that shall reasonably be expected to result in a dispute in connection with this Agreement. The Parties will attempt to resolve any such matters prior to submitting them to Senior Officers as contemplated by Section  8.18(b) .

(b)    Should a dispute arise that the Parties cannot resolve pursuant to Section  8.18(a) within ten (10) days after being informed thereof, a Party may deliver to the other Party written notice of the dispute with supporting documentation as to the circumstances leading to the dispute (“ Notice of Dispute ”). The Notice of Dispute shall include a schedule of the availability of a senior officer of the notifying Party that is duly authorized to settle the dispute, subject to any necessary company approvals that may be needed (the “ Senior Officer ”), during the 30-day period following the delivery of the Notice of Dispute. Within seven (7) days after delivery of the Notice of Dispute, the other Party or Parties, as applicable, shall provide a schedule of the availability of such other Party’s Senior Officer during the remainder of the 30-day period following the delivery of the Notice of Dispute. Following delivery of each applicable Senior Officers’ schedule of availability, the Senior Officers shall meet and confer as often as they deem reasonably necessary during the remainder of the 30-day period in good faith

 

40


negotiations to resolve the dispute amicably. The Parties in their sole discretion may also agree to utilize the service of a mediator pursuant to a joint engagement.

(c)    If the Parties cannot resolve any dispute or claim arising under this Agreement within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the Notice of Dispute, then no earlier than ten (10) days, nor more than sixty (60) days following written notice to the other Parties, any Party may initiate mandatory, non-binding mediation hereunder by giving a notice of mediation (a “ Mediation Notice ”) to the other Parties to the dispute or claim. In connection with any mediation pursuant to this Section  8.18(c) , the mediator shall be jointly appointed by the Parties to the dispute or claim and the mediation shall be conducted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties to the dispute or claim. All costs and expenses of the mediator appointed pursuant to this Section  8.18(c) shall be shared equally by the Parties to the dispute or claim. The then-current Model ADR Procedures for Mediation of Business Disputes of the Center for Public Resources, Inc., either as written or as modified by mutual agreement of the Parties to the dispute or claim, shall govern any mediation pursuant to this Section  8.18(c) . In the mediation, each Party to the dispute or claim shall be represented by a Senior Officer. If a dispute or claim has not been resolved within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the Mediation Notice by a Party, then any Party to the dispute or claim may refer the resolution of the dispute or claim to litigation. The Parties agree that, provided the subject matter of a pending dispute or claim arising under this Agreement is not of such a nature that it would be a material consideration or factor with regard to any pending permit application or regulatory activity of the Parties, the Parties shall, during the pendency of such dispute or claim continue to cooperate with respect to each other’s permitting and regulatory activities, as provided herein.

(d)    Subject to Section  8.18(c) , to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Party agrees that it shall bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether in tort or contract or at law or in equity, exclusively in any federal or state courts located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in such courts, (iii) waives any objection that such courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over it, and (iv) agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, service of process upon it may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to it at its address specified in Section  8.2 . The foregoing consents to jurisdiction and service of process shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, constitute general consents to service of process in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for any purpose except as provided herein and shall not be deemed to confer rights on any Person other than the Parties.

8.19      Coal Severance Notice (52 P.S. 1551) . NOTICE —This Agreement may not sell, convey, transfer, include, or insure the title to the coal and right of support underneath the surface land described or referred to herein, and the owner or owners of such coal may have the complete legal right to remove all of such coal and, in that connection, damage may result to the surface of the land and any house, building, or other structure on or in such land. The inclusion of this notice does not enlarge, restrict, or modify any legal rights or estates otherwise created, transferred, excepted, or reserved by this Agreement. THIS NOTICE IS INSERTED HEREIN TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT of July 17, 1957, P.L. 984, § 1 as Amended 1965, Sept. 10, P.L. 505, No. 255, § 1.

 

41


8.20    “Red” Coal Notice (52 P.S. 1406.1451).

NOTICE

EACH GAS PARTY KNOWS THAT IT MAY NOT BE OBTAINING THE RIGHT OF PROTECTION AGAINST SUBSIDENCE RESULTING FROM COAL MINING OPERATIONS AND THAT THE SURFACE USE RIGHTS AND LICENSE USE RIGHTS, AND SURFACE EASEMENTS AND LICENSES MAY BE PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE DUE TO MINE SUBSIDENCE BY A PRIVATE CONTRACT WITH THE OWNERS OF THE ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN THE COAL. THIS NOTICE IS INSERTED HEREIN TO COMPLY WITH THE BITUMINOUS MINE SUBSIDENCE AND LAND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1966, AS AMENDED 1980, OCT. 10, P.L. 874, NO. 156 § 1.

[THE NEXT SUCCEEDING PAGE IS THE EXECUTION PAGE]

 

42


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Agreement has been signed by each of the Parties on the date first above written and effective for all purposes as of the Effective Time.

 

GAS PARTY:
CNX GAS COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater    
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CNX RESOURCE HOLDINGS LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater    
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
COAL PARTY:
CONSOL MINING CORPORATION
/s/ William D. Gillenwater    
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
BRAXTON-CLAY LAND & MINERAL, LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater    
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 1


CNX MARINE TERMINALS LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CNX RCPC LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY
By:         MTB LLC ,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President, MTB LLC
By:         CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:  

Vice President, CONSOL Mining Holding

Company LLC

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 2


CONSOL AMONATE FACILITY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL AMONATE MINING COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL ENERGY CANADA LTD
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL FINANCIAL INC.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 3


CONSOL MINING COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL MINING HOLDING COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL OF CANADA LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL OF KENTUCKY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY

LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 4


HELVETIA COAL COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
ISLAND CREEK COAL COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
LAUREL RUN MINING COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
MTB LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
NICHOLAS-CLAY LAND & MINERAL, LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 5


R&PCC LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
TERRY EAGLE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By:         AMVEST LLC,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, AMVEST LLC
By:         TECPART LLC,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, TECPART LLC
WINDSOR COAL COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 6


WOLFPEN KNOB DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
VAUGHAN RAILROAD COMPANY LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
LEATHERWOOD, LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
AMVEST LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
TECPART LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 7


AMVEST GAS RESOURCES, LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
AMVEST WEST VIRGINIA COAL, L.L.C.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
FOLA COAL COMPANY, L.L.C.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
TERRY EAGLE COAL COMPANY, L.L.C.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
LITTLE EAGLE COAL COMPANY, L.L.C.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 8


CEI PARTIES :

The parties set forth below hereby execute this Agreement as of the Effective Time solely with respect to their acknowledgement and agreement with the provisions of Section  8.16 .

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CNX GAS CORPORATION
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CARDINAL STATES GATHERING COMPANY
By:         CNX GAS COMPANY LLC,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, CNX GAS COMPANY
LLC
By:              CNX GAS CORPORATION,
its general partner
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, CNX GAS
CORPORATION

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 9


CNX WATER ASSETS LLC
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
TERRA FIRMA COMPANY
/s/ William D. Gillenwater
Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Cooperation and Safety Agreement ] – P AGE 10


APPENDIX I

Definitions

AAI Area ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Affiliate ” means any entity (i) which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Party, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds ten percent (10%) or more of any class of the voting or other equity interests of Party, or (iii) in which ten percent (10%) or more of any class of the voting or other equity interests is beneficially owned or held, directly or indirectly, by such Party; provided, however, that “ Affiliate ” (a), as to Gas Party, shall not include, and shall exclude, Coal Party, CONE Gathering LLC, CONE Midstream GP LLC, CONE Midstream Partners LP, CONE Midstream Finance Corporation, CONE Midstream Operating Company LLC, CONE Midstream DevCo I GP LLC, Midstream DevCo II GP LLC, Midstream DevCo III GP LLC, CONE Midstream DevCo I LP, CONE Midstream DevCo II LP, and CONE Midstream DevCo III LP, and (b), as to Coal Party, shall not include, and shall exclude, Gas Party and those Gas Party Affiliates listed on Schedule II . For purposes of this definition, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The term “ Affiliates ” shall be construed accordingly, as appropriate to the context in which it is used and at the time at which it is used.

Affiliate Assignment ” means, in each case, an Assignment of any Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right and/or License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement to an Affiliate of the Assigning Party.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Allowances ” means any and all authorizations or rights granted, authorized or sold under any domestic, international or foreign program, scheme or organization or law, statute, regulation or order, adopted by a Governmental Authority or otherwise, or other similar program, public or private, whether existing now or in the future, whether mandatory or voluntary, that authorized, limits, restricts or permits the emission of a specified quantity of greenhouse gases (including, without limitation, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluoro-carbons, hydro fluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride or other gas, matter or substance that is otherwise classified as a greenhouse gas) during, for or with respect to a given compliance period, including under a mandatory cap and trade program. “ Allowances ” do not include Energy Credits.

Annual Coal Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2(b)(i) .

Annual Gas Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2(b)(ii) .

Approved Withdrawal Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.5(b)(ii) .

As-Built Construction Drawings ” means drawings prepared at the end of a construction project depicting the structures, facilities, or improvements as actually built and/or installed.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 1


Assigning Party ” means any Party, or the Assignee of an Affiliate Assignment or Initial Assignment, that desires, or plans, to Assign any of its Coal Interests, Gas Interests, Surface Rights, or License Use Assets that are subject to this Agreement to any Person, or to make a Subsequent Assignment to any Person. .

Assignment ” means any sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment, lease, sublease, mortgage, encumbrance, or other disposition of interest, whether voluntarily or indirectly by operation of Law or otherwise (including by merger or sale of equity interests); provided, however , “Assignment” shall not include an encumbrance created pursuant to any borrowing arrangement entered into by a Party with an unaffiliated Third Party. The terms “ Assign ”, “ Assigned ” and “ Assignee ” shall be construed accordingly.

Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in the State of Pennsylvania are generally open for business.

Capture ” means to collect, use, produce, treat (if necessary), process (if necessary), transport, store (if necessary), market, and sell Gas that is available from any Well.

CEI ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

CEI Subsidiaries ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Change of Control ” means CEI ceases to control, directly or indirectly, as to the Person at issue, or in the case of a permitted successor or assign, means that the parent corporation or Person owning the controlling interest in such Person at the time it becomes the successor or assign ceases to control, directly or indirectly, the Person at issue. For purposes of this definition, “ control ” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the general partner of the Person at issue, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Claim ” or “ Claims ” means any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, taxes, penalties, interest, judgments, losses, costs, charges, and expenses (including reasonable out-of-pocket fees and attorneys’ fees), whether direct or indirect, arising out of or as a consequence of a given transaction or occurrence.

CoalCo ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Coal Area ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.1 .

Coal Gas ” means occluded methane gas and all associated natural gas and other hydrocarbons of whatever quality or quantity produced or emitted from coalbeds or coal formations and seams and any related, associated, or adjacent rock material or strata. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Coal Gas” shall expressly include all substances commonly known as “coalbed methane,” “coal mine methane,” and “gob gas.”

Coal Interests ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, means all interests in coal seams and coal rights that are owned or controlled by a Coal Party within the Cooperation Area as of the Effective Time, together with all such

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 2


interests that are acquired by a Coal Party after the Effective Time within the AAI Area; and, collectively, all such interests owned or controlled by every Coal Party. The term “ Coal Interest ” shall be construed accordingly, as appropriate to the context in which it is used.

Coal Party ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Coal Party Notice Rep ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.2 .

Coal Party Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.1(a) .

Communications Facilities ” means any equipment, including but not limited to co-axial cable, microwave dishes, antennae and any and all other facilities, which enhances or enables wireless communications.

Communications Tower ” means any tower and associated building upon which such Party has located its Communications Facilities.

Consent Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.1(b)(i) .

Cooperation Area ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Coordination Committee ” means, for each Mine, a two-person committee composed of representatives of the Parties that own or control Coal Interests or Gas Interests at such Mine.

Credit Producers ” means the Flaring Parties and the Producing Parties, or either of the foregoing, and “ Credit Producer ” shall be construed accordingly to mean one of the foregoing.

Data Requesting Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2.5 .

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Energy Credits ” means any and all ERCs and RECs.

ERC Program ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of ERCs.

ERCs ” (an acronym for emission reduction credits) means any and all credits, attributes, benefits, offsets, reductions, rights (including registration, trading and recording rights), or indicia, however entitled, for or relating to the reduction, mitigation or control of greenhouse gas emissions, including, without limitation, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluoro-carbons, hydro fluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride or other gas, matter or substance; provided, however, the foregoing must directly or indirectly arise out of or be related to the Capture, or the flaring, burning, destruction or sequestration, of Coal Gas (including, without limitation, ventilation air methane) in respect of Coal Gas that now or hereafter qualifies for recognition by or under any domestic, international or foreign emissions reduction or emissions quantification, certification or reporting program, scheme or organization or law, statute, regulation or order, adopted by a Governmental Authority or otherwise, or other similar program, public or private, whether existing now or in the future, whether mandatory or voluntary, including without limitation any program under which any direct or indirect benefit is given for reduction in

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 3


greenhouse gas emissions with respect to such Coal Gas (each, an “ ERC Program ”) (an ERC Program or REC Program, a Program ”). ERCs ” do not include Allowances.

Existing Permits/Agreements ” means those existing (i) permits issued by any Governmental Authority and/or agreements that create and/or burden any of the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, and/or Wells, including any listed on or described in Exhibit D attached hereto and including any applicable joint operating agreements, joint development agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements affecting any of the Coal Interests, Gas Interests, and/or Wells; (ii) surface use agreements, cooperation agreements, development agreements, or other similar instruments including those referenced on or described in Exhibit D attached hereto and as such agreement may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the parties to such agreements; (iii) instruments of record or referred to in instruments of record, including any coal, mining, gas, midstream, and surface use rights or easements granted pursuant to any of the agreements referenced on or described in Exhibit D attached hereto; (iv) coal, mining, gas, midstream and surface use rights or easements granted to or exercised by any Person pursuant to any of the agreements referenced on or described in Exhibit D attached hereto, whether or not such rights or easements are recorded; and (v) other coal, mining, gas, midstream, and surface use rights granted, excepted, or leased that are apparent on an inspection of the property overlying the Cooperation Area or recited in prior agreements, plans, or instruments, whether or not recorded; provided, however, that as used in this definition, the word “existing” shall (X) as relates to Surface Easements granted pursuant hereto mean such of the foregoing as are in existence at the time the Surface Easement Request is received by the non-requesting Party, and (Y) as relates to all other matters, mean such of the foregoing as are in existence as of the Effective Time of this Agreement.

“Flaring Parties” means any Third Parties engaged by Coal Party to flare Coal Gas from the sealed gob areas of any properties associated with the Coal Interests.

Four State Area ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Gas ” means any natural gas and constituents thereof that can be extracted and produced from a well by conventional or unconventional means and includes Coal Gas. For purposes of this Agreement, “Gas” shall include oil and any other liquid or liquefiable hydrocarbons produced from a well, as well as condensate and natural gas liquids.

Gas Assets ” means the Gas Units, Wells, Well sites, and all associated facilities, including Gas Reserves and Systems within the Cooperation Area.

Gas Interests ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Gas Party ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Gas Party Representative ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.1(a) .

Gas Reserves ” means and include proved developed producing, proved developed non-producing, proved undeveloped, possible undeveloped, and probable undeveloped oil and Gas

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 4


reserves, in each case as applicable, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10(a), or any replacement or modification thereof.

Gas Unit ” means a “drilling unit,” as that term is commonly used in the Gas business, within the Cooperation Area (i) established or prescribed by field rules or other regulatory order or (ii) otherwise designated by Gas Party.

Governmental Authority ” or “ Governmental Authorities ” means (i) any federal, state, local, municipal, tribal, or other government having jurisdiction under applicable Law, (ii) any governmental, regulatory, or administrative agency, commission, body, or other authority exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory, or taxing authority or power, and (iii) any court or governmental tribunal, including any tribal authority, having or asserting jurisdiction under applicable Law.

Independent Engineer ” means (i) for purposes of Schedule 3.3(a) , any independent petroleum reservoir engineering consulting firm with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience that is selected by Gas Party and agreed upon by Coal Party, and (ii) for purposes of Schedule 3.3(c) , any independent coal mining engineering firm with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience that is selected by Coal Party and agreed upon by Gas Party.

Initial Assignment ” means, in each case, the first, or initial, time after the Effective Time of this Agreement that a Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right, or License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement is Assigned (whether in whole or in part) by any Coal Party or any Gas Party, as the Assigning Party, to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Assigning Party. For the avoidance of doubt, there can be more than one Initial Assignment, because such term applies separately to each individual Coal Interest, Gas Interest, Surface Right and License Use Asset that is subject to this Agreement.

Law ” means any applicable statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, code, ruling, writ, injunction, decree or other official act of or by any Governmental Authority.

Lease Compensation Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Lease Compensation Conditions ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

License ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.8 .

License Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.8 .

License Use Assets ” means any assets that are subject to Gas Party’s or Coal Party’s License Use Rights. The term “ License Use Asset ” shall be construed accordingly.

License Use Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.7 .

Life of Mine Plan ” means, with respect to any Mine, as updated from time to time, a plan setting forth the mining operations reasonably anticipated by Coal Party in good faith to be conducted by Coal Party during the life of the Mine based upon the Coal Interests of such Coal Party, the anticipated timing thereof, and the current Coal Area of such Mine.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 5


Long-Wall Move-Around ” means to conduct an in-panel move of the longwall mining machinery, with the intent of leaving a Pillar Permit Area that will preserve the associated wellbores of the applicable Well(s).

Mediation Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.18(c) .

Mine ” or “ Mines ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Mine Area ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Mine-By ” means, to the extent permitted by applicable Governmental Authorities in instances where a Well is drilled through a coal pillar of adequate size and stability, for the Coal Party to mine and remove coal pursuant to its Coal Interests from the adjoining coal seam in the area of such pillar up to such close proximity thereto as is allowed under applicable Law.

Mine-By Temporary P&A ” means to temporarily abandon a Well in a manner that permits the Coal Party to Mine-By such Well, subject to the approval of all applicable regulatory agencies and in compliance with and pursuant to all applicable Law.

Mining P&A Date ” means the date reasonably determined by Coal Party to be the date upon which a particular Well must be plugged and abandoned for mine-through consistent with mine-through Laws.

Noble SUA ” means that certain that certain Surface Use Agreement, dated effective as of September 30, 2011, by and between CNX Gas Company LLC, the twenty three (23) Coal Parties identified on Schedule A attached thereto, and Noble Energy, Inc., as modified and amended, including as released and otherwise affected by that certain Termination and Release Agreement dated December 1, 2016, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc., Noble Energy, Inc., the eight (8) Water Parties listed on Schedule 1(a) attached thereto and the seventeen (17) Surface Parties listed on Schedule 1(b) attached thereto.

Noble SUA Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.17 .

Non-Assigning Party ” means the Party that is not an Assigning Party.

Non-Coal Area ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.2 .

Non-Protected Well ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.1(c) and Section  8.17(c).

Non-Well Facility ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.3(d) .

Notice of Dispute ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.18(b) .

Original MCSA ” means that certain Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, by and between CEI and CNX Gas Corporation, dated August 1, 2005, as amended, including by Amendment No. 1 to the Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated May 30, 2008.

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 6


P&A Period ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Party ” or “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, Governmental Authority, or any other entity.

Pillar Permit Area means an existing or planned abutment mine pillar where no mining is projected within fifty feet (50’) of a wellbore in the pillar, as specified by Coal Party and approved by a coal mining regulatory agency ; provided, however, if the deviation survey required under Schedule 3.7 determines that a Well approved to be drilled hereunder by Coal Party in a Pillar Permit Area within the Coal Area was actually drilled outside the Pillar Permit Area then such Well shall no longer be deemed or defined as a Protected Well but shall be deemed and redefined as a location that is not approved by Coal Party if such Well location was within the Coal Area at the time of its initial approval by Coal Party.

Post-Plugging Well Valuation has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Producing Parties ” means any Third Parties engaged by Gas Party to produce, abate, and/or destroy Coal Gas from areas associated with Coal Interests.

Producing Well Valuation Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

“Program ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of ERC.

Project Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section  3.8(e)(i) .

Protected Well ” has the meanings set forth in Sections 3.1(c) , 3.2(b) , 3.2(c) , 3.2(d) , 3.4(c) , 8.17(b) , and 8.17(c) .

Protected Well Life Date ” means, with respect to any Protected Well, the date that is the fifteenth (15 th ) anniversary of such Protected Well’s spud date.

Protected Well Mining P&A Estimate ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.3(c)(i)(4)(A) .

Receiving Party ” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit C .

REC Program ” has the meaning given such term in the definition of RECs.

RECs ” (an acronym for renewable energy certificates) means any and all credits, attributes, benefits, offsets, “green tags,” “white tags,” reductions, rights (including registration, trading and recording rights), or indicia, however entitled, for or relating to the generation or creation of energy from sources which are renewable or are recognized as renewable under any REC Program (defined below) or are generated from otherwise wasted resources, directly or indirectly arising out of or related to the Capture of Coal Gas (including ventilation air methane), including any improvement in energy efficiency resulting therefrom, that qualifies for recognition by or under any domestic, international or foreign alternative energy, energy

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 7


efficiency, renewable energy or renewable portfolio standard, quantification, certification or reporting program, scheme or organization or law, statute, regulation or order, adopted by a Governmental Authority or otherwise, or other similar program, public or private, whether existing now or in the future, whether mandatory or voluntary, including without limitation any program under which any direct or indirect benefit is given for the production or use of renewable energy or waste energy (each, a “ REC Program ”). “ RECs ” do not include Allowances.

Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.8(d).

Registration has the meaning set forth in Section  3.8(d) .

Senior Officer ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.18(b) .

Source ” means those sources of water set forth on Exhibit E , together with any and all reservoirs, water pipelines, water wells, ponds, and acid mine discharge treatment plants now or hereafter owned or controlled by Coal Party.

Stimulate ” or “ Stimulation ” means the artificial fracture or stimulation of geological zones or strata to enhance Gas production. The term “ Stimulating ” shall be construed accordingly.

Subject Coal Allowances ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.8 .

Subject Coal Energy Credits ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.8 .

Subsequent Assignment ” has the meaning set forth in Section  8.1(b) .

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the general partner interests of such partnership is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Surface Assignment Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.1(b) .

Surface Easement ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.2(a) .

Surface Easement Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.2(a) .

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 8


Surface Rights ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Surface Use Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.1(a) .

System ” means all equipment within the Cooperation Area that is necessary to Capture Gas produced from any Well, including compressors, treating facilities, storage facilities, processing plants, and gathering or transportation lines, but excluding equipment needed merely to vent Gas.

Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.1 .

Thermal A&R MCSA ” means that certain Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation Agreement dated July 7, 2015, by and among CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CNX Gas Company LLC, and the thirty one (31) CEI Subsidiaries designated on Schedule 1 attached thereto, a Memorandum of which appears of record in Greene County, Pennsylvania, in OR Book 486, Page 124, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, as Instrument No. 201610949, and in Marshall County, West Virginia, in Book 874, Page 233, as now or hereafter modified and amended.

Third Party ” means any Person which is not an Affiliate of a Party.

Third Party Gas ” means any Gas that is owned, in whole or in part, by a Third Party, regardless of whether such Gas was produced from the Gas Interests.

Transmission Pipeline ” means a pipeline owned by Gas Party, having an external diameter of twenty four inches (24 in.) or greater, which is used to transport Gas. The term “ Transmission Pipelines ” shall be construed accordingly and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be considered part of Gas Party’s Non-Well Facilities.

Underlying Lease ” or “ Underlying Leases ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Underlying Lease Valuation Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Valuation Amount has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Verify or Verification ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.8(c).

Water Use Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.5 .

Well ” means a Gas Party well that was, is, or will be, drilled and permitted, or later permitted, at Gas Party’s discretion for the commercial production of Gas by conventional or unconventional means.

Withdrawal ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.5(b)(i) .

Withdrawal Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.5(b)(i) .

 

A PPENDIX I

P AGE 9


Exhibit A

Insurance Requirements

 

G ENERAL L IABILITY

(Comprehensive or

Commercial Insurance)                

  

For bodily injury and property damage, including, without limitation, Products/Completed Operations, Independent Contractors, Contractual Liability, and Property Operations:

 

$1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

W ORKERS

C OMPENSATION

  

Workers Compensation insurance for statutory limits or evidence that a party is a qualified self-insurer in accordance with the applicable jurisdiction, and employer’s liability insurance with limits of:

 

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Accident each Accident

 

$1,000,000 Policy Limit for Bodily Injury by Disease

 

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease each Employee

C OMMERCIAL

A UTOMOBILE

  

For bodily injury and property damage covering owned, non-owned and hired automobiles with at least:

 

$1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

U MBRELLA /E XCESS L IABILITY   

For (bodily injury and property damage) with contractual liability insurance to cover liability assumed under this Agreement, with at least

 

$9,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence,

 

Which must extend over and above the required Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability, Employer’s Liability, and Automobile Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability limits

ADDITIONAL INSURED(S)

Gas Party shall be named as additional insureds on all liability insurance specified above required of Coal Party, and Coal Party shall be named as additional insured on all liability insurance specified above required of the Gas Party.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

All insurance policies shall be (i) primary and non-contributory, with the exception of the Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage; (ii) include a waiver of subrogation against any other Party where permitted by Law; (iii) maintained without interruption from the Effective Time until the end of the Term; and (iv) issued by insurance companies having an A.M. Best rating of at least A-VII or better, or equivalent rating from other financial rating organizations, and authorized to do business in the state

 

E XHIBIT A – P AGE 1


where the property is located. All policies of insurance shall include a written undertaking from the insurer to notify all insureds and additional insureds in accordance with policy provisions prior to cancellation of coverage.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Upon request, the Gas Party shall issue to Coal Party and Coal Party shall issue to Gas Party certificates of insurance or evidence of self-insurance (only to the extent permitted above) satisfying the foregoing insurance requirements and any self-insurance. The certificates of insurance, both current and renewals, shall be provided to the respective Parties from time to time upon request.

 

E XHIBIT A – P AGE 2


Exhibit B

Shared Information

Gas Party will make well related data from drilling and completion operations for both Protected and Non-Protected Wells available to Coal Party. Gas Party may acquire any of the following data that is provided through commercially available Gas services:

 

    Deviation surveys.

 

    Cement bond logs

 

    Commercially available logs that may or may not include gamma ray, neutron density, induction, image, sonic, latter, spontaneous potential, and specialty logs.

 

E XHIBIT B – P AGE 1


Exhibit C

Leasehold Release Provisions

If Coal Party or Gas Party wishes to release, surrender, terminate, or permit the termination or expiration of any Third Party leasehold in which the other has an interest, such Party shall provide forty-five (45) days prior written notice to the other Party prior to such release, surrender, or termination of such Third Party leasehold or prior to permitting the termination or expiration of such Third Party leasehold. The Party receiving such notice (the “ Receiving Party ”) shall have forty-five (45) days from its receipt thereof in which to elect to have the other Party (i) assign its interest in such Third Party leasehold to the Receiving Party, or its designee (if such Third Party leasehold is assignable) or (ii) take such action as is required to maintain, extend, renew or otherwise preserve such interest as permitted under the applicable instruments, and if the Receiving Party elects either (i) or (ii), such Receiving Party shall assume in writing all obligations with respect to such interest at its sole risk, cost and expense. If the Receiving Party fails to respond within such forty-five (45) day period following its receipt of such notice, the Receiving Party shall have waived its right to, and shall be deemed to have elected not to, have such Third Party leasehold interest assigned or maintained, extended, renewed or otherwise preserved.

 

E XHIBIT C – P AGE 1


Exhibit D

Existing Permits/Agreements

 

A. Existing Agreements

The following agreements, plus any additional contracts (e.g., JOAs, joint venture agreements, well permit agreements, subsidence agreements, and surface use agreements) that are found to be applicable to the Cooperation Area:

 

  1. Surface Use Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, Braxton-Clay Land and Minerals, Inc., CNX Land LLC (successor-by-merger to CNX Land Resources Inc.), CNX Marine Terminals Inc., Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Company, McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., and Southern Ohio Coal Company), Fairmont Supply Company, Helvetia Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, Leatherwood, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), R&PCC LLC (successor-by-merger to Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company), Terra Firma Company, Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Windsor Coal Company, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, and CONE Gathering LLC.

 

  a. First Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective October 26, 2013.

 

  b. Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

 

  c. Corrective Addendum to Second Amendment to Surface Use Agreement, dated effective November 15, 2013.

 

  2. Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation and CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (successor in interest to Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, as a signatory and successor-by-merger to Nineveh Coal Company and Greenon Coal Company).

 

  a. Majorsville-Heard Storage Complex Letter Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Consolidation Coal Company, Enlow Fork Mining Company, and Conrhein Coal Company, and Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation.

 

  b. Amendment to the Agreement, dated July 27, 2009, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company, Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, CNX Gas Company LLC, and NiSource Energy Venture, LLC.

 

  c. Storage Complex Agreement, dated December 19, 2014, between CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC (f/n/a Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company), CNX Gas Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CONSOL Energy Inc., and Murray Energy Corporation.

 

E XHIBIT D – P AGE 1


  d. Reference to this Agreement includes any additional agreement(s) between any or all of the parties hereto on or prior to the date of this Amended and Restated Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement.

 

  3. Surface Use Agreement, dated and effective December 5, 2013, between CNX Land LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Laurel Run Mining Company, CNX RCPC LLC, R&PCC LLC, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, CONSOL Mining Company LLC, Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., Consolidation Coal Company, McElroy Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Mon River Towing, Inc., Twin Rivers Towing Company, CCC RCPC LLC and CCC Land Resources LLC.

 

  4. Agreement with Respect to Mine through of Existing and New CBM Wells, dated January 16, 2009, between CONSOL Energy Inc. and CNX Gas Company LLC.

 

  5. Subordination Agreement (CONE), dated February 18, 2015, between CNX Gas Company LLC, Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONE Gathering LLC, CONE Midstream DevCo I LP, and First Pennsylvania Resource, L.L.C.

 

  6. Subordination Agreement (NOBLE), dated February 12, 2015, between (a) CNX Gas Company LLC, Braxton-Clay Land and Minerals, Inc., CNX Land LLC (successor-by-merger to CNX Land Resources Inc.), CNX Marine Terminals Inc., CNX Water Assets LLC, CONE Gathering LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Helvetia Coal Company, Island Creek Coal Company, Laurel Run Mining Company, Leatherwood, Inc., Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), R&PCC LLC (successor-by-merger to Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company), Terra Firma Company, Terry Eagle Limited Partnership, Windsor Coal Company, Wolfpen Knob Development Company, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor-in-interest to Former CONSOL Entities), (b) Noble Energy, Inc., and (c) First Pennsylvania Resource, L.L.C.

 

  7. Master Subsidence Agreement, dated effective July 1, 2011, between Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), and CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company).

 

  8. Rail Crossing and Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreement, dated July 1, 2011, between CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), and Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC.

 

  9.

Master Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, among CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-

 

E XHIBIT D – P AGE 2


  merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation, Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation, River Processing Corporation, and CNX Gas Company LLC.

 

  10. Closing Land Letter Agreement (MEC), dated December 5, 2013, between CONSOL Energy Inc., Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., Consolidation Coal Company and Murray Energy Corporation.

 

  11. Mining and Oil and Gas Rights Cooperation Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, by and among CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, Leatherwood, Inc., and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation and Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation.

 

  12. Adverse Coal Tracts Agreement, dated January 16, 2009, between CONSOL Mining Company LLC (successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company), CNX RCPC LLC (successor-by-merger to Reserve Coal Properties Company), Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Conrhein Coal Company, and Foundation Coal Resources Corporation and Pennsylvania Land Holdings Corporation, and CNX Gas Company LLC.

 

  13. Memorandum of Understanding (Pennsylvania), dated May 22, 2009, between Consol Energy Inc. and Columbia Gas Transmission.

 

  14. Memorandum of Understanding (West Virginia), dated November 29, 2010, between CONSOL Energy Inc. and Columbia Gas Transmission.

 

  15. Surface Use Agreement, dated October 21, 2011, between CNX Gas Company LLC, Central Ohio Coal Company, Consolidation Coal Company, Southern Ohio Coal Company, CNX Marine Terminals Inc., Reserve Coal Properties Company, Hess Ohio Developments, LLC, and Hess Ohio Resources, LLC.

 

  16. Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated December 5, 2013, between Ohio Valley Resources, Inc., Consolidation Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, Keystone Coal Mining Company, McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., Twin Rivers Towing Company, CCC Land Resources LLC and CCC RCPC LLC, and CNX Gas Company LLC.

 

  17. Surface Use Agreement, dated September 30, 2015, between CNX Gas Company LLC, CNX Land LLC, CONSOL Mining Company LLC, Leatherwood, Inc., CNX RCPC LLC, Helvetia Coal Company, R&PCC LLC, and Rosebud Mining Company.

 

E XHIBIT D – P AGE 3


  18. Surface Use Agreement [Pangburn Shaner Fallowfield], dated March 31, 2016, between CNX Gas Company LLC and Coronado IV LLC.

 

  19. Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement, dated March 31, 2016, between CONSOL Buchanan Mining Company LLC, Coronado IV LLC, CNX Gas Company LLC, and solely for the limited purposes set forth therein, CONSOL Energy Inc. and certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. signatories thereto.

 

  20. All well permits to the extent covering drilled or permitted Wells within the Cooperation Area.

 

  21. Any orders of any oil and gas regulatory body involving the establishment of drilling units and/or pooling of interests within the Cooperation Area.

 

B. Existing Permits

The permits shall include those permits to be specifically set forth on this Exhibit D , as well as any other active, submitted, pending, and proposed or amended oil and gas Well permits or other permits for other activities or operations within the Cooperation Area, including those of Third Parties, as of the Effective Time.

 

E XHIBIT D – P AGE 4


Exhibit E

Sources

 

Name of Source

  

Latitude /

Longitude

  

Type of Source

  

Associated

Tax ID No(s).

Source 19:

Enlow Fork –

Richhill Township,

Greene Co., PA

  

39º 58’ 21.2” /

80º 25’ 24.1”

   SW    22-09-0122

Source 20:

SW PA Water

Authority – Bailey

Mine Municipal Tap

Greene Co., PA

  

39º 56’ 35.6” /

80º 22’ 28.95”

   PWS    10-01-0137

Source 23: (2)

Arden AMD

Washington Co., PA

  

40º 13’ 9.5” /

80º 15’ 56.8”

   Mine Water    170-018-00-00-0016-08

Source 24: (2)

Jane-Emilie AMD

Armstrong Co., PA

  

40º 40’ 59.3” /

79º 21’ 28.7”

   Mine Water    204.00-06-19.001

Source 25: (2)

Bailey Mine –

Mine Water

Greene Co., PA

  

Collection Point 1

39º 57’ 49.44” /

80º 23’ 29.01”

 

Collection Point 2

39º 57’ 30.38” /

80º 22’ 43.52”

   Mine Water   

22-09-0159

 

22-09-0168

Source 36:

Robinson Fork

(INTC w/Noble

Energy Source 20)

Washington Co., PA

  

39º 58’ 45.2” /

80º 29’ 14.9”

   SW    680-007-00-00-0004-00

 

E XHIBIT E – P AGE 1


Name of Source

  

Latitude /

Longitude

  

Type of Source

  

Associated

Tax ID No(s).

Source 43:

Shoemaker

Groundwater Well #3

Marshall Co., WV

  

40º 1’ 19.92” /

80º 44’ 2”

   GW    1-4A-1

Source 44:

Shoemaker

Groundwater Well #4

Marshall Co., WV

  

40º 1’ 20.25” /

80º 44’ 0.91”

   GW    1-4A-1

Source 45:

Shoemaker

Groundwater Well #5

Marshall Co., WV

  

40º 1’ 16.52” /

80º 44’ 4.4”

   GW    1-4A-1.1

Source 46:

Shoemaker

Groundwater Well #6

Marshall Co., WV

  

40º 1’ 14.73” /

80º 44’ 2.3”

   GW    1-4A-2

Source 47:

Bailey

Freshwater Pond

Greene Co., PA

  

39º 57’ 52.52” /

80º 24’ 45.45”

   SW    22-09-0136

Source 27:

Neely Hollow – AMD

Marion Co., WV

  

39º 29’ 07” /

80º 24’ 39”

   Mine Water    12-63-9

Source 17:

Margaret #7

Mine Discharge

Armstrong Co., PA

  

40º 44’ 22.00” /

79º 23’ 05.30”

   SW    169.00-01-09

 

E XHIBIT E – P AGE 2


Schedule 2.1

Mason Dixon Reserve/Wadestown Prospect Map

[see attached]

 

S CHEDULE 2.1 – P AGE 1


LOGO

 

S CHEDULE 2.1 – P AGE 2


Schedule 3.3(a)

Valuation Formula

Part I—Lost Reserves Producing Well:

Gas Party shall calculate the value of each well that is to be plugged and abandoned for mine-through, and its associated Gas Reserves, as follows:

 

  1) Wells that are classified as a Protected Well will utilize a “ Valuation Amount ” based on the present value, discounted at eight percent (8%) (on a before tax basis) from the most recent Reserves Database prior to the Protected Well being taken out of production (the “ Producing Well Valuation Amount ”). This will be based on the current forecast along with current future pricing at current operating costs with a three percent (3%) escalation and will have a valuation date equal to the first calendar day of the first month after the month in which such Protected Well is taken off production. If Coal Party is successful at receiving regulatory approval, a portion of a lateral is plugged from either inside the mine or from the surface, and the production is reduced from prior volumes, then the “ Valuation Amount ” will be equal to the Valuation Amount as described above, less the Post Plugging Valuation Amount. The “ Post-Plugging Valuation Amount ” will include the same assumptions as above, except for the production forecast being adjusted to post-plugging volumes. Coal Party is responsible for all costs associated with the plugging and mine through.

 

  2) The commodity pricing to be used in determining the Producing Well Valuation Amount shall be the most current NYMEX Strip for gas and oil. The price for condensate liquids and natural gas liquids will be eighty percent (80%) and fifty percent (50%), respectively of the NYMEX Strip Oil Pricing. The NYMEX Strip Pricing is used for five (5) years and escalated at three percent (3%) thereafter, and adjusted for basis and hydrocarbon quality (gas BTU/Mcf).

 

  3) Any dispute with respect to the Valuation Amount shall be resolved by an Independent Engineer.

 

  4) The Valuation Amount for any Protected Well that is at or past its Protected Well Life Date shall be reduced to fifty percent (50%) of the amount calculated pursuant to the foregoing Paragraphs in this Part I.

 

  5) In the event that any tools are lost down-hole and the presence of such tool(s) in the well increases the costs incurred to plug and abandon the well for mine-through, the Valuation Amount for such Protected Well shall be reduced by the incremental increase in plugging and abandonment costs actually and reasonably incurred due to the presence of such tool(s) in the wellbore; provided, however, that (a) this Paragraph 5 shall not apply to any wells in existence as of the Effective Time, and (b) before incurring such additional incremental costs in an amount in excess of $100,000.00, the Party performing the plugging and abandonment shall consult with the other Party and obtain the consent of the other Party to incur such cost (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed).

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( A ) – P AGE 1


Part II – Underlying Lease / Undeveloped Well:

a)     The Parties agree that the Gas Party shall be entitled to compensation for all individual potential formations in which development is prohibitive due to the Coal Party mining the coal above or below the lease that the Gas Party controls. If the lease is considered a Protected Lease the Coal Party that mined coal Underlying the Protected Lease shall compensate Gas Party for such Underlying Lease through the payment to such Gas Party of the mutually agreed fair market value of such Underlying Lease (the “ Lease Compensation Amount ”), as determined pursuant to this Part II.

b)    Coal Party and Gas Party agree that Gas Party shall be entitled to compensation at the positive net present value at an eight percent (8%) discount rate for all stacked-pay formations and Gas Reserves with respect to a lease or leases underlying a Protected Well which is required to be plugged and abandoned pursuant to Section  3.3 if, and only if, the following conditions are met (the “ Lease Compensation Conditions ”):

 

  1) The lease(s) underlying such Protected Well which is to be plugged and abandoned pursuant to Section  3.3(a) , will, even after making any available delay rentals or shut-in payments, be lost due to such plugging and abandonment (such lease(s), the “ Underlying Lease(s) ”);

 

  2) Gas Party is not able to drill another Well, paid for by the Coal Party, on the Underlying Lease which would hold such Underlying Lease while Coal Party’s operations are preventing Gas Party from conducting operations on such Underlying Lease (such period of time, the “ P&A Period ”);

 

  3) Gas Party is not able to pool all or any portion of such Underlying Lease with any adjacent lands and/or an adjacent unit in order to hold the Underlying Lease by production during the P&A Period; and

 

  4) The Underlying Lease is actually lost as a result of the plugging and abandonment of the related Protected Well pursuant to Section  3.3(a).

If the Lease Compensation Conditions are met with respect to an Underlying Lease, Coal Party which requested the relocation of the Protected Well located on such Underlying Lease shall compensate Gas Party for such Underlying Lease through the payment to such Gas Party of the mutually agreed fair market value of such Underlying Lease (the “ Lease Compensation Amount ”).

The Gas Party will calculate the Lease Compensation Amount as outlined below.

 

  1)

Leases lost as a result of a Protected Well being plugged and abandoned will utilize a valuation amount based on the present value, discounted at ten percent (10%) for proved reserves (proved developed non-producing and proved undeveloped) and twelve percent (12%) for other underlying leases from the most recent type curves, including possible undeveloped, probable undeveloped and contingent value of the underlying lease, if applicable (the “ Underlying Lease Valuation Amount ”). The

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( A ) – P AGE 2


  type curves will be utilized for all potential formations at a seven thousand foot lateral length unless a longer / shorter lateral has already been drilled. The Underlying Lease Valuation Amount will be based on current future pricing at current operating costs with a three percent (3%) escalation.

 

  2) Valuation date equal to the first calendar day of the first month after the month in which such Protected Well is taken off production. Production and cashflows will begin assuming the well is turned-in-line 2 years after the valuation date for values associated with underlying leases but for proved developed non-producing and proved undeveloped it should be the lesser of 2 years or the expected Turned-In-Line date from the most recent Plan update.

 

  3) Capital estimates will be based upon the most recent budget update associated with the seven thousand foot type curve for the area and formations for proved undeveloped and other undeveloped underlying leases. For proved developed non-producing and developed non-producing underlying leases, the as-drilled or as-planned lateral length will be used to estimate capital less actual costs already incurred.

 

  4) The commodity pricing to be used in determining the Underlying Lease Valuation Amount shall be the most current NYMEX Strip for gas and oil. The price for condensate liquids and natural gas liquids will be eighty percent (80%) and fifty percent (50%), respectively of the NYMEX Strip Oil Pricing. The NYMEX Strip Pricing is used for five (5) years and escalated at three percent (3%) thereafter, and adjusted for basis and hydrocarbon quality (gas BTU/Mcf).

 

  5) The Underlying Lease Valuation Amount as calculated from the above steps will be divided by the appropriate drainage area as defined by the type curves. This allows a determination of the per acre Lease Compensation Amount. The net acres for the lost lease is then multiplied by the per acre Lease Compensation Amount to determine a total Lease Compensation Amount. The net acreage remaining for Underlying Leases beneath a Protected Well should be calculated for each individual formation and should consider the total net acreage less any acreage associated with proved developed producing. This net acreage value can then be subdivided into either proved developed non-producing, proved undeveloped or underlying lease acreage, including possible undeveloped, probable undeveloped and contingent value of the underlying lease, if applicable.

 

  6) If the total underlying lease valuation amount is negative for any formation, the average per acre market lease rate for the area shall be used for that formation’s value.

Any dispute with respect to the Lease Compensation Amount shall be resolved by an Independent Engineer.

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( A ) – P AGE 3


Schedule 3.3(c)

Stranded and Operational Valuation Formula for Coal

(1)    Gas Party shall pay to Coal Party an amount equal to the lost revenue associated with bypassing the Well, which shall be calculated based on the following formula:

(selling price per ton — longwall mining costs per ton) x average daily longwall production x number of calendar days required to move the longwall around the Well pad

(2)    Gas Party shall pay to Coal Party an amount equal to the costs and expenses incurred for the continuous miner development of recovery and setup rooms required to bypass the Well, which shall be calculated based on the following formula:

feet of entry and crosscut length required x average cost per foot of recovery and setup area development

(3)    If bypassing of the Well leaves stranded a block of coal greater than (the average daily advance rate of longwall x Long-Wall Move-Around calendar days), Gas Party shall additionally pay to Coal Party an amount to be calculated based on the following formula:

length of longwall coal left for the Well pad — (average daily advance rate of longwall x Long-Wall Move-Around calendar days) x tons per foot of longwall block x (selling price per ton — longwall mining costs per ton)

(4)    If the longwall move-around required to bypass the Well reduces lead time in the next consecutive panel to less than twenty (20) calendar days and additional overtime shifts are required to gain lead time, Gas Party shall additionally pay to Coal Party an amount to be calculated based on the following formula:

(average cost per foot of continuous miner development x continuous miner footage required to recover lead time to 20 calendar days) x 2 1

(5)    If the 20-calendar days lead time cannot be regained, and the next panel is not ready for the longwall to be set up, and the longwall production is impacted more than the average fifteen (15) calendar days move, Gas Party shall additionally pay to Coal Party an amount to be calculated based on the following formula:

(calendar days longwall is not available for mining due to the in-panel move in the previous panel — 15 calendar days) x (selling

 

1  

Multiplication by 2 is compensation for running Sunday overtime production.

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( C ) – P AGE 1


price per ton — longwall mining costs per ton) x (average daily longwall production)

(6)    If Gas Party does not timely and properly complete any required Mine-By Temporary P&A work which results in necessary idling of the longwall, then Gas Party shall also pay to Coal Party an amount to be calculated based on the following formula:

(selling price per ton — longwall mining costs per ton) x average daily longwall production x number of calendar days longwall idled

General Provisions: All amounts payable to Coal Party under this Schedule 3.3(c) shall, as applicable, be calculated based upon:

 

    For lost revenue and stranded coal, the average net sales price of coal from the pertinent Mine for the eighteen (18) months immediately preceding the date that the revenue is lost or the coal is stranded (or if such coal is blended with other coal, before being sold, the average value that is added to such blended coal product, before sale, by the addition of such coal taken from the pertinent Mine to the blended mix, whether based on Btus, sulfur content, ash content or other value point contributed by such coal, over the same eighteen (18) month period, and calculated on a reasonable basis using sound engineering principles), discounted at eight percent (8%) on a before tax basis.

 

    For costs and expenses, the reasonable costs and expense calculated in accordance with the formulas set forth above, using averages determined based upon actual rates and costs incurred to mine at the pertinent Mine during the eighteen (18) months immediately preceding the date that the costs and expenses are deemed to have been incurred

Dispute Resolution: Any dispute with respect to amounts payable to Coal Party under, or pursuant to, this Schedule 3.3(c) shall be resolved by an Independent Engineer.

 

S CHEDULE 3.3( C ) – P AGE 2


Schedule 3.7

Drilling Procedures

The following procedures will be followed when drilling Wells in the Coal Area:

(a)    Gas Party will plan and execute drilling operations in accordance with applicable Laws.

(b)    Gas Party will immediately notify Coal Party should drilling operations lose circulation, have significant loss of pressure, have a casing failure, or suffer any other catastrophic event that occurs during drilling operations or during the life of the Well or until the coal permit is released.

(c)    Gas Party will provide Coal Party with written notification at least 5 Business Days prior to the commencement of Well drilling activities to provide sufficient time for Coal Party to verify that the surveyed location of the proposed Well is the same as the permitted location.

(d)    Gas Party and Coal Party shall establish and maintain a base survey control to assure that Well drilling activities are conducted at the proper location in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Gas Party will notify Coal Party of the Well location prior to commencement of the Well drilling activities. Gas Party and Coal Party will each be responsible for the associated costs of their respective surveying work.

(e)    For Well drilling operations in the Coal Area, Gas Party will use water, water sprays, drilling soap, or other drilling fluids approved by Coal Party while drilling from the surface casing, if surface casing is installed in the Well, until the coal protection casing is effectively installed and cemented.

(f)    In the part of the Coal Area that is being actively mined, upon completion of drilling at 30 feet above the top of the coal seam, Gas Party will perform a deviation survey that includes gyroscopic reading within 100 feet of the top of the coal formation by an independent, qualified well service provider, which will determine the approximate location of the bottom of the wellbore. Gas Party will notify Coal Party of the deviation survey results before continuation of drilling.

(g)    In the part of the Coal Area that is being actively mined, should the well deviation survey determine that the wellbore of the well is less than forty feet (40 ft.) from the edge of the coal pillar, Coal Party will, unless the deviation will not adversely impact mining operations (for example, is in an external coal barrier and is deviating away from any open room or shaft), notify Gas Party that all personnel have exited the mine area before drilling resumes. After notification is received that all personnel have exited the mine, Gas Party may continue drilling down to and through the active coal seam to a minimum of 10 feet below the bottom of the coal formation.

 

S CHEDULE 3.7– P AGE 1


(h)    In the part of the Coal Area that is being actively mined, Gas Party will cease drilling operations should drilling lose circulation within the range of 30 feet above to 10 feet below the coal formation, and plug the Well with cement to surface. Gas Party will provide all records and certified results of the deviation survey to the Coal Party.

(i)    In the part of the Coal Area that is being actively mined, Gas Party will execute operations within the Well to correct deviation of the wellbore closer than forty feet (40 ft.) to the edge of the coal pillar, as determined by the deviation survey, to assure the Well penetrates through the coal formation within the required deviation limit of no closer than forty feet (40 ft.) from the edge of the coal pillar. If Gas Party is unable to drill the Well through the coal formation within the such deviation limit, Gas Party will plug the Well with cement to surface.

(j)    In the part of the Coal Area that is being actively mined, Gas Party will perform methane testing every 20 minutes while drilling within the range of 30 feet above to 10 feet below the coal formation. Drilling operations will cease should methane levels exceed 1% and procedures to reduce methane levels below 1% will commence.

 

S CHEDULE 3.7– P AGE 2


Schedule 8.17

Noble SUA Parties

 

1. CNX Gas Company LLC
2. Braxton-Clay Land & Mineral, LLC
3. CNX Land LLC
4. CNX Marine Terminals LLC
5. CNX RCPC LLC
6. Conrhein Coal Company
7. CONSOL Mining Company LLC
8. Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC
9. Helvetia Coal Company LLC
10. Island Creek Coal Company LLC
11. Laurel Run Mining Company LLC
12. Leatherwood, LLC
13. Nicholas-Clay Land & Mineral, LLC
14. R&PCC LLC
15. Terra Firma Company
16. Terry Eagle Limited Partnership
17. Windsor Coal Company LLC
18. Wolfpen Knob Development Company LLC

 

S CHEDULE 8.17– P AGE 1


Schedule I

AAI Area

 

        No.            Ohio    Pennsylvania    West Virginia
1    Belmont    Greene    Brooke
2    Guernsey    Washington    Doddridge
3    Harrison       Harrison
4    Jefferson       Marion
5    Monroe       Marshall
6    Noble       Monongalia
7          Ohio
8          Tyler

 

S CHEDULE I – P AGE 1


Schedule II

Gas Party Affiliates

 

1. CONSOL Energy Inc.
2. CNX Land LLC
3. Terra Firma Company
4. CNX Gas Corporation
5. CNX Water Assets LLC
6. Mon-View, LLC
7. Buchanan Generation LLC
8. Cardinal States Gathering Co. Partnership
9. MOB Corporation

 

S CHEDULE II – P AGE 1

Exhibit 10.7

SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ), dated as of 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the 6 th day of October, 2017 (the “ Execution Date ), but effective for all purposes as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”), CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CPCC ”), CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY , a Pennsylvania general partnership (“ Conrhein ,” and together with CTH and CPCC, “ Coal Party ”), CNX GAS COMPANY LLC , a Virginia limited liability company (“ Gas Party ”), and each party designated as a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy Inc. (“ CEI ”) on Schedule 1 attached hereto (collectively, the “ CEI Subsidiaries ”). All of the foregoing persons, excluding CEI, are referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Parties and CEI entered into that certain Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation Agreement on July 7, 2015 concerning the Pennsylvania Mine Complex, Gas Interests, and Subsidiary Surface Rights, as defined in the Agreement, which was amended by that certain First Amendment to Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement dated January 7, 2016, and effective July 31, 2015 (the “ Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, following execution of the Agreement, it has been determined that certain provisions and definitions contained therein and certain Exhibits attached thereto require amendment and modification;

WHEREAS, the Parties are entering into this Amendment for the purpose of making such necessary amendments and modification.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, agreements, conditions, and obligations set forth herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Defined Terms . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

2. Recitals . The Parties acknowledge and agree the accuracy of the foregoing recitals, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

3. Amendment . Effective as of the Effective Date, the Agreement shall be amended as follows:

(i) Replacement of Exhibits E and F . Exhibits E and F to the Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the Exhibits E and F attached hereto and incorporated herein; provided, however , the Parties agree that the intent of Exhibit E ( i.e. , Non-Protected Wells) is to list, as of the Effective Date of the Agreement, any existing Well on a location that was in the Coal Area at the time such Well was permitted, the intent of Exhibit F ( i.e. , Protected Wells) is to list as of the Effective Date of the Agreement any existing Well on a location that was in the Non-Coal Area at the time such Well was permitted, and no presumption of accuracy

 

Page 1 of 3


shall be given to Exhibits E and F. The Parties further agree that to the extent any such existing Well is incorrectly included on, or omitted from, Exhibit E or Exhibit F, the intent of the Parties and the facts as they existed as of the Effective Date of the Agreement (including the location of such Well and the Coal Area) shall be controlling in determining whether any such Well is Protected or Non-Protected, with no obligation to further amend Exhibits E and F unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

(ii) New Definitions . The following new definitions are hereby added to Appendix I, Definitions:

“CNX/NBL Termination Agreement” shall mean that certain Termination and Release Agreement dated December 1, 2016, by and among CNX Gas Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc., Noble Energy, Inc., the eight (8) Water Parties listed on Schedule 1(a) thereof , and the seventeen (17) Surface Parties listed on Schedule 1(b) thereof.

Post-Plugging Well Valuation has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

Valuation Amount has the meaning set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) .

(iii) Replacement of Schedule 3.3(a), Part I, paragraph 1) . Part I, paragraph 1), of Schedule 3.3(a), is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

  1) Wells that are classified as a Protected Well will utilize a “ Valuation Amount ” based on the present value, discounted at eight percent (8%) from the most recent Reserves Database prior to the Protected Well being taken out of production (the “ Producing Well Valuation Amount ”). This will be based on the current forecast along with the current future pricing at current operating costs with a three percent (3%) escalation and will have a valuation date equal to the first calendar day of the first month after the month in which such Protected Well is taken off production. If Coal Party is successful at receiving regulatory approval, a portion of a lateral is plugged from either inside the mine or from the surface, and the production is reduced from prior volumes, then the “ Valuation Amount ” will be equal to the Valuation Amount as described above, less the Post Plugging Valuation Amount. The “ Post Plugging Valuation Amount ” will include the same assumptions as above, except for the production forecast being adjusted to post-plugging volumes. Coal Party is responsible for all costs associated with the plugging and mine through.

4. Status of CNX/NBL SUA . The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree (i) that, effective as of December 1, 2016, the CNX/NBL SUA terminated by its own terms, except as to certain provisions thereof that expressly survived such termination, (ii) that the surviving provisions of the CNX/NBL SUA, and not the Agreement (as amended), shall apply to and govern the rights and obligations of the Coal Party and the Gas Party with respect to (A) any Marcellus Formation wells in the Pennsylvania Mine Area that existed as of December 1, 2016, that were either drilled pursuant to the CNX/NBL SUA (and are, thus, subject thereto) or drilled prior to the effective date of the CNX/NBL SUA (i.e., September 30, 2011) and became subject to the JDA (as

 

Page 2 of 3


defined in the CNX/NBL SUA), and (B) any Easements in the Pennsylvania Mine Area granted pursuant to the CNX/NBL SUA prior to December 1, 2016, or within the six-month (6-mo.) period thereafter provided for in Section 4 of the CNX/NBL Termination Agreement (or the surface facilities or operations permitted under any such easement Easement), and (iii) the Agreement (as amended) shall apply to and govern the rights and obligations of the Coal Party and the Gas Party with respect to all other Wells and Non-Well Facilities of Gas Party in the Pennsylvania Mine Area, pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof.

5. Ratification . Except as set forth herein, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement remain unchanged and said Agreement as amended by this Amendment is hereby ratified and confirmed by the Parties and, to the extent necessary, CEI.

6. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by any or each Party hereto on a separate counterpart, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

Page 3 of 3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , this Amendment has been signed by each of the Parties on the Execution Date.

 

GAS PARTY :
CNX GAS COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
COAL PARTY :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 1


CONRHEIN COAL COMPANY
By:   MTB LLC ,
its general partner

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President, MTB LLC
By:   CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC,
its general partner

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President, CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC
CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CEI SUBSIDIARIES :
CNX GAS CORPORATION

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 2


CONSOL AMONATE FACILITY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL AMONATE MINING COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL MINING COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL MINING HOLDING COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
R&PCC LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 3


CNX LAND LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CNX RCPC LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CNX MARINE TERMINALS LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CNX WATER ASSETS LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 4


CONSOL OF KENTUCKY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
HELVETIA COAL COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
ISLAND CREEK COAL COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
LAUREL RUN MINING COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
LEATHERWOOD, LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 5


MTB LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
TERRA FIRMA COMPANY

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
WINDSOR COAL COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
WOLFPEN KNOB DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Vice President
CONSOL FINANCIAL INC.

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name: William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 6


CONSOL OF CANADA LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL ENERGY CANADA LTD

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CARDINAL STATES GATHERING COMPANY
By:   CNX GAS COMPANY LLC ,
its general partner

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, CNX GAS COMPANY LLC
By:   CNX GAS CORPORATION,
its general partner

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, CNX GAS CORPORATION

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 7


CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
By:   CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC ,
  its general partner

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact, CNX Coal Resources GP LLC
CNX COAL RESOURCES GP LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CNX OPERATING LLC

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact
CONSOL MINING CORPORATION

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 8


The Person set forth below hereby executes this Amendment as of the Execution Date solely with respect to its acknowledgment, ratification, and agreement with the provisions of Section  8.16 of the Agreement.

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

/s/ William D. Gillenwater

Name:   William D. Gillenwater
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Agreement ] – Page 9


Exhibit E

Non-Protected Wells

 

API

  

FARM NAME

  

STATE

3705901741

   B.H. MCNAY n94    PA

3705901744

   J.V. CHESS    PA

3705924112

   GH-80    PA

3705924214

   GH-90    PA

3705924215

   GH-75    PA

3705924260

   GH-94    PA

3705924329

   GH-93    PA

3705924380

   GH-100    PA

3705924726

   NV-87    PA

3705924754

   GH-63    PA

3705924871

   NV-79    PA

3705925033

   NV-89    PA

3705925055

   NV-86    PA

3705925064

   NV-85    PA

3705925413

   GHBD-1    PA

3712523259

   NV-38    PA

3712523616

   CONSOL    PA

3712523755

   NV-80    PA

4705101057

   MC-50    WV

4705101059

   MC-51    WV

4705101114

   MC-68    WV

4705101124

   MC-53    WV

 

E XHIBIT E – P AGE 1


Exhibit F

Protected Wells

 

API

  

FARM NAME

  

STATE

3705901230

   WILLIAM BLAIR    PA

3705901731

   PETER ASHBY    PA

3705901732

   O.E.BURNS    PA

3705901733

   H.T. STOUT    PA

3705901734

   J.P. MCKERRIHAN    PA

3705901735

   M.B. DURBIN 2    PA

3705901736

   M.B. DURBIN 3    PA

3705901737

   F.P. ROSS 1    PA

3705901738

   F.P. ROSS 2    PA

3705901740

   J.F. GRAHAM    PA

3705901742

   J.B. MCNAY    PA

3705901745

   S.C CHESS    PA

3705923724

   GH-1    PA

3705923725

   GH-2    PA

3705923936

   GREENE HILL/GREENON    PA

3705923938

   GH-3    PA

3705923939

   GH-4    PA

3705923940

   GH-5    PA

3705924052

   GH-6    PA

3705924098

   GH-15    PA

3705924099

   GH-16    PA

3705924105

   GH-29    PA

3705924106

   GH-18    PA

3705924107

   GH-42    PA

3705924115

   GH-39    PA

3705924145

   CONSOL PA COAL    PA

3705924146

   CONSOL PA COAL CO    PA

3705924147

   CONSOL PA COAL CO    PA

3705924175

   GH-65    PA

3705924182

   GH-38    PA

3705924224

   GH-20    PA

3705924226

   GH-91    PA

3705924227

   GH-41    PA

3705924273

   GH-40    PA

3705924292

   GH-81    PA

3705924293

   GH-89    PA

3705924316

   GH-43    PA

3705924358

   GH-74    PA

3705924361

   GH-48    PA

3705924362

   CONSOL PA COAL    PA

3705924366

   GH-49    PA

3705924367

   GH-19    PA

3705924378

   GH-67    PA

 

E XHIBIT F – P AGE 1


API

  

FARM NAME

  

STATE

3705924379

   GH-68    PA

3705924392

   GH-54    PA

3705924403

   GH-56    PA

3705924404

   GH-17    PA

3705924405

   GH-51    PA

3705924411

   GH-10    PA

3705924477

   GH-12    PA

3705924478

   GH-13    PA

3705924487

   GH-88    PA

3705924501

   GH-32    PA

3705924505

   GH-66    PA

3705924506

   GH-9    PA

3705924529

   GH-31    PA

3705924534

   GH-82    PA

3705924536

   GH-83    PA

3705924537

   GH-36    PA

3705924547

   GH-21    PA

3705924573

   CNX1    PA

3705924586

   GH-26    PA

3705924587

   GH-87    PA

3705924588

   GH-27    PA

3705924596

   GH-72    PA

3705924601

   GH-25    PA

3705924628

   GH-50    PA

3705924629

   GH-8    PA

3705924633

   GH-73    PA

3705924637

   GH-104    PA

3705924657

   GH-34    PA

3705924658

   GH-33    PA

3705924664

   GH-23    PA

3705924689

   GH-30    PA

3705924710

   GH-24    PA

3705924713

   GH-28    PA

3705924760

   GH-35    PA

3705924768

   GH-37    PA

3705924772

   GH-22    PA

3705924811

   GH-109    PA

3705924812

   GH-109    PA

3705924813

   GH-110    PA

3705924814

   GH-110    PA

3705924832

   CONSOL    PA

3705924857

   GH-45    PA

3705924867

   GH-18    PA

3705924920

   GH12CV    PA

3705924923

   GH-5    PA

3705924945

   GH-3    PA

3705924946

   GH-7    PA

 

E XHIBIT F – P AGE 2


API

  

FARM NAME

  

STATE

3705924970

   GH-15    PA

3705924975

   GH-44    PA

3705925008

   GH-69    PA

3705925016

   GH-84    PA

3705925017

   GH-122    PA

3705925025

   GH-85    PA

3705925026

   GH-71    PA

3712523142

   NV-61    PA

3712523163

   NV-65    PA

3712523207

   NV-35    PA

3712523228

   NV-70    PA

3712523229

   NV-71    PA

3712523235

   NV-42    PA

3712523236

   NV-36    PA

3712523237

   NV-43    PA

3712523238

   NV-72    PA

3712523250

   NV-58    PA

3712523251

   NV-57    PA

3712523324

   NV-33    PA

3712523340

   NV-99    PA

3712523354

   NV-51    PA

3712523365

   NV-73    PA

3712523441

   NV-60    PA

4705101126

   MC-46    WV

4705101130

   MC-122    WV

4705101132

   MC-102    WV

4705101135

   MC-47    WV

4705101146

   MC-52    WV

 

E XHIBIT F – P AGE 3


Schedule 1

CEI Subsidiaries

 

1. CNX Gas Corporation

 

2. CONSOL Amonate Facility LLC

 

3. CONSOL Amonate Mining Company LLC

 

4. CONSOL Mining Company LLC

 

5. CONSOL Mining Holding Company LLC

 

6. R&PCC LLC

 

7. CNX Land LLC

 

8. CNX RCPC LLC

 

9. CNX Marine Terminals LLC (successor to CNX Marine Terminals Inc.)

 

10. CONSOL Energy Sales Company LLC (successor to CONSOL Energy Sales Company)

 

11. CNX Water Assets LLC

 

12. CONSOL of Kentucky LLC (successor to CONSOL of Kentucky Inc.)

 

13. Helvetia Coal Company LLC (successor to Helvetia Coal Company)

 

14. Island Creek Coal Company LLC (successor to Island Creek Coal Company)

 

15. Laurel Run Mining Company LLC (successor to Laurel Run Mining Company)

 

16. Leatherwood, LLC (successor to Leatherwood Inc.)

 

17. MTB LLC

 

18. Terra Firma Company

 

19. Windsor Coal Company LLC (successor to Windsor Coal Company)

 

20. Wolfpen Knob Development Company LLC

(successor to Wolfpen Knob Development Company)

 

21. CONSOL Financial Inc.

 

22. CONSOL of Canada LLC (successor to CONSOL of Canada Inc.)

 

23. CONSOL Energy Canada Ltd.

 

24. Cardinal States Gathering Company

 

25. CNX Coal Resources LP

 

26. CNX Coal Resources GP LLC

 

27. CNX Operating LLC

 

28. CONSOL Mining Corporation

NOTE: CONSOL Buchanan Mining Company LLC is no longer a CEI Subsidiary.

NOTE: The following former CEI Subsidiaries were merged into other CEI Subsidiaries:

 

    CONSOL of Central Pennsylvania LLC merged into MTB LLC, the survivor

 

    CONSOL of Ohio LLC merged into CNX Land LLC, the survivor

 

    CNX Funding Corporation merged into CONSOL Financial Inc., the survivor

 

S CHEDULE 1 – P AGE 1 OF 1

Exhibit 10.16

FORM OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO

CONTRACT AGENCY AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT AGENCY AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of this ___ day of ____________, 2017 (the “ Execution Date ”), by and among CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY a Delaware corporation ( CONSOL”), acting in its individual capacity and its capacity as agent for and on behalf of each of the parties set forth on the signature page hereto (the “Marketing Parties”) and CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”). CONSOL, the Marketing Parties and CTH may be referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS:

WHEREAS , CONSOL and CTH are party to that certain Contract Agency Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Contract Agency Agreement ”), and the Parties desire to amend the Contract Agency Agreement as more fully reflected herein.

AGREEMENTS:

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants, and conditions herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

AMENDMENT

1.1 Elimination of Certain Defined Terms . The following party is hereby deleted as a Marketing Party from Exhibit A to the Contract Agency Agreement: CNX Gas Company LLC.

1.2 Amendment to Exhibit B . Exhibit B to the Contract Agency Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following parenthetical after Item 4 on Exhibit B:

(provided, however, that to the extent any gas-related services are requested under the foregoing Fuel Purchase Agreement, CONSOL Energy Sales Company shall have no obligation under the Contract Agency Agreement to provide any services thereunder with respect to such requested gas-related services)

ARTICLE 2

MISCELLANEOUS

2.1 Definitions . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Contract Agency Agreement.

2.2 Amendment Compliance . The Parties acknowledge that this Amendment complies with the requirements to amend the Contract Agency Agreement, as stated in Section 5.7 of the Contract Agency Agreement.


2.3 References . All references to the Contract Agency Agreement in any document, instrument or agreement shall hereafter be deemed to refer to the Contract Agency Agreement as amended hereby.

2.4 Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

2.5 Ratification . The Contract Agency Agreement, as amended herein, is ratified and confirmed.

2.6 Miscellaneous . Section 1.2 of the Contract Agency Agreement and Section 5.8 of the Contract Agency Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference as if set out fully herein and shall apply in all respects to this Amendment, mutatis mutandis .

[signature page follows]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment to be effective as of the Execution Date.

CONSOL:

CONSOL ENERGY SALES COMPANY

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

CTH:

CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC

 

By:  

 

Name:   Martha A. Wiegand
Title:   General Counsel and Secretary

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY LLC

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

CONSOL OF KENTUCKY INC.

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

CNX GAS COMPANY LLC

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Signature Page to First Amendment to

Contract Agency Agreement

Exhibit 10.19

FORM OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO

WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of this      day of            , 2017 (the “ Execution Date ”), by and among CNX WATER ASSETS LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company ( CONSOL”) and CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ CTH ”). CONSOL and CTH may be referred to herein separately as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

RECITALS:

WHEREAS , CONSOL and CTH are party to that certain Water Supply and Services Agreement dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “ Water Agreement ”), and the Parties desire to amend the Water Agreement to revise the Water Services as more fully defined herein.

AGREEMENTS:

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants, and conditions herein contained, CONSOL and CTH hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

AMENDMENT

1.1     Appendix I - Defined Terms.

(a)    Appendix I of the Water Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the following defined terms and their associated definitions: (i) Operational Services; (ii) Treatment Fee; (iii) Treatment Services; (iv) Treatment Water; (v) Receipt Points; and (vi) Capital Expenses;

(b)    Appendix I of the Water Agreement is hereby amended by modifying the definition of “Water Services” to read as follows:

Water Services ” means the Supply Services.

1.2     Deletion of Sections 2.2 and 2.3 . Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of the Water Agreement are hereby deleted from the Water Agreement in their entirety and shall be replaced with the following:

2.2 [intentionally omitted]

2.3 [intentionally omitted]

1.3     Section 2.7(a) – Payment Terms; Disputed Charges. Section 2.7(a) of the Water Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

(a) No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar month, CONSOL shall prepare and deliver to CTH, an invoice for the Supply Fee incurred during such calendar month (or, in the case of the Shortfall Fee, the applicable quarter).


1.4     Section 2.9 – Arbitrator . Section 2.9 of the Water Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

2.9 Arbitrator . In the event that the Parties cannot reach agreement regarding any disputes regarding (i) amounts invoiced hereunder pursuant to Section 2.7 or Section 2.8 or (ii) the Water Sales Credit applicable to any Water Sales Agreement during each succeeding Term Year following the initial Term Year, either Party may refer the remaining matters in dispute to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office of a mutually agreeable nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Arbitrator”) for review and final determination by arbitration. Should such selected firm fail or refuse to agree to serve as Arbitrator within ten Business Days after receipt of a written request from any Party to serve, and should the Parties fail to agree in writing on another replacement Arbitrator within five Business Days after the end of that ten-day period, or should no replacement Arbitrator agree to serve within 30 days after the original written request pursuant to this Section 2.9, the Arbitrator shall be a nationally recognized accounting firm appointed by the Philadelphia office of the American Arbitration Association. The Arbitrator’s determination shall be made within 30 days after submission of the matters in dispute and shall be final and binding on the Parties, without right of appeal. The Arbitrator shall act as an expert for the limited purpose of determining the specific disputed matters submitted by the Parties and may not award damages or penalties to the Parties with respect to any matter. Each Party shall each bear its own legal fees and other costs of presenting its case. The fees, costs and expenses of the Arbitrator, shall be allocated between the Parties based upon the percentage which the portion of the disputed matters not awarded to such Party bears to the amount actually contested by such Party. The provisions of this Section 2.9 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

1.5     Section 2.11 – Notices . Section 2.11 of the Water Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

2.11 Notices . In the event either Party receives (a) a notice of non-compliance with, or violation of, any permit related to the Water Services or (b) any other notice or information related to the Water Services or terms of this Agreement (collectively, “ Notices ”), the receiving Party shall, as soon as reasonably practical, forward such Notice to the other Party.

 

2


ARTICLE 2

MISCELLANEOUS

2.1     Definitions . For purposes hereof, the capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Water Agreement.

2.2     Amendment Compliance . The Parties acknowledge that this Amendment complies with the requirements to amend the Water Agreement, as stated in Section 6.7 of the Water Agreement.

2.3     References . All references to the Water Agreement in any document, instrument or agreement shall hereafter be deemed to refer to the Water Agreement as amended hereby.

2.4     Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of such counterparts shall constitute for all purposes one agreement. Any signature hereto delivered by a Party by electronic mail shall be deemed an original signature hereto.

2.5     Ratification . The Water Agreement, as amended herein, is ratified and confirmed.

2.6     Miscellaneous . Section 1.2 of the Water Agreement and Section 6.8 of the Water Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference as if set out fully herein and shall apply in all respects to this Amendment, mutatis mutandis .

[signature page follows]

 

3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment to be effective as of the Execution Date.

 

CONSOL :
CNX WATER ASSETS LLC
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

CTH :
CNX THERMAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Martha A. Wiegand
Title:   General Counsel and Secretary

Signature Page to First Amendment to

Water Supply and Services Agreement

Exhibit 10.20

FORM OF CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [                    ] , 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), is made between CONSOL Mining Corporation, CNX Center, 1000 CONSOL Energy Drive, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [                    ] (the “ Executive ”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, the Executive is a senior executive of the Company and is expected to make major contributions to the short- and long-term profitability, growth and financial strength of the Company;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly-held corporations, the possibility of a Change in Control (as defined below) exists and that such possibility, and the related uncertainty and questions that it may raise, could result in the departure or distraction of key management, to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control; and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the Executive’s continued employment with the Company and the Executive’s agreement to waive certain rights that the Executive may have to receive severance compensation and benefits under any applicable severance plan or policy of the Company and CONSOL Energy Inc. (“ ParentCo ”), CNX Coal Resources GP LLC (the “ General Partner ”), CNX Coal Resources LP, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and their affiliates (collectively, the “ Other CONSOL Companies ”), as set forth below, the Company desires to provide the Executive with certain compensation and benefits set forth in this Agreement in order to ameliorate the financial and career impact on the Executive in the event the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for a reason related to a Change in Control.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1.     Certain Defined Terms . As hereinafter used:

(a)    “ Base Pay ” means the greater of (i) the Executive’s annual base salary rate, exclusive of bonuses, commissions and other Incentive Pay, as in effect immediately preceding the Executive’s Termination Date, or (ii) the Executive’s annual base salary rate, exclusive of bonuses, commissions and other Incentive Pay, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.

(b)    “ Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company. If the Executive also is a member of the Board, then in the case of any provision hereof that requires action by, or a determination of, the Board in connection with this Agreement, it is understood that such provision refers to the members of the Board other than the Executive.


(c)    “ Cause means a determination by the Board that the Executive has committed any of the following acts:

(i)    the Executive has been convicted of, or the Executive has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, (A) any felony or (B) any misdemeanor involving fraud, embezzlement or theft; or

(ii)    the Executive has wrongfully disclosed material confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary, has intentionally violated any material express provision of the Company’s code of conduct for executives and management employees (as in effect on the date of the Change in Control), or has intentionally failed or refused to perform any of the Executive’s material assigned duties for the Company (and any such failure or refusal has been demonstrably and materially harmful to the Company).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” under this subsection (ii) unless and until there has been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than the majority of the members of the Board plus one member, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive has committed an act constituting “Cause,” as herein defined, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Prior to any such determination, the Executive shall be provided with reasonable notice of such pending determination and the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel (if the Executive chooses to have counsel present at such meeting), shall be provided with the opportunity to be heard before the Board makes any such determination. Nothing herein will limit the right of the Executive or the Executive’s beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.

(d)    “ Change in Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i)    any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “ Person ”) acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than 25% of the total fair market value of the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company (the “ Voting Stock ”) entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; provided , however , that for purposes of this Section 1(d)(i), the following will not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any issuance of Voting Stock of the Company directly from the Company that is approved by the Incumbent Board (as defined in Section 1(d)(ii) below), (B) any acquisition by the Company of Voting Stock of the Company, (C) any acquisition of Voting Stock of the Company by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (D) any acquisition of Voting Stock of the Company by an underwriter holding securities of the Company in connection with a public offering thereof, or (E) any acquisition of Voting Stock of the Company by any Person pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of Section 1(d)(iii), below;

(ii)    individuals who constitute the Board as of the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Board ,” as modified by this Section 1(d)(ii)), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided , however , that any individual becoming a director subsequent to such date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed to have then been a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board including, without limitation, through the use of any proxy access procedures contained in the Company’s organizational documents.

 

2


(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, a sale or other disposition (whether by sale, taxable or nontaxable exchange, formation of a joint venture or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or other transaction involving the Company (each, a “ Business Combination ”), unless, in each case, immediately following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of Voting Stock of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries), (B) no Person other than the Company beneficially owns 25% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof (disregarding all “acquisitions” described in subsections (A) - (C) of Section 1(d)(i)), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination.

(iv)    the stockholders of the Company approve a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, except pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of Section 1(d)(iii).

Provided, however, solely with respect to any payment under this Agreement that is subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not exempt therefrom), and for which a Change in Control is a distribution event for purposes of such payment, the foregoing definition of Change in Control shall be interpreted, administered, limited and construed in a manner necessary to ensure that the occurrence of any such event shall result in a Change in Control only if such event also qualifies as a change in the ownership or effective control of a corporation, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation, as applicable, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Code.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if it is effected for the purpose of changing the place of incorporation or form of organization of the ultimate parent entity (including where the Company is succeeded by an issuer incorporated under the laws of another state, country or foreign government for such purpose and whether or not the Company remains in existence following such transaction) where all or substantially all of the persons or group that beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company’s Voting Stock immediately prior to the transaction beneficially own all or substantially all of the combined voting power of the Company or the ultimate parent entity in substantially the same proportions of their ownership after the transaction.

(e)    “ COBRA ” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as amended.

(f)    “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(g)    “ Constructive Termination Associated With a Change in Control ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company by the Executive as a result of the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of one of the following events:

(i)    a material adverse change in the Executive’s position with the Company and/or a Subsidiary (or any successor thereto by operation of law or otherwise) (but excluding any

 

3


loss of any position with a Subsidiary with respect to which the Executive is not separately compensated) as compared to the Executive’s position with the Company (and/or a Subsidiary) immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(ii)    (A) a material reduction in the Executive’s annual base salary rate, exclusive of bonuses, commissions and other Incentive Pay, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; (B) a material reduction in the Executive’s Target Bonus opportunity in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or (C) a material reduction in the level of Employee Benefits provided to the Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control (excluding, in each case of (A), (B) and (C), any reduction that is generally applicable to salaried Company employees);

(iii)     a material adverse change in circumstances has occurred following a Change in Control, including, without limitation, a material change in the scope of the business or other activities for which the Executive was responsible immediately prior to the Change in Control, which has rendered the Executive unable to carry out, has materially hindered the Executive’s performance of, or has caused the Executive to suffer a material reduction in, any of the authorities, powers, functions, responsibilities or duties attached to the position held by the Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control; a good faith determination by the Executive (that a material adverse change has occurred) will be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto unless otherwise shown by the Company to be not in good faith);

(iv)    in connection with the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company or transfer of all or substantially all of its business and/or assets, the Company breached this Agreement by not requiring the successor or successors (by liquidation, merger, consolidation, reorganization, transfer or otherwise) to which all or substantially all of its business and/or assets have been transferred (by operation of law or otherwise) to assume all duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement pursuant to Section 14(a); or

(v)    the relocation of the Executive’s principal work location (other than in connection with a relocation contemplated by the Company as of the date hereof or pursuant to organizational changes in accordance with past practice) to a location that increases the Executive’s normal work commute by fifty (50) miles or more as compared to the Executive’s normal work commute immediately prior to the Change in Control, or that the Executive’s required travel away from the Executive’s office in the course of discharging the Executive’s responsibilities or duties of the Executive’s job is materially increased as compared to that which was required of the Executive prior to the Change in Control.

Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Executive shall have no right to terminate employment in a Constructive Termination Associated With a Change in Control in connection with an event described above unless (A) the Executive provides written notice to the Company within one month of the occurrence of such event that identifies such event with particularity, (B) the Company fails to correct such event within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice from the Executive, and (C) such termination must occur within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the failure of the Company to correct the event.

In no event shall the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company on account of the Executive’s death or Disability or because the Executive engaged in conduct constituting Cause be deemed to be a Constructive Termination Associated With a Change in Control.

 

4


(h)    “ Disability ” means the Executive becomes permanently disabled within the meaning of, and begins actually to receive disability benefits pursuant to, the long-term disability plan in effect for, or applicable to, the Executive.

(i)    “ Employee Benefits ” means the perquisites, benefits and service credit for benefits as provided under any and all employee retirement income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs or arrangements in which the Executive is entitled to participate, including, without limitation, any stock option, performance share, performance unit, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, stock purchase, stock appreciation, savings, pension, supplemental executive retirement, or other retirement income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, group or other life, health, medical/hospital or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by the Company or a Subsidiary), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement and other employee benefit policies that may exist as of a Change in Control or any successor policies, plans or arrangements that provide substantially similar perquisites or benefits.

(j)    “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(k)    “ Incentive Pay ” means the greater of: (i) the Executive’s Target Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the period that includes the Termination Date, or (ii) the average of the annual bonuses paid by the Company (or its predecessor) to the Executive for the three years prior to the year that includes the Termination Date. For purposes of this definition, “ Target Bonus ” means 100% of the amount established under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan or as set by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and any other annual bonus, applicable incentive, commission or other sales incentive compensation, or comparable incentive payment opportunity which, in the sole discretion of the Company, is deemed to constitute a Target Bonus, for which the Executive was eligible to receive, but did not receive prior to the Executive’s Termination Date, in regard to services rendered in the year covered by the Executive’s Termination Date and to be made pursuant to any bonus, incentive, profit-sharing, performance, discretionary pay or similar agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement (whether or not funded) of the Company or a Subsidiary, or any successor thereto. For purposes of this definition, “Incentive Pay” does not include any stock option, stock appreciation, performance share, performance unit, stock purchase, restricted stock, restricted stock unit or grant made under the CONSOL Mining Corporation Equity Incentive Plan, one time bonus or payment (including, but not limited to, any sign-on bonus), any amounts contributed by the Company for the benefit of the Executive to any qualified or nonqualified deferred compensation plan, whether or not provided under an arrangement described in the prior sentence, or any amounts designated by the parties as amounts other than Incentive Pay.

(l)    “ Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment related to a Change in Control: (i) involuntarily by the Company for any reason other than Cause, the Executive’s death or the Executive’s Disability, or (ii) on account of a Constructive Termination Associated With a Change in Control.

(m)    “ Restricted Business ” means any business function with a direct competitor of the Company that is substantially similar to the business function performed by the Executive with the Company immediately prior to the Executive’s Termination Date.

(n)    “ Restricted Territory ” means the counties, towns, cities or states of any country in which the Company operates or does business.

(o)    “ Subsidiary ” means any Company controlled affiliate.

 

5


(p)    “ Termination Date ” means the last day of the Executive’s employment with the Company.

(q)    ” Termination of Employment ” means, except as provided in the following sentence and subject to the provisions of Section 19(b), the termination of the Executive’s active employment relationship with the Company on account of an Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control. For purposes of the non-solicitation provision of Section 10 of this Agreement, the term “Termination of Employment” shall mean the termination of the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company for any reason.

2.     Termination Associated With a Change in Control .

(a)     Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control . In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated after, or in connection with, a Change in Control, on account of (i) an Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control within the two year period after the Change in Control, or (ii) an involuntary termination by the Company (other than for Cause or due to the Executive’s death or Disability) that (A) occurs not more than three (3) months prior to the date on which a Change in Control occurs, or (B) is requested by a third party who initiates a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in subsection (b) of this Section 2. For purposes of subsection 2(a)(ii)(B) above, to be eligible to receive amounts described in Section 2(b) below, a Change in Control must be consummated within the twelve (12) month period following the Executive’s Termination Date, except in circumstances pursuant to which the consummation of the Change in Control is delayed, through no failure of the Company or the third person, by a governmental or regulatory authority or agency with jurisdiction over the matter, or as a result of other similar circumstances where a third party approval is necessary and is delayed. In such a circumstance, the remainder of the twelve (12) month period shall be tolled and shall recommence upon termination of the delaying event.

(b)     Compensation and Benefits Upon Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control . In the event a termination described in Section 2(a) occurs, subject to the Executive’s compliance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive after the Executive’s Termination Date:

(i)    A lump sum cash payment equal to (A) [                    )] times Base Pay, plus (B) [                    ] times Incentive Pay.

(ii)    A pro rated payment of the Executive’s Incentive Pay for the year in which the Executive’s Termination of Employment occurs. The pro rated payment shall be based on the Executive’s Incentive Pay as of the Executive’s Termination Date, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during which the Executive was employed by the Company in the year of the Executive’s termination and the denominator of which is 365.

(iii)    For the 18 month period immediately following the Date of Termination (or, if the closing date for the Change of Control is later than the Date of Termination, for the period commencing on the Date of Termination and concluding 18 months following such closing date) and if the Executive elects COBRA Continuation Coverage, the Executive shall continue to participate in all medical, dental and vision insurance plans that the Executive was participating in on the Termination Date, and the Company shall pay the applicable premium. During the applicable period of coverage described in the foregoing sentence, the Executive shall be entitled to benefits on substantially the same basis and cost as would have otherwise been provided had the Executive not separated from service. To the extent that such benefits are available under the above-referenced benefit plans and the Executive had such coverage immediately prior to termination of employment, such continuation of benefits for the Executive shall also cover the

 

6


Executive’s dependents for so long as the Executive is receiving benefits under this paragraph (iii). The COBRA Continuation Period for medical and dental insurance under this paragraph (iii) shall be deemed to run concurrent with the continuation period federally mandated by COBRA (generally 18 months), or any other legally mandated and applicable federal, state, or local coverage period for benefits provided to terminated employees under the health care plan. For purposes of this Agreement, “COBRA Continuation Period” shall mean the continuation period for medical and dental insurance to be provided under the terms of this Agreement which shall commence on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the date of termination falls and generally shall continue for an 18 month period. If the Executive would have been eligible for post-retirement medical and dental coverage had the Executive retired from employment during the period of 18 months following the Executive’s Termination Date, but is not so eligible as the result of the Executive’s termination, then, at the conclusion of the benefit continuation period described in (iii) above, the Company shall take all commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Executive with additional continued group medical and dental coverage comparable to that which would have been available to him from time to time under the Company’s post-retirement medical and dental benefit program, for as long as such coverage would have been available under such program. It is specifically acknowledged by the Executive that if such coverage is provided under a Company sponsored self insured plan, it will be provided on an after-tax basis and the Executive will have income imputed to him annually equal to the fair market value of the premium. If this coverage cannot be provided by the Company, (or where such continuation would adversely affect the tax status of the plan pursuant to which the coverage is provided), then as an alternative, the Company will reimburse the Executive in lieu of such coverage an amount equal to the Executive’s actual and reasonable after-tax cost of continuing comparable coverage.

Reimbursement to the Executive pursuant to subsections (iii) or (iv) above will be available only to the extent that (1) such expense is actually incurred for any particular calendar year and reasonably substantiated; (2) reimbursement shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year following the year in which such expense is incurred by the Executive; (3) no reimbursement provided for any expense incurred in one taxable year will affect the amount available in another taxable year; and (4) the right to this reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under subsection (iii), no reimbursement will be provided for any expense incurred following the 18 months or for any expense which relates to coverage after such date

(iv)    A lump sum cash payment equal to the total amount that the Executive would have received under the Company’s 401(k) plan as a Company match if the Executive was eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan for the 18 month period after the Executive’s Termination Date and the Executive contributed the maximum amount to the plan for the match. Such amount shall be determined based on the assumption that the Executive would have received annual Base Pay plus Incentive Pay during such period in the amounts set forth in Sections 2(b)(i) and (ii) above.

(v)    A lump sum cash payment equal to the difference between the present value of the Executive’s accrued pension benefits at the Executive’s Termination Date under the Company’s qualified defined benefit plan and (if eligible) any plan or plans sponsored by the Company providing nonqualified retirement benefits (which currently includes the CONSOL Mining Corporation Defined Contribution Restoration Plan and any successor plan) (the qualified and nonqualified plans together being referred to as the “pension plans”) and the present value of the accrued pension benefits to which the Executive would have been entitled under the pension plans if the Executive had continued participation in those plans for the 18 month period after the Executive’s Termination Date. Such amount shall be determined based on the assumption that the Executive would have received annual Base Pay plus Incentive Pay during such period in the amounts set forth in Sections 2(b)(i) and (ii) above.

(vi)    A lump sum cash payment of $25,000 in order to cover the cost of outplacement assistance services for the Executive and other expenses associated with seeking another employment position.

 

7


(vii)    The Executive shall receive any amounts earned, accrued or owing but not yet paid to the Executive as of the Executive’s Termination Date, payable in a lump sum, and any benefits accrued or earned in accordance with the terms of any applicable benefit plans and programs of the Company.

(viii)    All payments under this Section 2(b) will be made in a lump sum no later than 60 days after the Executive’s Termination Date (or, if later, the closing date of the Change in Control, as applicable); provided, however, that the benefits due under subsections (iii) and (iv) shall be provided as specified thereunder.

(c)     Vesting of Equity Rights . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any applicable plan, program or agreement, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, all stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance share units and other equity rights held by the Executive will become fully vested and/or exercisable, as the case may be, on the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and shall continue to be paid in accordance with the payment timing provisions as specified in the applicable plan or award agreement, and all stock options or stock appreciation rights held by the Executive shall remain exercisable for the period set forth in the award agreement covering the options or rights; provided, however, that for any rights where the vesting or payment of which are dependent on the attainment of performance goals, such rights shall vest or continue to vest and shall be paid subject to the determination or satisfaction of the performance or payment determinations or conditions as specified in the applicable plan or award agreement.

(d)     Consultancy Period Option . In the case of any Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control, the Company may, in its sole discretion, elect to require reasonable cooperation from the Executive following the Executive’s Termination Date for a period (the “ Consultancy Period ”) not to exceed 18 months. In the event that the Company so elects, the Executive shall, during the pendency of the Consultancy Period, be available from time to time, at the request of the Company’s Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer, to provide advice and assistance concerning (i) the transition of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to any successor to the Executive’s position, and (ii) any other matters concerning the Company’s corporate, business and financial affairs which are consistent with the Executive’s expertise and experience. Such advice and assistance may, at the Executive’s option, be provided either in person or by telephone or videoconference. In no event shall the Company request, nor shall the Executive be required to provide more than five (5) hours of consulting services per work week, nor to provide such services other than during normal Company business hours. The Executive shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of such services, subject to compliance with the Company’s standard policies and procedures regarding reimbursement of expenses. The Executive shall be permitted, during the Consultancy Period, to engage in other business and personal activities; provided, that such activities are not inconsistent with the Executive’s duties under Sections 9 and 10 hereof.

3.     Termination of Employment on Account of Disability, Cause or Death . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment terminates on account of Disability, the Executive shall be entitled to receive disability benefits under any disability program maintained by the Company that covers the Executive, and the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment under this Agreement and shall not receive benefits pursuant to Section 2 hereof. If the Executive’s employment terminates on account of Cause or because of the Executive’s death, the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment under this Agreement and shall not receive benefits pursuant to Section 2 hereof.

 

8


4.     Release . To receive the consideration described in Sections 2(b) of this Agreement, the Executive must sign a Separation of Employment and General Release Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A (the “ Release ”), deliver the signed Release to the Company’s General Counsel within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date (unless a longer period is required by law), and not revoke the Release within the seven-day revocation period provided for in the Release.

5.     Enforcement . Without limiting the rights of the Executive at law or in equity, if the Company fails to make any payment or provide any benefit required to be made or provided hereunder on a timely basis, the Company will pay interest on the amount or value thereof at an annualized rate of interest equal to the so-called composite “prime rate” as quoted from time to time during the relevant period in the Eastern Edition of The Wall Street Journal. Such interest will be payable as it accrues on demand. Any change in such prime rate will be effective on and as of the date of such change.

6.     Limit on Payments by the Company .

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that it shall be determined that any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the “Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, the Company shall reduce (but not below zero) the aggregate present value of the Payments under the Agreement to the Reduced Amount (as defined below), if reducing the Payments under this Agreement will provide the Executive with a greater net after-tax amount than would be the case if no such reduction was made. The Payments shall be reduced as described in the preceding sentence only if (i) the net amount of the Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and payroll taxes on the reduced Payments), is greater than or equal to (ii) the net amount of the Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income and payroll taxes on the Payments and the amount of Excise Tax (as defined below) to which the Executive would be subject with respect to the unreduced Payments). Only amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced pursuant to this Section 6, and any reduction shall be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code Except as set forth in the next sentence, all determinations to be made under this Section 6 shall be made by the nationally recognized independent public accounting firm used by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control (“ Accounting Firm ”), which Accounting Firm shall provide its determinations and any supporting calculations to the Company and the Executive within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Termination Date. The value of the Executive’s non-competition covenant under Section 10(a) of this Agreement shall be determined by independent appraisal by a nationally-recognized business valuation firm acceptable to both the Executive and the Company, and a portion of the Agreement Payments shall, to the extent of that appraised value, be specifically allocated as reasonable compensation for such non-competition covenant and shall not be treated as a parachute payment. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive.

(b)    All of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in performing the determinations referred to in this Section 6 shall be borne solely by the Company.

7.     No Mitigation Obligation . The Company hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment following the Termination Date. Accordingly, the payment of the severance compensation by the Company to the Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by the Company to be reasonable, and the Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction or any other obligation on the

 

9


part of the Executive hereunder or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, as a condition to accepting benefits provided hereunder, the Executive will be required to waive, and will be deemed to have waived, any other right or entitlement to severance or termination benefits from the Company or its Subsidiaries.

8.     Legal Fees and Expenses . In the event of a Change in Control, it is the intent of the Company that the Executive not be required to incur legal fees and the related expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Executive hereunder. Accordingly, if a Change in Control occurs and it should appear to the Executive that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Executive the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Executive under Section 2 of this Agreement, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of the Executive’s choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to advise and represent the Executive in connection with any such interpretation, enforcement or defense, including without limitation the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company or any Director, officer or employee of the Company, in any jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to the Executive’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection, the Company and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship will exist between the Executive and such counsel. Without respect to whether the Executive prevails, in whole or in part, in connection with any of the foregoing, the Company will pay and be solely financially responsible for any and all reasonable attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that, in regard to such matters, the Executive has not acted frivolously, in bad faith or with no colorable claim of success. Such fees and expenses will be paid by the Company as they are incurred by the Executive, but in no event later than the end of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the Executive incurs the fees and expenses. In addition, no reimbursement provided for any expense incurred in one taxable year will affect the amount available in another taxable year, and the right to this reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

9.     Confidentiality . The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, except as specifically requested or directed by the Company, Executive will not disclose to any person not employed by the Company, or use in connection with engaging in competition with the Company, any confidential or proprietary information (as defined below) of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “confidential or proprietary information” will include all information of any nature and in any form that is owned by the Company and that is not publicly available (other than by the Executive’s breach of this Section 9) or generally known to persons engaged in businesses similar or related to those of the Company. Confidential or proprietary information will include, without limitation, the Company’s financial matters, customers, employees, industry contracts, strategic business plans, product development (or other proprietary product data), marketing plans, consulting solutions and processes, and all other secrets and all other information of a confidential or proprietary nature which is protected by the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. For purposes of the preceding two sentences, the term “Company” will also include any Subsidiary (collectively, the “ Restricted Group ”). The foregoing obligations imposed by this Section 9 will not apply (i) in the course of the business of and for the benefit of the Company, (ii) if such confidential or proprietary information has become, through no fault of the Executive, generally known to the public, or (iii) if the Executive is required by law to make disclosure (after giving the Company notice and an opportunity to contest such requirement).

 

10


Nothing in this Agreement or any other confidentiality provision to which you may be subject as a result of employment at, or separation from, the Company restricts or prohibits you from initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiries from, providing testimony before, providing confidential and proprietary information to, reporting possible violations of law or regulation to, or from filing a claim or assisting with an investigation directly with a self-regulatory authority or a government agency or entity, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General (collectively, the “ Regulators ”), or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of state or federal law or regulation or from receiving and fully retaining a monetary award from a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information directly to a government agency. The Company nonetheless asserts and does not waive attorney-client privilege over any information appropriately protected by the privilege. You do not need the prior authorization of the Company to engage in conduct protected by this paragraph, and you do not need to notify the Company that you have engaged in such conduct.

Please take notice that federal law provides criminal and civil immunity to federal and state claims for trade secret misappropriation to individuals who disclose a trade secret to their attorney, a court, or a government official in certain, confidential circumstances that are set forth at 18 U.S.C. §§ 1833(b)(1) and 1833(b)(2), related to the reporting or investigation of a suspected violation of the law, or in connection with a lawsuit for retaliation for reporting a suspected violation of the law.

10.     Covenants Not to Compete and Not to Solicit . In the event of the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Company’s obligations to provide the payments and benefits set forth in Section 2 shall be expressly conditioned upon the Executive’s compliance with the covenants not to compete and not to solicit as provided herein. In the event the Executive breaches the Executive’s obligations to the Company as provided herein, the Company’s obligations to provide the payments and benefits set forth in Section 2 shall cease, without prejudice to any other remedies that may be available to the Company.

(a)     Covenant Not to Compete . If the Executive is receiving payments and benefits under Section 2 above (or subsequently becomes entitled thereto because of a termination described in Section 2(a)(ii)), then, for a period of one (1) year following the Executive’s Termination Date, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in (whether as an employee, consultant, proprietor, partner, director or otherwise), or have any ownership interest in, or participate in a financing, operation, management or control of, any person, firm, corporation or business that is a Restricted Business in a Restricted Territory without the prior written consent of the Board. For this purpose, ownership of no more than 5% of the outstanding Voting Stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not constitute a violation of this provision.

(b)     Covenant Not to Solicit . If the Executive is receiving payments and benefits under Section 2 above (or subsequently becomes entitled thereto because of a termination described in Section 2(a)(ii)), then, for a period of two (2) years following the Executive’s Termination Date, the Executive shall not: (i) solicit, encourage or take any other action which is intended to induce any other employee of the Company to terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company; or (ii) interfere in any manner with the contractual or employment relationship between the Company and any such employee of the Company. The foregoing shall not prohibit the Executive or any entity with which the Executive may be affiliated from hiring a former employee of the Company; provided, that such hiring results exclusively from such former employee’s affirmative response to a general recruitment effort.

(c)     Interpretation . The covenants contained herein are intended to be construed as a series of separate covenants, one for each county, town, city and state or other political subdivision of a Restricted Territory. Except for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant shall be deemed identical in terms

 

11


to the covenant contained in the preceding subsections. If, in any judicial proceeding, the court shall refuse to enforce any of the separate covenants (or any part thereof) deemed included in such subsections, then such unenforceable covenant (or such part) shall be deemed to be eliminated from this Agreement for the purpose of those proceedings to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants (or portions thereof) to be enforced.

(d)     Reasonableness . In the event that the provisions of this Section 10 shall ever be deemed to exceed the time, scope or geographic limitations permitted by applicable laws, then such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum time, scope or geographic limitations, as the case may be, permitted by applicable laws.

11.     Employment Rights . Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or following any Change in Control.

12.     Withholding of Taxes . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as the Company is required to withhold pursuant to any applicable law, regulation or ruling.

13.     Term of Agreement . The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date hereof and shall continue until December 31, 2018; provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2019, and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended until the following December 31, unless the Company gives notice not later than October 31 of the preceding year that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; and provided, further, that regardless of any such notice by the Company, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of 24 months beyond the term provided herein if a Change in Control occurs during the period that this Agreement is in effect.

14.     Successors and Binding Agreement .

(a)    The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor will thereafter be deemed the “Company” for the purposes of this Agreement), but will not otherwise be assignable, transferable or delegable by the Company.

(b)    This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and legatees. This Agreement will supersede the provisions of any employment or other agreement between the Executive and the Company (or any predecessor or other entity previously affiliated with the Company), including, without limitation, the Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated                      (the “ Prior Change in Control Agreement ”) and any other agreement that relate to any matter that is also the subject of this Agreement, and such provisions in the Prior Change in Control Agreement and such other agreements will be null and void.

[ Alternative Provision for Brock, Salvatori and Wiegand Agreements: This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or

 

12


legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and legatees. Pursuant to the terms of the Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated                      (the “ Prior Change in Control Agreement ”), by and among Executive and the General Partner, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, and ParentCo (together with the forgoing entities, the “ Prior Agreement Signatories ”), the Executive and the Prior Agreement Signatories each hereby acknowledges that the distribution by ParentCo to its stockholders of all the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company and the subsequent loss of control by ParentCo of the General Partner (by virtue of ownership of the voting securities of the General Partner and the ability to elect or appoint a majority of the members of the board of directors of the General Partner) will constitute a “Change in Control” within the meaning of the Prior Change in Control Agreement and, in connection therewith, Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that Executive (i) has not, as of the date hereof, experienced an “Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control” (as defined in the Prior Change in Control Agreement) or other termination of employment described therein which would entitle Executive to severance payments or benefits thereunder and (ii) shall, after the date hereof, seek any severance payments or benefits provided under the terms of the Prior Change in Control Agreement solely from CNX Coal Resources LP and/or CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, and not ParentCo. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will supersede the provisions of any employment or other agreement between the Executive and the Company (or any predecessor or other entity previously affiliated with the Company), that relates to any matter that is also the subject of this Agreement, and such provisions in the other agreements will be null and void.]

(c)    This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto will, without the consent of the other, assign, transfer or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Sections 14(a) and (b). Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder will not be assignable, transferable or delegable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest, or otherwise, other than by a transfer by the Executive’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 14(c), the Company will have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned, transferred or delegated.

15.     Notices . For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications, including without limitation, notices, consents, requests or approvals, required or permitted to be given hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof orally confirmed by the recipient), or five (5) business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or three (3) business days after having been sent by a nationally recognized courier service for overnight/next-day delivery, such as FedEx, UPS, or the United States Postal Service, addressed to the Company (to the attention of the Secretary of the Company) at its principal executive office and to the Executive at the Executive’s principal residence, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing and in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address will be effective only upon receipt.

16.     Governing Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such Commonwealth.

 

13


17.     Validity . If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstances will not be affected, and the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal will be reformed to the extent (and only to the extent) necessary to make it enforceable, valid or legal.

18.     Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in a writing signed by the Executive and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. References to Sections are to references to Sections of this Agreement. Any reference in this Agreement to a provision of a statute, rule or regulation will also include any successor provision thereto. Whenever used herein, the masculine includes the feminine.

19.     Code Section 409A .

(a)    If any benefit provided under this Agreement is subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder, the provisions of the Agreement shall be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner necessary to comply with Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder (or disregarded to the extent such provision cannot be so administered, interpreted, or construed).

(b)    Severance benefits are payable only if the Executive is involuntarily terminated by the Company as provided under this Agreement. For purposes of the Agreement, the Executive shall be considered to have experienced a termination of employment only if the Executive has terminated employment with the Company and all of its controlled group members within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes hereof, the determination of controlled group members shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 414(b) and 414(c) of the Code; provided that the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) of the Code and Treas. Reg. § 1.414(c)-2. Whether the Executive has terminated employment will be determined based on all of the facts and circumstances and in accordance with the guidance issued under Section 409A of the Code.

(c)    For purposes of Section 409A, each severance benefit payment shall be treated as a separate payment. Each payment under this Agreement is intended to be excepted from Section 409A to the maximum extent provided under Section 409A as follows: (i) each payment that is scheduled to be made on or before March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year containing the Executive’s termination date (or, if later, the closing date of the Change in Control) is intended to be excepted under the short-term deferral exception as specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4); (ii) post-termination medical benefits are intended to be excepted under the medical benefits exceptions as specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(B); and (iii) each payment that is not otherwise excepted under the short-term deferral exception or medical benefits exception is intended to be excepted under the involuntary pay exception as specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii). The Executive shall have no right to designate the date of any payment under this Agreement.

(d)    With respect to payments subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not excepted therefrom), if any, it is intended that each payment is paid on permissible distribution event and at a specified time consistent with Section 409A of the Code. The Company reserves the right to accelerate

 

14


and/or defer any payment to the extent permitted and consistent with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that a payment hereunder is subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not excepted therefrom) and payable on account or a termination of employment, such payment shall be delayed for a period of six months after the date of termination (or, if earlier, the death of the Executive) if the Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code and determined in accordance with the procedures established by the Company). Any payment that would otherwise have been due or owing during such six-month period will be paid immediately following the end of the six-month period in the month following the month containing the six (6)-month anniversary of the date of termination.

20.     Waiver . The Executive agrees to waive any rights that the Executive may have under any severance plan, policy or other agreement between the Executive and the Company and/or the Other CONSOL Companies with respect to severance compensation and benefits in the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated as the result of an Involuntary Termination Associated With a Change in Control.

21.     Survival . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the parties’ respective rights and obligations under Sections 2, 6, 8, 9, and 10 will survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement or the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever.

22.     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

15


[Signature Page for Change In Control Agreement]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered [                    ] but effective as of the date first above written.

 

CONSOL Mining Corporation
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
Executive

 

Name:  

SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 14(b) HEREOF:

CNX Coal Resources GP LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
CONSOL Energy Inc.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

16


Annex A

SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of this      day of             ,         , by and between CONSOL Mining Corporation (the “ Company ”) and                      (the “ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, the Executive formerly was employed by the Company as                     ; and

WHEREAS, the Executive and Company entered into a Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated                  , 20     (the “ Severance Agreement ”), which provides for certain payments and benefits in the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated on account of a reason set forth in the Severance Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Executive’s employment with the Company was terminated for reasons that qualify the Executive to receive certain payments and benefits, as set forth in Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement, subject to, among other things, the Executive’s execution of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the Company’s commitments in Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement, the Executive and the Company hereby agree as follows:

1.    (a) The Executive does hereby REMISE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries and parents, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents, and its and their respective successors and assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators, as well as the current and former fiduciaries of any pension, welfare, or other benefit plans applicable to the employees or former employees of the Company, and the current and former welfare and other benefit plans sponsored by the Company (collectively, “ Releasees ”) from all causes of action, suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever in law or in equity, which the Executive ever had, now has, or hereafter may have, whether known or unknown, or which the Executive’s heirs, executors, or administrators may have, by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of time to the date the Executive signs this Agreement, and particularly, but without limitation of the foregoing general terms, any claims arising from or relating in any way to the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment relationship, and the termination of that employment relationship, including, but not limited to, any claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Worker Readjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and any other claims under any federal, state or local common law, statutory, or regulatory provision, now or hereafter recognized, and any claims for attorneys’ fees and costs. This Agreement is effective without regard to the legal nature of the claims raised and without regard to whether any such claims are based upon tort, equity, implied or express contract or discrimination of any sort.

(b)    Although Paragraph 1(a) is intended to be a general release, it is understood and agreed that Paragraph 1(a) excludes claims related to the Executive’s right to receive the payments


and benefits described in Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement, as well as claims under any statute or common law that the Executive is legally barred from releasing, such as the Executive’s entitlement to vested pension benefits.

(c)    Nothing herein is intended to or shall preclude the Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“ EEOC ”), or similar state or local fair employment practices agency and/or cooperating with said agency in its investigation. The Executive, however, explicitly waives any right to file a personal lawsuit or receive monetary damages that the agency may recover against the Releasees resulting from such charge, without regard as to who brought any said complaint or charge. Employee further agrees that to the extent any relief, including monetary relief, is awarded against the Releasees in favor of the Executive in any such proceeding, all amounts paid as consideration under Section 2(b) of the Separation Agreement shall be a setoff and credit against any such award to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(d)    The Executive represents and agrees by signing below that the Executive has not been denied any leave or benefit requested, has received the appropriate pay for all hours worked for the Company, and has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

(e)    To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Executive represents and affirms that [ other than                     ,] the Executive has not filed or caused to be filed on the Executive’s behalf any claim for relief covered by the general release in Paragraph 1(a) against any Releasee and, to the best of the Executive’s knowledge and belief, no outstanding claims for relief covered by the general release in Paragraph 1(a) have been filed or asserted against the Company or any Releasee on the Executive’s behalf.

2.    The Company, for and in consideration of the commitments of the Executive as set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, does hereby REMISE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Executive from all claims, demands or causes of action arising out of facts or occurrences prior to the date of this Agreement, but only to the extent the Company knows or reasonably should know of such facts or occurrence and only to the extent such claim, demand or cause of action relates to a violation of applicable law or the performance of the Executive’s duties with the Company; provided, however, that this release of claims shall not in any case be effective with respect to any claim by the Company alleging a breach of the Executive’s obligations under this Agreement. [Note: The Company and the Executive may, but shall not be required to mutually agree on a case-by-case basis at the time of the signing of this release to include the foregoing provision, or a substantially similar provision, to this Agreement.

3.    The Executive further agrees and recognizes that the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company has been permanently severed, that the Executive shall not seek employment with the Company or any affiliated entity at any time in the future, and that the Company has no obligation to employ the Executive in the future.

4.    Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 9, the Executive further agrees that the Executive will not disparage or subvert the Company, or make any statement reflecting negatively on the Releasees including, but not limited to, statements relating to the operation or management of the Company, the Executive’s employment and the termination of the Executive’s employment, irrespective of the truthfulness or falsity of such statement.


5.    The Executive acknowledges that if the Executive had not executed this Agreement containing a release of all claims, the Executive would not have been entitled to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement.

6.    This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Company and the Executive relating to the subject matter hereof. No prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements or representations may be offered to alter the terms of this Agreement. To the extent Employee has entered into other agreements with the Company that are not in conflict with this Agreement, including, but not limited to the Severance Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall not supersede, but shall be in addition to such other agreements.

7.    Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 9, the Executive agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement or the Severance Agreement to anyone, except the Executive’s spouse, attorney and, as necessary, tax/financial advisor, or the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. Likewise, the Company agrees that the terms of this Agreement will not be disclosed except as may be necessary to obtain approval or authorization to fulfill its obligations hereunder or as required by law. It is expressly understood that any violation of the confidentiality obligation imposed hereunder constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.

8.    The Executive represents that the Executive has returned to the Company and does not presently have in the Executive’s possession or control any records and business documents, whether on computer or hard copy, and other materials (including but not limited to computer disks and tapes, computer programs and software, office keys, correspondence, files, customer lists, technical information, customer information, pricing information, business strategies and plans, sales records and all copies thereof) (collectively, the “ Corporate Records ”) provided by the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates or obtained as a result of the Executive’s prior employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates, or created by the Executive while employed by or rendering services to the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates. In addition, the Executive has or will promptly return in good condition any other Company owned equipment or property, including, but not limited to, automobiles, personal data assistants, facsimile machines, copy machines, pagers, credit cards, cellular telephone equipment, business cards, laptops and computers. At the Executive’s request, the Company will make reasonable arrangements to transfer cellular phone numbers and personal fax numbers to the Executive.

9.    Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Executive from: (i) making any disclosure of information required or protected by law; or (ii) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information to, testifying, participating in, responding to any inquiry from, or otherwise assisting in any investigation or proceeding brought by any federal regulatory or law enforcement agency or legislative body, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), any self-regulatory organization, or the Company’s designated legal, compliance or human resources officers, relating to a possible violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation. Further, nothing in this Agreement requires the Executive to notify the Company of any activity protected by this paragraph, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall prevent, impede or interfere with the Executive’s non-waivable right to receive and fully retain a monetary award from a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information directly to a government agency.


10.    The parties agree and acknowledge that the agreement by the Company described herein, and the release of any asserted or unasserted claims against the Releasees, are not and shall not be construed to be an admission of any violation of any federal, state or local statute or regulation, or of any duty owed by any of the Releasees to the Executive.

11.    The Executive agrees and recognizes that should the Executive breach any of the obligations or covenants set forth in Sections 9 and 10 of the Severance Agreement, the Company will have no further obligation to provide the Executive with the consideration set in Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement, and will have the right to seek repayment of all consideration paid up to the time of any such breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive acknowledges that if the Executive breaches Section 10 of the Severance Agreement, and if the Company’s terminates or recovers any of the payments or benefits provided under Section 2(b) of the Severance Agreement (as provided for in Section 10 of the Severance Agreement), the release provided by Section 1 of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable.

12.    The Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving actual damages, as well as to an equitable accounting of all earnings, profits and other benefits arising from any violations of this Agreement, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which the Company may be entitled.

13.    This Agreement and the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

14.    The Executive certifies and acknowledges as follows:

(a)    That the Executive has read the terms of this Agreement, and that the Executive understands its terms and effects, including the fact that the Executive has agreed to RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Releasees from any legal action arising out of the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that employment relationship; and

(b)    That the Executive has signed this Agreement voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described herein, which the Executive acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to him and which the Executive acknowledges is in addition to any other benefits to which the Executive is otherwise entitled; and

(c)    That the Executive has been and is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement; and

(d)    That the Executive does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date this Agreement is executed; and

(e)    That the Company has provided the Executive with a period of [ twenty-one (21) ] or [ forty-five (45) ] days within which to consider this Agreement, and that the Executive has signed on the date indicated below after concluding that this Separation of Employment Agreement and General Release is satisfactory; and


(f)    The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement may be revoked by within seven (7) days after execution, and it shall not become effective until the expiration of such seven (7) day revocation period. In the event of a timely revocation by the Executive, this Agreement will be deemed null and void and the Company will have no obligations hereunder or under Section 2(b) of the Separation Agreement.

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]


Intending to be legally bound hereby, the Executive and the Company executed the foregoing Separation of Employment Agreement and General Release this      day of             ,         .

 

 

     

Witness:

  

 

Executive

        

CONSOL Mining Corporation

        

By:

 

 

     

Witness:

  

 

Name:

          

Title: