. . . Exhibit 12.1 Arch Western Resources Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Dollars in millions, except ratios) Three Months Year ended December 31, Ended March 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings: Income (loss) from operations (5,032) 27,152 12,451 60,370 49,824 4,652 14,689 Fixed charges net of capitalized interest 30,943 51,831 49,370 46,908 44,161 9,748 10,471 Amortization of capitalized interest - - 56 40 133 11 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before taxes and fixed charges 25,911 78,983 61,877 107,318 94,118 14,411 25,170 Fixed charges: Interest expense 29,282 49,950 46,957 44,638 43,605 9,610 10,126 Capitalized interest (39) (1,190) - - (711) (173) - Portions of rent which represent an interest factor 1,700 3,071 2,413 2,270 1,267 311 345 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total fixed charges 30,943 51,831 49,370 46,908 44,161 9,748 10,471 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (a) 1.52 1.25 2.29 2.13 1.48 2.40 (a) The deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges and preference dividends was 5,032 for the year ended December 31, 1998.