EXHIBIT 23.3
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and the related Prospectus of P&L Coal
Holdings Corporation for the registration of 8 7/8% series B Senior Notes due
2008 and 9 5/8% series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, and to the
inclusion of our report dated July 9, 1998, with respect to the balance sheet
of P&L Coal Holdings Corporation as of March 31, 1998, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
St. Louis, MO                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
September 2, 1998