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                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.2







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                         WESTMORELAND COMPLETES SALE OF
                       WENTZ COMPLEX AND PINE BRANCH MINE
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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- May 22, 1996 -- Westmoreland Coal Company (NYSE: WCX)
today announced that it has completed non-cash transactions for the sale of its
idled Wentz Complex to Stonega Mining and Processing Company and its idled Pine
Branch Mine to Roaring Fork Mining Company. Both operations were assets of the
Company's Virginia Division which was idled in August of 1995. The purchasers
will assume reclamation liabilities, related equipment leases, certain
environmental liabilities, and postretirement medical benefits for any former
Westmoreland employees hired by them. The purchasers also take the operations
subject to the Company's union successorship obligation, which the United Mine
Workers of America have acknowledged Westmoreland has fullfilled under the
terms of these sale agreements.

The Company's remaining assets at the idled Division include the Bullitt Mine,
preparation plant and transloader, Pierrepont Mine and coal handling facility,
Holton Mine and loadout facility, Mission Hollow and Stone Mountain reserves,
and certain properties which continue to be operated by contractors. Plans for
these assets, including additional contract operations or possible sale, are
under consideration by the Company.

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          For further information contact Diane Jones (719) 448-5814.