Exhibit 23


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Peabody Energy Corporation of our report dated January 23, 2004, included in
the December 31, 2003 Annual Report to Stockholders of Peabody Energy
Corporation.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
on Form S-8 pertaining to the Peabody Energy Corporation Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan and Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee
Directors (No. 333-61406), the Peabody Holding Company, Inc. Employee Retirement
Account, Lee Ranch Coal Company Retirement and Savings Plan for Salaried
Employees, and Western Surface Agreement-UMWA 401(k) Plan (No. 333-70910), and
the Peabody Energy Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (No. 333-75058), and
the Black Beauty Coal Company 401(k) Plan (No. 333-109305), and the 1998 Stock
Purchase and Option Plan for Key Employees of Peabody Energy Corporation
(333-105455), and the 1998 Stock Purchase and Option Plan for Key Employees of
Peabody Energy Corporation (333-105456), and in the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (No. 333-109906) and related combined prospectus of Peabody Energy
Corporation of our reports dated January 23, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Peabody Energy Corporation
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2003.

                                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP


St. Louis, Missouri
March 2, 2004