announced April 7 that it has signed an agreement to explore a potential jointventure with AMCI Holdings Inc.subsidiary ION Carbon & Minerals LLC

Theventure, named Encore Global Commodities LLC, "will be a domestic andinternational marketing entity initially focused on developing and marketingRhino's coals, including thermal, metallurgical, and specialty products,"which will be reviewed and finalized by both parties within 60 days, as statedin the company release.

"Encorewill be positioned to take advantage of the complementary experience andstrength of the two partners; allowing Rhino to tap into AMCI's global presenceas needed and on a mostly variable cost basis," said Patrick Valentine,managing director of ION Carbon.

Theproposed joint venture comes by way of introduction from , the newlypositioned owner of Rhino's general partner and majority stakeholder in thepartnership.