This paper uses an econometric simulation model of world energy markets to project the competitive supply, demand, and prices for thermal coal as a part of overall energy balance projections. Under the assumptions of moderate economic growth in the market-economy countries and a pricing path for OPEC oil that remains relatively stable for the 80's but increases steadily in the 1990's, the market-economies' demand for thermal coal is projected to increase. The share of coal in total energy consumption is expected to remain constant for the 1982-90 period but increase slightly in the 1990's. Uncertainties of economic growth, nuclear power supplies, and price elasticities of fuel demand are also shown to be the key elements that can substantially change the future of thermal coal. In view of the basically competitive structure of the world coal industry, it is reasonable to expect that, in the long term, the international coal prices will not increase beyond its long term costs of supply.