UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 16, 2009

WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-11155	23-1128670
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO	80903
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (719) 442-2600

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01. Other Events.

Westmoreland Coal Company (the “Company”) issued a press release on December 16, 2009 regarding the modernization of a portion of the Company’s heritage medical obligations to certain of its and its subsidiaries’ retiree population.  The press release of December 16^th is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference.

 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release dated December 16, 2009

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY
Date:   December 16, 2009	By:	/s/ Morris W. Kegley
		Morris W. Kegley, General Counsel and Secretary

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release dated December 16, 2009