EXHIBIT 23.2

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-xxxxx) pertaining to the 1998 Stock Purchase and
Option Plan for Key Employees of Peabody Energy Corporation of our report dated
January 18, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Peabody Energy Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
May 20, 2003