Peabody sees firmer coal prices in 2010

SYDNEY, Nov 6 (Reuters) - U.S. coal miner Peabody Energy (BTU.N) expects healthy increases in the prices of thermal and coking coal next year, Peabody Chief Executive Greg Boyce said on Friday.

"There is no question that coal demand is continuing to increase. Spot prices are higher than benchmark prices and we are seeing economies starting to recover," Boyce, told reporters.

"There should be healthy increases for both products (thermal and coking)," he added. (Reporting by Bruce Hextall; Editing by Denny Thomas and Mark Bendeich) ((bruce.hextall@thomsonreuters.com; +612 93731236; Reuters Messaging bruce.hextall.reuters.com@reuters.net))