Export surge for US coal could last 10 yrs -exec

HOUSTON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The surge in export demand for U.S. coal could last 10 years, which is longer than most expect, a key executive said on Thursday.

"Our expectations are what's happening on a global basis will not slow down," said Greg Boyce, chairman and CEO of Peabody Energy Corp (BTU.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Speaking at the CERA conference, Boyce said the demand already is putting pressure on U.S utilities, whose stockpiles are shrinking.

Boyce also said U.S. mines and railroads can handle the upsurge in export demand, but ports could be a bottleneck because of lack of use for exports in recent years. (Reporting by Bruce Nichols; Editing by David Gregorio)