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Case 16-42529 Doc 28 Filed 04/13/16 Entered 04/13/16 11:32:40 Main Document <br />Pg9of31 <br />heavy machinery, vibratory screens, trailers, mining tools and parts for specialized mining <br />equipment and machines — that are essential to the Debtors' operations. In many instances, the <br />Debtors have a limited number of suppliers for certain goods and services. Most of the items <br />that the Debtors purchase from these suppliers are available only from single -source or limited - <br />source suppliers — such as original equipment manufacturers — and many of the Debtors' <br />purchases of such items occur on a one-off basis. In many cases, the Debtors have worked with <br />their suppliers of mining equipment, parts and supplies over a number of years and, as a result, <br />the Debtors' suppliers have detailed knowledge regarding the Debtors' mines and machinery. <br />19. In addition, the Debtors engage specialized service providers needed to operate <br />their mines on a daily basis or otherwise meet customer requirements. The Debtors engage these <br />service providers typically where the Debtors do not possess the necessary skills or tooling to <br />perform the required tasks (e.g., equipment maintenance or equipment certification in connection <br />with regulatory requirements). Further, in certain instances, the Debtors hire third parties to <br />ensure compliance with the coal quality provisions set forth in the relevant coal sales contracts. <br />20. If the Debtors were required to locate replacement suppliers for this specialized <br />equipment, parts and services, the Debtors (a) would likely incur significant delays; (b) may have <br />to idle equipment, mines or operations due to such delays; and (c) may be required to pay <br />significantly more for the replacement items or services. It is thus essential that the Debtors <br />maintain their existing business relationships with suppliers of specialized mining equipment, <br />parts and services. <br />Necessity of Paying the Essential Suppliers <br />21. All Essential Suppliers provide goods and services necessary to the Debtors' <br />operations and their ability to preserve customer confidence. The refusal of an Essential <br />in <br />