The Composite is the headline index for Canada, which represents the inclusion of the largest companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the principal benchmark measure for the Canadian equity markets.

Western president and chief executive Keith Calder said: "Being added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index is an important milestone for Western Coal.

"It demonstrates the progress we have made, and will continue to make, in growing the company and increasing value for shareholders.

"It will also add additional visibility for the company in the investment community and provide access to new index-based funds."

Story provided by Business Financial Newswire