================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ---------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): JANUARY 21, 2003 ---------- NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 001-31465 35-2164875 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Number) Identification No.) 601 JEFFERSON, SUITE 3600 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 751-7507 ================================================================================ ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On January 22, 2003, Natural Resource Partners L.P. issued a press release, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to, and incorporated by reference in, this Form 8-K. The press release relates to the company's declaration of its initial quarterly distribution and the appointment of Robert T. Blakely as a member of the Board of Directors of GP Natural Resource Partners LLC, the company's general partner. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release issued January 22, 2003 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P. (Registrant) By: NRP (GP) LP its General Partner By: GP Natural Resource Partners LLC its General Partner /s/ Charles H. Kerr ---------------------------------------- Charles H. Kerr Secretary Dated: January 23, 2003 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press release issued January 22, 2003