================================================================================ 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): OCTOBER 18, 2002 -------------------- 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. Reference is made to the Natural Resource Partners L.P. press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein, which relates to the company's appointment of two independent directors. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release issued October 22, 2002 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/ DWIGHT L. DUNLAP -------------------------------------- Dwight L. Dunlap Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Dated: October 22, 2002 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 99.1 Press release issued October 22, 2002