ST. LOUIS, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) elected Douglas Conaway to vice president of safety.

"We're pleased the board has elevated Doug to the top ranking safety officer at Arch," said Paul A. Lang, executive vice president and chief operating officer.  "Doug's deep industry and organizational experience will prove invaluable as he leads Arch's entire safety function."

Conaway has served as Arch's director of corporate safety since 2006.  Prior to joining Arch, Conaway served for nearly 15 years in various capacities at West Virginia's Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training (MHST) and concurrently served as chairman of the West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety.  As director of MHST from 2001 to 2006, Conaway oversaw enforcement, training, certifications and investigations, as well as advised the Governor on safety-related issues.  Prior to his appointment as director, Conaway served as administrator of enforcement for MHST from 1991 to 2001.

Prior to joining MHST, Conaway served in a variety of mining positions with the Department of Energy, as well as Eastern Associated Coal Corporation.

Conaway received a bachelor of arts degree in education from Fairmont State College in 1980, a master of science degree in safety management from West Virginia University in 1982, and a master of science degree in occupational safety and health engineering from West Virginia University in 1989.  Conaway is a Certified Mine Safety Professional.

U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. is a top five global coal producer and marketer, with 157 million tons of coal sold in 2011.  Arch is the most diversified American coal company, with more than 20 active mining complexes across every major U.S. coal supply basin.  Its core business is supplying cleaner-burning, low-sulfur thermal and metallurgical coal to power generators and steel manufacturers on five continents.  In 2011, Arch continued to lead the U.S. coal industry in safety performance and environmental compliance among large, diversified producers.