Scott Depot, W.Va., Sept. 19, 2013 -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) announced today that Charles Dunbar, project acquisitions manager, was honored as a Distinguished Engineer of Mines by West Virginia University's (WVU) Department of Mining Engineering. Dunbar was recognized on the WVU campus in Morgantown where he gave the keynote address as part of the William N. Poundstone Lecture Series on September 18. Dunbar spoke on "New and Continuing Challenges for the Coal Industry – the Engineer's View."

"Chuck is a valued member of the Arch Coal team, and we are pleased that West Virginia University has seen fit to honor him," said Jeff Strobel, vice president of business development and strategy. "We congratulate Chuck on this well-deserved honor, and we appreciate WVU's commitment to recognizing those individuals who have made significant contributions to the mining industry throughout their careers."

A native of Rainelle, W.Va., Dunbar earned his bachelor of science degree in mining engineering from WVU in 1980. Dunbar is a fourth-generation coal miner who has more than 35 years of experience at both surface and underground operations in four states. He has been employed at Arch Coal since 2011. Dunbar also is a registered professional engineer and a registered professional surveyor.

"I am honored to have been selected to present this year's lecture," said Dunbar. "The roster of previous honorees is a ‘who's who' of coal, and I am humbled to be included. The coal industry has been good to me and my family, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences with others."

WVU's Department of Mining Engineering established the William N. Poundstone Lecture Series in 2000. Nominees for the Distinguished Engineer of Mines honor can be either an alumnus or non-alumnus who has exceptional achievements and unique experiences in mining and related industries. The selected candidate is required to present a seminar to the Mining Engineering faculty and students at the university in conjunction with the awards ceremony.

U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. is one of the world's top coal producers for the global steel and power generation industries, serving customers on five continents. Its network of mining complexes is the most diversified in the United States, spanning every major coal basin in the nation. The company controls more than 5 billion tons of high-quality metallurgical and thermal coal reserves, with access to all major railroads, inland waterways and a growing number of seaborne trade channels. For more information, visit www.archcoal.com.