St. Louis - October 15, 2004 - Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) announced today that Kenneth G. Woodring has elected to retire as Arch's executive vice president of mining operations after 27 years of service with the company.

"Ken has contributed greatly to the growth and success of Arch Coal over the years," said Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal's president and chief executive officer. "Under his direction, Arch's national network of mines has achieved industry leadership in such key areas of performance as safety, environmental stewardship and productivity. We are indebted to Ken for his many years of leadership and service, and we wish him the very best in his retirement."

Woodring joined one of Arch's predecessor companies, Ashland Coal, in 1977, and was elected senior vice president with responsibility for mining operations for Ashland Coal in 1989. When Ashland Coal and Arch Mineral merged in 1997 to form Arch Coal, Woodring was elected executive vice president of mining operations for the new company.

"During his time at the helm of our mining operations, Arch has grown from a mid-sized regional producer focused exclusively on the Central Appalachia coal fields to the second largest U.S. coal company with a truly national portfolio of mines," said John W. Eaves, Arch's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Ken has played a pivotal role in the company's evolution, and he has served as a mentor to many of our best operating personnel. He has left his imprint on our company in many ways."

During his tenure at Arch Coal, the company's sales volume has grown from approximately 40 million tons in 1997 to nearly 140 million tons on a pro forma basis today.

Woodring will retire at the end of December. Thereafter, he will serve in a consulting capacity on a number of strategic projects, including the development of Arch's recently announced Mountain Laurel longwall mine in Logan County, West Virginia.

St. Louis-based Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer, with subsidiary operations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Through these operations, Arch Coal provides the fuel for approximately 7% of the electricity generated in the United States.