SALINA, Utah, Feb 10, 2010 -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced that Jacob Hatch, an employee of Arch subsidiary Canyon Fuel Company, has earned the 2009 J.W. Woomer Award as Young Engineer of the Year by the Society of Mining Engineers.

Hatch is an electrical engineer with Canyon Fuel Company's Sufco Mine near Salina, Utah. He played an important role in improving the underground mine monitoring system, as well as working on improving the overall mine power system.

"Jacob is making a positive difference very early in his career," said Gene DiClaudio, president of Arch Western Bituminous Group. "Jacob represents the type of employee we want to recruit - smart, passionate and not afraid to stretch."

"Jacob takes every opportunity to give us his best," said Ken May, general manager of Sufco mine located near Salina, Utah. "We expect more great things from Jacob as his career progresses."

Hatch earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University. Prior to joining Canyon Fuel Company in 2007, Hatch worked as an intern for Rocky Mountain Power and Canyon Fuel Company's Sufco mine.

"I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this award," said Hatch. "The opportunity to be involved in projects that vary from mine communication networks to power distribution systems so early in my career has been a great experience. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities for continued growth in the future. I feel lucky to have such a fast-paced and exciting work environment."

St. Louis-based Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer, with 2009 revenues of $2.6 billion. Arch's Canyon Fuel Company is the largest coal producer in the state of Utah. Through its national network of mines, Arch provides the fuel for approximately 8% of the electricity generated in the United States.