CHARLESTON, W.Va. - January 16, 2003 - Arch Coal (NYSE: ACI) today announced its subsidiary Coal-Mac, Inc. received top honors for reclamation excellence from the W.Va. Department of Environmental Protection. It was the second year in a row that an Arch Coal subsidiary claimed the top award.

The Green Lands Award, formerly known as the David C. Callaghan Award, was presented to Coal-Mac for its outstanding achievements in post-mining land use in 2002. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to the best reclamation in the state. Last year, Arch's Mingo Logan received top honors for its development of the Twisted Gun Golf Course on reclaimed mine lands.

Coal-Mac engineers designed the former mine lands to attract game and other wildlife, as well as to support domestic cattle. Using innovative reclamation practices, the company designed the ponds and slopes specifically for the wildlife and livestock.

"We're proud of Coal-Mac for successfully demonstrating our strong commitment to environmental care and social responsibility," said Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal's president and chief executive officer. "This reclamation project will be a valuable asset not only to the landowners, but also to West Virginia and its citizens."

"The Department of Environmental Protection encourages quality reclamation at all of West Virginia's mining operations," said DEP Cabinet Secretary Michael O. Callaghan. "Arch's Coal-Mac operation is an example of the quality DEP looks for in a reclaimed mine site."

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer and mines low-sulfur coal exclusively. Through its subsidiary operations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, Arch provides the fuel for approximately 6 percent of the electricity generated in the United States.