Cheyenne, Wyo. (Sept. 5, 2002) - Arch Coal, Inc. will make $2,500 unrestricted cash awards to 10 Wyoming teachers again this school year, according to Greg Schaefer, the company's vice president of external affairs western region.

In its third year, the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards program is unique because it features public nomination and peer selection. After all applications are received, a blue-ribbon panel of experienced educators, including some who have previously won the Arch Coal award, gather to select the top 10 recipients from in-depth submissions provided by the nominated teachers.

"People tell me they love this program because the teacher nominations can come from anyone, and from anywhere, in the state," Schaefer said. "Arch Coal encourages everyone to nominate at least one deserving teacher who has made a difference in someone's life.

"Tell Arch Coal about a special teacher who makes learning 'happen' in Wyoming's classrooms. I believe there are many excellent teachers in Wyoming who deserve recognition," said Schaefer.

Nomination forms are now available in schools throughout Wyoming and in Mini Mart and Taco John's locations. Nominations also may be made online at www.archcoal.com. Nominations close Jan. 24, 2003. It is anticipated the awards ceremony will be held in early May 2003.

The program has the support of the Office of the Governor, the Wyoming Department of Education, and the Wyoming Education Association, as well as from Mini Mart and Taco John's.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer and employs more than 500 people in Wyoming. Arch produces more than 60 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal annually at its Wyoming operations. The company's Black Thunder operation in Campbell County is one of the nation's largest and most efficient coal mines. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.