ST. LOUIS/Feb. 28 - Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced that Bennett (Ben) K. Hatfield, 46, has been named to the new position of President - Eastern Operations, reporting to Executive Vice President - Mining Operations Kenneth Woodring.

Effective March 10, Hatfield will be responsible for all of Arch's mining operations in the eastern United States, including the engineering, permitting and regulatory functions.

Hatfield was formerly the executive vice president and chief commercial officer for El Paso Corporation's Coastal Coal Company. Prior to Coastal, he worked for Massey Energy for 23 years, most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"We are very pleased to have Ben join our operations management team," said Woodring.

"He brings a wealth of experience to our eastern operations. Central Appalachia is one of Arch's core operating regions, and we are focused on maintaining and enhancing our leadership position in the region."

Hatfield earned his bachelor of science degree in mining engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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. Arch Coal has annual revenues of $1.5 billion.