ST. LOUIS/ April 15, 2003 – Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) announced today that Sam Lewis, vice president of domestic metallurgical and export sales for the company’s marketing subsidiary, has elected to retire after more than 39 years of service with Arch and Arch’s former parent, Ashland Inc.

“Sam has played an integral role in the development of Arch Coal into the company it is today,” said Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal’s president and chief executive officer. “During the past 17 years, he has helped lead the marketing efforts of Arch and its predecessor, Ashland Coal, during a period of unprecedented growth and change. We will miss his leadership, his wise counsel, and his wealth of knowledge about domestic and international coal markets.”

“Sam has a tremendous reputation among our customers as one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in the business,” said Brad Allbritten, vice president of marketing for Arch Coal. “Everyone on the Arch sales team has benefited greatly from his wisdom and experience. We wish Sam and his wife Marlene a happy and satisfying retirement.”

Lewis has agreed to serve the company in a consulting capacity for several months in order to ensure a smooth transition. Thereafter, Sam and Marlene will be relocating to the Columbus, Ohio, area to be near their three adult children and their families.

A native of Mogadore, Ohio, Lewis joined Ashland Inc, then known as Ashland Oil and Refining Company, in 1963, where he held a number of sales and marketing positions of increasing responsibility in the company’s chemical subsidiary. In 1985, he joined Ashland Coal as director of domestic sales. In 1990 he became director of international marketing, greatly expanding the company’s presence in international coal markets during his tenure. In 1993, he was elected vice president of Ashland Coal with responsibility for international marketing. When Ashland Coal and Arch Mineral merged to form Arch Coal in 1997, Lewis was named vice president of Arch Coal Sales with responsibility for domestic metallurgical and export sales.

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 6 percent of the electricity generated in the United States.