ST. Louis (March 18, 2005) - Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) today announced that Robert W. Shanks has been named president of Arch's eastern operations, effective immediately. Since 1998, Shanks has served as president of Arch's western subsidiary, which includes one of the world's largest and most productive surface mines and three highly productive longwall operations.

"We are pleased that Bob has accepted this important role," said John W. Eaves, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Bob has done a superb job in spearheading successful processes to control costs, boost productivity, and achieve industry-leading safety and environmental performances at our western operations. He brings to this position a wealth of experience, ideas and knowledge gained from his many years in senior operating positions throughout the Arch system - both East and West and with surface and underground mines. I believe he is the ideal person to lead our Eastern operations into the future."

Prior to assuming his position as president of Arch's western subsidiary, Shanks had spent 10 years as president of Arch subsidiaries comprising some of the organization's largest surface and underground operations in the East and Midwest. He joined Arch in 1976.

A native of the Kansas City area, Shanks is a registered, professional engineer. He received both his bachelor of science and master's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a former chairman of the Bituminous Coal Operators Association and a past chairman of the Illinois Coal Association.

In this position, Shanks will report directly to Eaves, as will Paul Lang, president of Arch's Powder River Basin operations, and Gene DiClaudio, president of Arch's Western Bituminous operations. He will continue to be based in St. Louis.

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 7% of the electricity generated in the United States.