• Safety is the foundation of everything: Modern underground mining depends on disciplined safety culture, continuous training, and accountability at every level of the operation.

• Technology is transforming underground operations: Advances in monitoring, equipment, planning, and communication are improving productivity while making mines safer and more efficient.

• People matter as much as equipment: Recruiting, retaining, and developing skilled workers is one of the biggest challenges — and greatest priorities — facing underground coal operations.

• Leadership sets the tone underground: Strong leadership and clear communication are essential in high-risk environments where trust and teamwork save lives.

• Coal remains essential: Despite industry challenges, America's coal sector continues to play a vital role in supplying reliable energy, supporting steel and industrial production, and providing the critical materials that keep the U.S. economy strong.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Iron Senergy → https://ironsenergy.com/
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org

Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
Learn More About the Miami Coal Forum or Register Now → Miami Coal Forum

In this in-person episode of Coal Nation, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down at Core Natural Resources' headquarters with Matt Mackowiak, Director of Government Affairs, to unpack Core's campaign… The Coal Hard Truth and why the industry believes "coal's story" needs to be told more clearly right now. Matt explains how the campaign was built to counter the "coal is dead" narrative with primary-source, fact-checked data and fast, digestible social content, while Emily digs into the biggest misconceptions they see—from confusing water vapor with pollution, to underestimating coal's role in grid reliability and affordability during peak demand and winter events.

The conversation also broadens beyond electricity into coal's industrial importance (steel, cement, global development), export demand, and emerging innovation—from rare earth recovery to coal-based battery materials and domestic supply chains. They close with a look at policy and energy security, the value of a balanced "all-of-the-above" energy mix, and a call for listeners to explore thecoalhardtruth.com and actively share the content to help educate wider audiences.

• The Coal Hard Truth campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of coal.
• Social media has been a powerful tool in spreading awareness about coal's benefits.
• Misconceptions about coal being a dying industry are prevalent and need to be addressed.
• Coal remains a reliable energy source, especially during high-demand periods.
• The industrial uses of coal extend beyond energy production, including steel and concrete.
• Innovation in the coal industry is ongoing, with new uses being explored.
• Domestic energy production is crucial for national security and energy independence.
• Community engagement is vital for the coal industry's future and its perception.
• The coal industry offers diverse job opportunities, appealing to a wide range of skill levels.
• Education and awareness are key to changing the narrative around coal.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Core Natural Resources → https://corenaturalresources.com/
Learn more about The Coal Hard Truth → https://thecoalhardtruth.com/
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org

Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
Learn More About the Miami Coal Forum or Register Now → Miami Coal Forum

The world's demand for energy is surging in the age of artificial intelligence — and coal is once again in the spotlight. In this episode, Coal Nation host Emily Arthun sits down with Myles Recny, Co-Founder of Realm Alliance, a U.S.-based AI software company built to revolutionize the coal industry. From AI-driven safety systems and real-time plant optimization to workforce innovation and national energy security, Myles shares why he believes coal is irreplaceable — and ready for a renaissance.

Together they explore how AI can help coal mines operate more safely, more efficiently, and more competitively than ever before — and why this moment in history is critical for coal to embrace technology and lead America's energy future.

• AI and Energy Demand: Data-center growth and AI workloads could raise coal's share of the U.S. energy mix to 25%.
• Coal's Enduring Role: Coal is not a "bridge fuel" — it remains an essential pillar of a reliable U.S. grid.
• Safety Through AI: Realm Alliance integrates with mine camera and sensor systems to detect safety risks, improve response times, and reduce downtime.
• Workforce Impact: AI augments miners' capabilities rather than replacing them — acting as "20 extra smart and tireless teammates."
• National Security: A strong coal sector is vital for U.S. energy independence and global competitiveness in the AI race.
• Innovation at Work: From real-time flotation-cell optimization to predictive maintenance, AI is helping coal mines boost yield and efficiency.
• Cultural Shift: Shaping the future of coal means embracing advanced technology and attracting new talent to a modernized industry.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Realm Alliance, Inc. → www.realmalliance.com
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org
Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
Learn More About the Miami Coal Forum or Register Now → Miami Coal Forum