• 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

In this special Coal Nation episode, host Steve Read is joined by Travis Deti, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, and Christian Palich, Vice President of Government Affairs at Eagle Summit Resources, to celebrate a unique fusion of tradition and industry — the Cowboys and Coal football game.

Held during one of college football's oldest rivalries — the Wyoming Cowboys vs. Colorado State Rams Border War— this year's game shines a national spotlight on America's coal miners. The trio discusses how this idea came to life, the powerful symbolism behind the black "Coal Rush" uniforms, and what this means for the state's identity and future.

From the bronze boot and tailgates in Laramie to a nationwide resurgence in coal optimism, this episode captures pride, energy, and the enduring legacy of the people who power America.

• A Game with Purpose: How Wyoming's iconic Border War football rivalry became a celebration of coal miners and the state's heritage.

• The Genesis of "Cowboys and Coal": How conversations at the state capitol turned into a statewide event honoring the industry that built Wyoming.

• A National Stage for Coal: The significance of having the game nationally televised, bringing awareness to coal's role in American life.

• Renewed Optimism: Why 2025 marks a turning point in U.S. energy policy — with increased demand, new hiring, and a government shifting toward an "all that works" energy strategy.

• Inspiring the Next Generation: How the University of Wyoming is helping young people understand coal's economic and cultural importance.

• Coal Pride Returns: From "Coal Rush" uniforms to tailgates with 250+ miners — this is a story of pride, power, and Wyoming's unity around coal.

Resources & Links:

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

Host Emily Arthun traveled to Core Natural Resources in Tridelphia, WV, to sit down with Dan Connell, senior vice president - innovations, to explore how coal innovation is driving a true renaissance. From aerospace composites and advanced carbon materials, to a cooling visor worn by Olympic athletes, this in-depth conversation shows how coal is shaping industries far beyond energy.

Together, Emily and Dan explore how coal is driving a new renaissance — from power and infrastructure to cutting-edge applications in aerospace, advanced composites and energy storage.

Dan shares insights into the formation of Core Natural Resources through the Arch and Consol merger and takes listeners inside the company's Innovation Center where coal-derived materials are being transformed into carbon foam, aerospace parts, cooling visors worn by Olympic athletes and even sustainable decking products.

The conversation also highlights the Coal Hard Truth campaign, the importance of metallurgical coal's recognition as a critical resource and the broader effort to reshape coal's image for the next generation of innovators.

• How Core Natural Resources is reshaping the industry through innovation and mergers.

• Why coal remains essential for both energy and industrial applications worldwide.

• Breakthrough uses of coal in aerospace, advanced carbon materials and sustainable building products.

• The story behind the Coal Hard Truth campaign and its impact on public perception.

• Why educating the next generation is critical for coal's long-term future.

Resources & Links:

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 Core Natural Resources → https://corenaturalresources.com/

Thank you to our sponsor: Elgin, An Astec Product Line → elginseparationsolutions.com

In this episode of the Coal Nation podcast, host Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council, is joined by members of the Coal Users Group Board of Directors: Bob Taylor, Grant Grothen, Byron Lawrence, and Andrew J. Cofas. Together, they explore the exciting new collaboration between the American Coal Council (ACC) and the Coal Users' Group (CUG)—a collaboration that brings together decades of industry leadership to co-host the Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference in Park City, Utah this August for the first time as a joint effort.

This episode dives into the shared mission of both organizations to advance the coal industry through safety, innovation, peer-to-peer leadership development, and strategic dialogue. The panel shares how this partnership aims to create a stronger, more unified voice across the coal supply chain at a time when coal's value must be reinforced and reimagined for the future.

• The Coal Users' Group (CUG) promotes safe, efficient, and effective coal use through shared knowledge and peer support.

• Collaboration with the American Coal Council (ACC) allows for greater reach and industry impact.

• Safety practices remain at the forefront of operations across the coal sector.

• Peer networking is critical for leadership development and knowledge sharing.

• The Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference will serve as a vital touchpoint for industry professionals to exchange solutions.

• Coal continues to be a relevant and strategic resource in the global energy mix.

• Telling coal's story through the lens of innovation and reliability is key to public understanding.

• A coal renaissance is underway, with emerging technologies leading the charge.

• This joint effort signals a unified direction for coal's role in energy and economic security.

Resources & Links:

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 Coal Users' Group → www.coalusersgroup.org
Thank you to our sponsor: Elgin, An Astec Product Line → elginseparationsolutions.com

Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference: Register Now!

USE PROMO CODE: ACCPOD to Register and Secure Special Rate of $900 to Attend!

In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun speaks with Michelle Manook of Future Coal about the evolution of coal advocacy, the importance of education, and the innovations that are shaping the future of the coal industry. They discuss the need for collaboration across nations, the role of coal in developing economies, and the significance of sustainable coal stewardship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding coal's impact on everyday life and the necessity for the industry to improve through technology and innovation.

• Coal is an integral part of modern life.

• Education about coal's benefits is crucial.

• The narrative around coal needs to change.

• Sustainable coal stewardship is essential for the future.

• Coal can contribute to energy security and economic prosperity.

• Developing nations rely on coal for growth.

• Collaboration across nations is necessary for coal's future.

• Innovation in coal technology is vital.

• The coal industry must embrace continuous improvement.

• Every citizen plays a role in supporting coal.

Resources & Links:

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
Thank you to our episode sponsor: Hilliard Corporation → hilliardcorp.com

Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference: Register Now!

USE PROMO CODE: ACCPOD to Register and Secure Special Rate of $900 to Attend!

• The metallurgical coal market is facing challenges due to weak Asia Pacific prices.
  
  
• Thermal coal prices have dropped significantly due to reduced demand from China.
  
  
• U.S. coal producers are looking to expand into Southeast Asia and India.
  
  
• Supply disruptions in Australia have not significantly impacted pricing.
  
  
• The competition from low-cost producers like Russia and Mongolia is affecting U.S. coal demand.
  
  
• Major exporters are adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions.
  
  
• The U.S. coal market is experiencing a shift in demand dynamics due to tariffs.
  
  
• High freight costs are impacting U.S. coal's competitiveness in Asia.
  
  
• The energy market in Europe is experiencing volatility, affecting coal prices.
  
  
• Future demand for coal may be influenced by seasonal weather patterns and policy
  changes. Tariffs on Chinese vessels impact US competitiveness.
  
  
• Brazilian demand has provided some market support.
  
  
• US exports are expected to face disruptions this year.
  
  
• Chinese coal inventories are at record highs.
  
  
• Fixed price trades are becoming less common due to volatility.
  
  
• The market is seeing a shift towards index-linked pricing.
  
  
• Smaller producers are struggling in the current price environment.
  
  
• India's coal production is meeting targets more consistently.
  
  
• Tariffs could lead to a focus on domestic production in China and India.
  
  
• The coal market is influenced by broader economic conditions.