DUNBAR, Va., May 13, 2010 -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced that its Cumberland River Coal Company as well as Surface Supervisor Wayne Smith earned Virginia state environmental awards for outstanding reclamation efforts.

Cumberland River's Pardee surface mine was honored with the Virginia Excellence in Reforestation Award for its forestry reclamation project that utilized the Forestry Reclamation Approach to plant native hardwoods in loose soil instead of compacted soil. This project also included the planting of blight-resistant American Chestnuts and native shrubs, along with the creation of wetland features to attract wildlife.

Cumberland River's Wayne Smith was awarded for his "contributions toward advancing reclamation on mined land" by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and Division of Mine, Land and Reclamation. During the course of his eight-year career, Smith has repeatedly chartered innovative practices in reclamation and reforestation. "Wayne Smith is an environmental steward working in a coal mine," says Cumberland River's General Manager Gaither Frazier. "He is a true advocate for the environment and regularly volunteers to educate students about our environmental practices, including wetland creation and reforestation."

"Congratulations to the employees of Cumberland River and especially Wayne Smith for excellent environmental leadership," said Bob Shanks, president of Arch's eastern operations. "Earning statewide recognition for reforestation in Virginia is a tremendous achievement, and exemplifies Arch's philosophy of responsible stewardship."

These awards were presented at an Interstate Arbor Day event organized by the state mining agencies of Virginia and Kentucky, and hosted by Cumberland River. Approximately 200 people, consisting of educators, researchers and industry, state and federal regulators, as well as students from Appalachia Elementary School in Virginia and Arlie Boggs Elementary School in Kentucky, attended.

Arch's Cumberland River Coal Company is situated between Wise County, Va., and Letcher County, Ky. The mining complex directly employs 250 people and sold 1.6 million tons of low-sulfur steam and metallurgical coal in 2009.

Arch Coal is the second largest U.S. coal producer. Through its national network of mines, Arch provides the fuel for approximately 8 percent of the electricity generated in the United States. The company maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.