#United States #Ramaco Resources #Lexington #Randall Atkins #IEA Coal

Randall Atkins Joins the Executive Committee of IEA's Coal Industry Advisory Board

On October 20, 2025, Ramaco Resources, Inc., a prominent player in the coal and critical minerals industry, proudly announced that its Chairman and CEO, Randall W. Atkins, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB). This significant appointment underscores Mr. Atkins' leadership and commitment to advancing coal's role in both domestic and global energy systems.

The CIAB has been a key entity since its establishment in 1979, serving as a high-level advisory body comprised of senior executives from coal-related industries across 13 countries, effectively representing around 80% of the world's coal production and consumption. The board's mission includes providing expert advice to the IEA on various coal-related matters, including energy security, emerging technologies in energy, and the management of critical mineral supply chains. This advisory board plays a vital role in influencing international energy policies.

Expressing his enthusiasm for this role, Randall Atkins stated, "I am honored to join the Executive Committee of the CIAB and contribute to the global dialogue on coal's critical and evolving role. Coal is no longer just a fuel; it has become a platform for innovation. From advanced carbon materials to rare earths and critical minerals, coal has much more value than traditionally perceived. I look forward to collaborating with global leaders to redefine this vital resource's future."

July Ndlkovu, Chief Executive Officer of Thungela Resources and the Chair of the CIAB, welcomed Mr. Atkins, emphasizing, "He brings a wealth of experience regarding the critical role of coal in both the United States and the international energy landscape. We appreciate his innovative vision for coal as it adapts to evolving energy demands."

Under Randall Atkins' leadership, Ramaco Resources is making strides in redefining coal’s position in the 21st century. One of the company's groundbreaking initiatives is the development of the Brook Mine in Wyoming, which marks the first new rare earth and critical minerals mine established in the U.S. in over seven decades. This revolutionary project aims to utilize coal seams and surrounding materials to extract critical minerals and rare earth elements, essential components for advanced technologies like defense systems and semiconductors.

Ramaco's pioneering approach has also propelled it to the forefront of coal-to-products research. The company currently holds over 76 intellectual property rights related to carbon materials and rare earth processing. Its mine-mouth research campus in Wyoming fosters innovation through partnerships with national laboratories, aimed at developing technologies that substitute petroleum with coal in manufacturing advanced carbon products.

The strategy that underscores Ramaco's operations—combining the production of metallurgical coal with the exploration and development of critical minerals—aligns seamlessly with U.S. efforts to revitalize and reindustrialize domestic supply chains. This dual-platform approach not only enhances the company's competitiveness but also significantly contributes to national energy security.

In addition to its commitment to coal innovation, Ramaco Resources operates high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal sites in Southern West Virginia and Southwestern Virginia. The company is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational facilities located in Charleston, West Virginia, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Currently, four active metallurgical coal mining complexes operate in Central Appalachia, while the development of the rare earth and coal mine near Sheridan is progressing toward initial production phases.

Earlier in 2023, Ramaco made headlines with the announcement of discovering a major deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals at its Sheridan mine site. Alongside this, an operational facility focuses on carbon research and the production of advanced carbon materials from coal, marking another step toward coal's evolution into a vital resource in modern manufacturing.

About Ramaco Resources

Ramaco Resources, Inc. is recognized for its commitment to high-quality, cost-effective metallurgical coal mining and critical minerals development in the U.S. With a vision to innovate and redefine coal’s role in the energy landscape, the company continues to hold significant intellectual property and maintain strategic collaborations to advance its objectives. For more details and updates on Ramaco Resources, please visit Ramaco Resources.