At United Coal Company, we attribute our long history of success to a different approach within the coal industry.

We grew from small beginnings in 1970 to one of the largest exporters of coal from Hampton Roads, Va., in just 11 years.

When others saw the coal safety regulations of the early ‘70s as an obstacle, we saw an opportunity.

When others took short-term profits during the coal boom, we reinvested ours.

When others didn’t diversify, we did.

That kind of forward thinking led to success in other areas as we withdrew from the coal business in 1997. When another opportunity arose seven years later, we were ready. We restarted the business – with renewed energy, new goals and new leadership – capitalizing on our trusted name and solid reputation.

In just one year, UCC’s operations included underground, surface and highwall operations in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. We had acquired and developed recoverable reserves in excess of 165 million tons. By 2007 our reserves had grown substantially, and we were producing at a rate of 7.5 million clean tons – 80 percent metallurgical and 20 percent steam.

As the global economy continues to have a direct impact on the coal industry, we see new challenges as new opportunities. With a bold vision for the future, UCC remains well positioned to meet the rising demand for met coal amid expected unprecedented growth in global steel production – as a part of Metinvest, an international, vertically integrated mining and steel group of companies. Metinvest Group comprises 23 industrial companies leading the mining and steel industry of Ukraine and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

At UCC, our unique approach continues to yield results.