WHITESBURG, Ky. – John L. Cline Jr. has been named president of Whitesburg, Ky.-based Sapphire Coal Company, a subsidiary of United Coal Company. Cline brings 24 years of mining experience to his new position.

Prior to joining Sapphire Coal, Cline held a number of leadership positions in his eight years of service for Richmond, Va.-based Massey Energy Company, including his most recent appointments as president of the company’s Rawl Sales & Processing, Spartan, and Stirrat coal companies in Matewan and Logan, W.Va.

Cline’s additional work experience includes various engineering positions with CONSOL Energy and Island Creek Coal Company.

“John’s numerous years of leadership in the coal industry will serve us well as he takes the reigns of our Sapphire Coal operation,” says Michael Zervos, president and CEO of United Coal Company, the Teays Valley, W.Va.-based parent company of Sapphire Coal. “He is a well-respected individual throughout the coal industry, and we are proud to have him as a member of our organization.”

Cline holds a bachelor’s in biology from Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., as well as a bachelor’s in mining engineering from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

A registered professional engineer in Kentucky and West Virginia, Cline is also a registered professional surveyor in West Virginia. He is certified in underground gas detection in Kentucky and is a certified underground mine foreman and surface construction supervisor in West Virginia. Cline holds underground miner certifications in Kentucky and West Virginia. In addition, he is a dam and impoundment inspector for the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

“It’s exciting to have an opportunity to lead a quality organization like Sapphire Coal Company,” Cline says. “This company’s workforce boasts a tremendous amount of experience in the coal industry, and I’m honored to be surrounded by such skilled and talented people.”

John and his wife, Heather, reside in Happy, Ky.

United Coal is a privately held company with subsidiaries in West Virginia, Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.