TEAYS VALLEY, W.Va. – Dennis Phillips is the new director of coal preparation for United Coal Company LLC in Teays Valley, W.Va.

Phillips will oversee all company coal preparation processes. He most recently served as vice president of business development at Taggart Global in Pittsburgh, Penn.

“Dennis has spent more than 25 years in the coal industry and brings extensive engineering and management experience to our leadership team,” says Michael Zervos, CEO and president of United Coal. “His expertise will be valuable in maintaining our preparation processes at the highest level of safety and technology.”

Phillips began his career in underground mining and later worked as a mining engineer, preparation engineer, preparation superintendent, assistant coal preparation director, senior mining engineer, research associate, process engineering manager and engineering consultant for several coal companies. He also spent four years as manager of sales and technical services for The Daniels Co. in Bluefield, W.Va.

“It’s exciting to be a part of one of the top coal mining companies in the nation,” Phillips says. “UCC is known for its commitment to high standards, and I look forward to working with this team as we explore new opportunities and address the challenges that are unique to this industry.”

Phillips has a bachelor’s in civil engineering from West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va.; a master’s in business from West Virginia University College of Graduate Studies, Institute, W.Va.; and a doctorate in mining engineering, coal and mineral processing from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va. He is also a registered professional engineer and holds a West Virginia Assistant Mine Foreman Certificate. He is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers and has written several articles for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Coal Prep and World Coal organizations.