Conaway, who has been director of the company’s corporate safety since 2006, was previously a 15-year staffer with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.

During that time, he served as chairman of the West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety and was director of the agency between 2001 and 2006. In those five years Conaway managed enforcement, training, certifications and investigations and advised the state governor on safety-related issues.

Before serving as WVOMHST director, he was its administrator of enforcement from 1991 to 2001.

A graduate of Fairmont State College and West Virginia University, Conaway previously held seats with the Department of Energy and Eastern Associated Coal.

“We're pleased the board has elevated Doug to the top ranking safety officer at Arch,” executive vice-president and chief operating officer Paul Lang said.

“Doug's deep industry and organizational experience will prove invaluable as he leads Arch's entire safety function.”

Arch Coal operates more than 20 mining complexes in both the eastern and western US coalfields. It sold 157 million tons of coal last year.