Williams replaces former CEO Tom Lusk.

Prior to his appointment with Bluestone, Williams served as senior vice-president and chief operating officer at Natural Resources International, and was chief operating officer of INR Energy in 2009-10.

In 2008-09, he was senior vice-president for mining at Cliffs North American Coal. Prior to that he held the seat of vice-president and general manager for Pinnacle Mining.

Williams, a former attorney for Steptoe and Johnson, also previously served as general manager for Asia/Pacific at CNX Australia and was first assistant mine superintendent and then mine superintendent at Consol Energy’s Island Creek Coal VP 8 mine.

His other seats included assistant contract mine coordinator at Catenary Coal, longwall coordinator at Humphrey mine and project engineer and production foreman at Consol’s Osage and Arkwright mines.

“Tom Lusk's professionalism and excellent knowledge enabled us to successfully go through the transition period and overcome many difficulties,” the company said.

“Stephen Douglas Williams has extensive experience and has proved himself to the market as a first-class specialist and skilled manager. Besides, he has worked at Mechel Bluestone since January as chief operating officer, which enabled him to delve deeply into the company's business processes.”