Frasure will now serve as president of Bledsoe Coal and Shamrock Coal. He has a 20-year tenure as an employee of James River Coal and its predecessor companies, and formerly acted as chief engineer at Bledsoe and Shamrock.

Reynolds will now serve as president of Bell County Coal. He is a 23-year veteran of James River and its predecessor organisations, and most recently served as Bell County’s vice president and general manager.

Both will report to James River Coal chief C K Lane.

“I would like to personally congratulate Tim and B J on their promotions, and I look forward to working with them in the future. I would also like to thank them for the many years of dedication and hard work they’ve given James River Coal Company,” Lane said.

Richmond, Virginia-based James River Coal is one of the top producers in central Appalachia, with five Kentucky coal operations.