The 2100-employee, Wyoming-based producer made the announcement internally on Monday, but company president Bret Clayton noted that the name change was only that – no reorganisation is planned.

“There will be no change of any of our mining operations or staffing. The only change will show up on signage, work clothing, business cards, advertising, office materials and, eventually, at the top of everyone’s pay cheque.”

KEC was founded by England’s Rio Tinto Group in 1993, but the company notes using Rio Tinto and having the matching name will give Kennecott – currently more known for copper – and all of its operations more “global recognition”, Clayton said.

“This is a natural evolution of our common culture. The importance of the Rio Tinto name adds a new dimension to our coal companies and locations,” he said, adding that he anticipates employees and shareholders will benefit through increased stock performance and benefit programs for workers such as profit sharing and incentives.

Rio Tinto, or RTEA, holds five operations in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.