Lexington – November 03, 2026 -- Ramaco Resources Chairman and CEO Randall W. Atkins has been elected chairman of the International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) in Paris, winning a unanimous vote of both the CIAB Executive Committee and its full membership.

Created in 1979, the CIAB is the IEA's oldest advisory board. It brings together senior leaders from the global coal, power and critical minerals industries to advise the agency on coal, energy security, power, technology, markets, critical minerals and related government policy. Its current focus covers reliable and affordable energy, the energy transition, grid stability, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and critical minerals.

Atkins extends policy role after National Coal Council chairmanship

Atkins is the immediate past chairman of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Coal Council (NCC). In December 2025, Energy Secretary Chris Wright appointed him to an additional term as an NCC member. He has more than 40 years of experience in energy and commodity development, investment and financing, including investment banking and private equity roles at J.P. Morgan & Co. focused on mining and energy. He has testified before the energy committees of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and sits on the board of the National Mining Association.

Atkins pitches coal as a source of rare earths and advanced carbon

Atkins said coal "must continue to play its historically essential role in global steelmaking and energy production." He added that new technologies are creating opportunities for coal to serve as a source of rare earths and critical minerals and as a feedstock for higher-value advanced carbon products.

Ramaco operates four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia. It also holds the Brook Mine near Sheridan, Wyoming, an exploration-stage coal, rare earth and critical minerals property. The company says there is no assurance the Brook Mine will be developed into a commercial-scale mine. Ramaco holds more than 70 patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements and trademarks.

Vice Chairman Evan Jenkins takes over CIAB Associate Members

Each CIAB board member designates an Associate Member to work alongside them. Atkins named Ramaco Vice Chairman Evan Jenkins, who now becomes Chair of the CIAB Associate Members as a result of Atkins' elevation.