GROUP SAFETY DIRECTOR APPOINTED…

UK COAL today announced measures to beef-up is safety regime, with the appointment of a Group Safety Director who will report direct to Chief Executive Jon Lloyd.

Stuart Hoult, currently manager of  Thoresby Colliery, will take up the new appointment with effect from January 1.

From that date, reporting lines will change, with Group Safety Manager Tim Spurry, and Group Environmental Manager Martin Bahlaj, reporting to Stuart.

Arrangements are being made to appoint a new manager for Thoresby prior to Christmas.

Announcing the new structure and appointment today, Mr Lloyd said the Group Safety Director “will be a key leader with influences across the whole business, including deep mines, surface mines and property, and will also be responsible for health and environment.”

Added Jon: “My Executive colleagues join me in welcoming Stuart to the senior team, and I know that one of his first tasks in January will be to engage with all stakeholders to take forward a wide range of actions to which I am sure we will all be committed.”

[] Following the announcement on Monday of the departure of Group Human Resource and

Communications Director Norman Haslam, a search for his successor has commenced.  However, an appointment is unlikely to be confirmed until some time in the first quarter of next year.

Regards,

Chris K.