ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 2 "Coal Is Too Valuable to Burn” with Randall Atkins
Release Date: 03/26/2025
Episode 11: Inside an Underground Coal Mine with Iron Senergy
Coal Nation
Episode Description In this special on-location episode of Coal Nation, we go underground — literally — for an in-depth conversation from inside Iron Senergy’s active underground coal mine. Recorded on site, this episode offers listeners a rare, firsthand look at the realities of modern underground mining and the people who make it possible. The conversation explores what it takes to safely operate an underground mine today, how innovation and technology are reshaping coal operations, and why strong leadership and workforce culture remain at the core of long-term success....
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Episode 10: The Coal Hard Truth — A New Era for Coal
Coal Nation
Episode Description In this in-person episode of Coal Nation, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down at Core Natural Resources’ headquarters with Matt Mackowiak, Director of Government Affairs, to unpack Core’s campaign… The Coal Hard Truth and why the industry believes “coal’s story” needs to be told more clearly right now. Matt explains how the campaign was built to counter the “coal is dead” narrative with primary-source, fact-checked data and fast, digestible social content, while Emily digs into the biggest misconceptions they see—from confusing water vapor...
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Episode 9: Coal 2.0 — Inside the AI Revolution with Realm Alliance
Coal Nation
Episode Description The world’s demand for energy is surging in the age of artificial intelligence — and coal is once again in the spotlight. In this episode, Coal Nation host Emily Arthun sits down with Myles Recny, Co-Founder of Realm Alliance, a U.S.-based AI software company built to revolutionize the coal industry. From AI-driven safety systems and real-time plant optimization to workforce innovation and national energy security, Myles shares why he believes coal is irreplaceable — and ready for a renaissance. Together they explore how AI can help coal...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 8 | The Border War — Cowboys & Coal: Wyoming’s Tribute to America’s Miners
Coal Nation
Episode Description In this special Coal Nation episode, host Steve Read is joined by Travis Deti, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, and Christian Palich, Vice President of Government Affairs at Eagle Summit Resources, to celebrate a unique fusion of tradition and industry — the Cowboys and Coal football game. Held during one of college football’s oldest rivalries — the Wyoming Cowboys vs. Colorado State Rams Border War— this year’s game shines a national spotlight on America’s coal miners. The trio...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 7 — Coal’s Renaissance in Action with Dan Connell
Coal Nation
Host Emily Arthun traveled to Core Natural Resources in Tridelphia, WV, to sit down with Dan Connell, senior vice president - innovations, to explore how coal innovation is driving a true renaissance. From aerospace composites and advanced carbon materials, to a cooling visor worn by Olympic athletes, this in-depth conversation shows how coal is shaping industries far beyond energy. Together, Emily and Dan explore how coal is driving a new renaissance — from power and infrastructure to cutting-edge applications in aerospace, advanced composites and energy storage. Dan shares...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 6 — Power in Collaboration: ACC x CUG Join Forces for the Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference
Coal Nation
In this episode of the Coal Nation podcast, host Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council, is joined by members of the Coal Users Group Board of Directors: Bob Taylor, Grant Grothen, Byron Lawrence, and Andrew J. Cofas. Together, they explore the exciting new collaboration between the American Coal Council (ACC) and the Coal Users' Group (CUG)—a collaboration that brings together decades of industry leadership to co-host the Coal Innovation & Market Strategies Conference in Park City, Utah this August for the first time as a joint effort. This episode dives into the shared...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 5 — Coal's Future: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability
Coal Nation
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun speaks with Michelle Manook of Future Coal about the evolution of coal advocacy, the importance of education, and the innovations that are shaping the future of the coal industry. They discuss the need for collaboration across nations, the role of coal in developing economies, and the significance of sustainable coal stewardship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding coal's impact on everyday life and the necessity for the industry to improve through technology and innovation. Key Takeaways Coal is an integral part of...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 4 —The Future of Coal: Tariffs and Trade
Coal Nation
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Steve Read engages with experts Siew Hua Seah and Alex Thackrah from Argus Media to explore the current state of global coal markets, focusing on both metallurgical and thermal coal. The discussion covers supply challenges, price dynamics, and the impact of global demand on U.S. coal exports. The experts provide insights into the competitive landscape, including the effects of international tariffs and the strategies of major coal exporters. The conversation highlights the complexities of the coal market and the factors influencing future trends. In...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 3 - The Impact of Trump's Administration on Coal
Coal Nation
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun is joined by Lorali Simon and Christian Palich to reflect on a historic moment at the White House and what it means for the future of American coal. Together, they explore the coal industry’s evolving role in U.S. energy policy, the impacts of recent executive actions, and the need for fair environmental regulation. From Alaska’s unique coal landscape to the role coal plays in powering emerging technologies like AI, the conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities ahead. The guests underscore the importance of community...
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ACC's Coal Nation Podcast: Episode 2 "Coal Is Too Valuable to Burn” with Randall Atkins
Coal Nation
Coal Nation: Episode 2 — “Coal Is Too Valuable to Burn” with Randall Atkins Welcome back to Coal Nation, the official podcast of the American Coal Council. In this powerful second episode, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down with Randall Atkins — a leading voice in the transformation of the coal industry and Chairman & CEO of Ramaco Resources. From rare earth elements to carbon innovation, this episode explores coal’s evolving role in America's economy, energy future, and technological landscape. 🧠 In This Episode The surprising global dynamics of coal usage — and why the U.S....
info_outlineCoal Nation: Episode 2 — “Coal Is Too Valuable to Burn” with Randall Atkins
Welcome back to Coal Nation, the official podcast of the American Coal Council. In this powerful second episode, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down with Randall Atkins — a leading voice in the transformation of the coal industry and Chairman & CEO of Ramaco Resources. From rare earth elements to carbon innovation, this episode explores coal’s evolving role in America's economy, energy future, and technological landscape.
🧠 In This Episode
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The surprising global dynamics of coal usage — and why the U.S. is lagging
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How coal’s image is shifting: from "dirty fuel" to "carbon ore"
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Innovations in advanced carbon products and rare earth extraction
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Why AI, defense, and clean tech all depend on coal's future
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What policymakers and industry leaders must do now to stay competitive
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The two-for-one power of coal: energy + critical materials
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The importance of permitting reform and American mineral independence
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Why, in Randall’s words, “coal is too valuable to burn”
💡 Rapid-Fire with Randy
Get to know Randall Atkins as he shares his proudest career moment, advice for young professionals, and the one innovation he's most excited about.
🗣️ Quotable Moments
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“Coal is too valuable to burn.”
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“We don't even call it coal anymore — we call it carbon ore.”
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“Let’s leave no molecule behind.”
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“There’s a very benign side to coal — it’s really carbon.”
🎧 Listen + Subscribe
Don’t miss a moment of Coal Nation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with colleagues, policymakers, and anyone who cares about America’s energy future.
💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! What’s your take on the future of coal? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or at americancoalcouncil.org.