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Bob Fletcher,
founder of J.H. Fletcher & Co., died recently at his home in
Huntington, WV. Many believe he was the last of the great
engineers involved in the mechanization of our nation's
underground coal mines. In 1937, after he had earned his degree
in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Bob
and his father J.H. (Jim) Fletcher formed an engineering and
consulting company in Chicago, IL. They worked extensively on
new systems, in particular the development of off-track supply
haulage and mainline belt systems in the Midwest coal fields.
In those early years, he collaborated with industry legends
Chief Aronson, Art Lee and John Boyd to transform underground
safety and productivity.
In 1947, Bob and his brother Bill (1921-2008) moved to
Huntington, WV to expand their reach into the Appalachian coal
fields. With the advent of roof bolting in the post-war period,
they purchased a garage apartment and began manufacturing the
first mobile roof control drills in 1950. Working closely with
industry leaders such as Dave Zegeer, Adler Spotte, Buster
Roberts and Woods Talman, the company earned a reputation for
innovation and custom design flexibility by developing the first
internal dust collection systems (1952), introducing the first
dual-head drills (1956) and the first machine-mounted ATRS
temporary roof support systems (1969). Over the course of his
long career, Bob Fletcher's innovations saved the lives of
literally thousands of miners.
Of the dozens of manufacturing companies spawned by mine
mechanization in the mid-twentieth century, Fletcher is one of
the few to survive and thrive as an independent entity. Control
of the closely-held company remains securely in the hands of the
family. With son-in-law Sam Duncan (CEO), son Jim Fletcher (vice
chairman) and grandsons Rod (VP, production) and Chris
(assistant safety director) Duncan active in the business, J.H.
Fletcher & Co. looks forward to continuing the legacy of its
founder.
James Edgerley
passed away September 4, 2009, after a short illness. "Jim was
an exceptional individual – a true professional and gentleman.
"He was a fixture in the Colorado coal industry for many years
and for those of us who had the privilege, a pleasure to work
with. Jim was an RMCMI member since 1976, a former president
and a Life Member," Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute.
Services were held in Fort Collins, CO.
LeRoy Jacobs,
vice president of Wyoming Analytical Labs, passed away this past
August after an extended illness. LeRoy co-chaired the welcome
committee with Jane Thomas at the annual Rocky Mountain Coal
Mining Institute meeting for the past several years, and had
spent many hours performing convention volunteer duties. LeRoy
loved the idea of helping scholars meet the various members at
the show and initiated a business card for each scholar so that
they could hand out their e-mail addresses to potential
employers. He made many friends at RMCMI since he became a
member in 1987. Letters of condolence may be sent to Jane Thomas
at Wyoming Analytical Labs, 1660 Harrison, Laramie, WY 82070.
Edwin Downer
named general manager for Whayne Supply's newly established
Technology Division, and will oversee the Machine Health Center,
Caterpillar Product Link, Mirenco, Magnom, Accugrade GPS
systems, Ag machine GPS systems and other technology products
and services. Downer has been with Team Whayne for over 24
years. He is a graduate of Colorado School of Mines with a BS
in Mining Engineering. Downer has held various positions with
Whayne Supply and most recently was regional sales manager for
the company's Lexington, Dry Ridge and Ashland branch.
Doug Myers
has joined Minet Lacing Technology. He brings 20 years of
conveyor belt fastener experience predominantly in the coal
mining industry and will be a great asset to the company. He is
available to assist, please call 304/425-7161.
Cal Collins
promoted to president of ESCO's Engineered Products Group,
Portland, OR, and will have full responsibility for all global
sales, marketing, engineering and operating groups, aimed to
strengthen the strategic focus and deployment of resources
critical to ESCO's global growth strategies. Collins began his
ESCO career in 1977 as a flogger and a grinder before entering
college and receiving a BA from Brigham Young University and a
law degree from BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Jose Simosa
appointed Head Structural/Marine Engineer for River Consulting's
New Orleans office in Mandeville, LA. Simosa will utilize his
extensive experience with dock and marine structures, along with
his technical aptitude in steel and concrete structures to lead
River's marine and structural projects.
Allen Scott Pack, Jr.
named executive vice president-sales and president of Alpha Coal
Sales Co., LLC, for Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., Abingdon, VA,
succeeding
Joachim Porco
who has accepted another career opportunity in the coal
industry. Pack will be responsible for managing the sales and
marketing organization of the combined companies (Alpha and
Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc.). Pack has 26 years of
experience in the coal mining industry including engineering,
sales, transportation and management positions at Enron Global
Markets, LLC, Consol Energy Inc., Cannelton Industries, Inc.,
Maple Meadow Mining Co. and the New River Co.
Bill Caylor
has resigned as president of the Kentucky Coal Association, the
state industry lobbying organization, effective Dec. 31. A coal
association and regional coal fixture for more than three
decades, he has served as KCA president since 2001, and before
that was the association's VP and general counsel. The KCA
board recognizes Caylor for his contributions during 33 years of
dedicated service to KCA and the coal industry. Caylor received
a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the
University of Kentucky in 1972 and a Juris Doctor degree from
the University of Louisville College of Law in 1975. He remains
a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Kentucky
Society of Professional Engineers.
Rick Hamilton
named president of Renold Americas, Morristown, TN, responsible
for all sales operations in the United States, Canada, and Latin
America. Most recently, Hamilton served as president Renold
Canada, and has held strategic positions at Martin Sprocket &
Gear Inc. and Emerson Power Transmission Corp. He earned a
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M
University, College of Engineering.
D. Scott Rife
appointed vice president of JADCO, Inc., Zelienople, PA. Rife
will help the company increase demand for its proprietary QT
Plus wear steel and ChromeWeld 600 chromium carbide overlay
plate used in applications such as breaker plates, truck bed and
bin liners, chutes and specialty wear kits. Rife has 20 years of
global experience in mining and heavy industry, including
positions at Kennametal Inc. as director of global mining;
underground manager, mining sales Americas; and manager of
mining product engineering. He also served as VP of sales for
McConway and Torley Group.
David C. Knight, William L. Oppenheimer
and
Richard M. Perry
appointed to the board of directors of Aurelio Resource
Corporation, Lakewood, CO. Knight has over 25 years of
experience in target generation, development and management of
surface and underground exploration programs, and evaluation of
mineral deposits. He is a registered professional geologist in
Wyoming. Oppenheimer also has over 25 years experience in
mineral exploration, mine operations and project evaluations.
Previously, he was a senior geologist at The Winters Company.
Perry was formerly vice president of North American Operations
for Newmont Mining Corporation, where he led the development of
five major new projects.
Creston P. Ragan
promoted to vice president of Atlantic Trading for Peabody
COALTRADE International Limited, responsible for marketing,
sales and trading in the Atlantic Basin, including sourcing coal
from Colombia, South Africa, Russia and Poland to supply
Europe. Ragan most recently was vice president of midwest sales
and marketing for COALSALES. He joined the company as a
management associate in 1999.
David A. James
will now serve as director of Powder River Basin sales and
marketing, responsible for managing the sales and marketing of
Peabody Energy coal products in the Powder River Basin.
Jason Mayfield
will replace James as manager of trading, responsible for
developing and implementing coal trading strategies,
coordinating the corporate emission allowance position and
developing structures transactions.
J. Kenneth (Ken) Randolph
named CEO and president of Rockydale Quarries Corporation,
Roanoke, VA, with a goal to meet new challenges with teamwork,
talent and technologies. Randolph has a MBA in Business
Administration and has worked in all levels of the rock products
business since 1979.
Joseph W. Altizer
is the new CFO, with experience in both public and private
accounting.
David D.H. Willis
is vice president of operations. Board members include
Edgar K. Baker
as chairman;
Wade O. Kemp, III;
Timothy W. McAvoy;
P.K.
Rana Medhi;
Ben L. Rechter, III;
David D.H. Willis;
and
Ken Randolph.
Each is an industry veteran and each is active in a variety of
philanthropic and charitable organizations.
Mani Iyer,
president of Mahindra USA Inc., Tomball, TX, named to the board
of directors of the Association of Equipment Manufactures (AEM),
an international trade group for companies that manufacture
equipment, products and services used worldwide in the
agricultural, construction, forestry, mining and utility
sectors. AEM directors help set guidelines and operating
policies of the association.
Dr. James J. Markowsky
confirmed as the 11th Assistant Secretary for Fossil
Energy, and will serve as the primary advisor to the Energy
Secretary and the department on issues involving federal coal,
oil, and natural gas program, including extensive research and
development efforts in those areas. His responsibilities will
include management of the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve,
the Home Heating Oil Reserve, coordinating and implementing the
Fossil Energy elements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, and overseeing the Fossil Energy organization of
over 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative
staff.
Randy Lehn,
Peabody Energy Co., named president of the Rocky Mountain Coal
Mining Institute (RMCMI), succeeding
Ken Miller
of Thunder Basin Coal Co, at the Institute's 105th
regular meeting and convention in Snowmass CO. In other duties
assigned,
Bob Bartosh
of Dakota Coal Company, was named Convention Liaison Officer;
Gary Stubblefield
of Norwest Corporation was awarded the Floyd W. Parsons Award
for outstanding contributions to the Institute, the highest
honor the Institute bestows to a member.
James Mattern
of Trapper Mining Company was named RMCMI's newest life member;
and
Al Inzano
was presented the Honorary Member Award.
Peabody Energy has realigned its Coalsales and Coaltrade
divisions in the Asia-Pacific market expansion. Coalsales
president
Bryan Galli
and Coaltrade International president
Paul Demzik
have taken on greater responsibilities in their respective
seats. Galli will be in charge of all coal sales, including U.S.
and Australian metallurgical, thermal and industrial products.
His oversight of market analytics and contract administration
will continue. Peabody's coal sales arm in Australia will now
report to Galli instead of Demzik. Demzik will now handle all
of Peabody's trading and marketing across its five continents of
operation, including the United States, the United Kingdom,
China, Australia and Venezuela. Brokerage and trading functions
in the U.S. will report to Demzik instead of Galli.
Peter Hooper
named as the first member of the advisory board of Silverado
Gold Mines Ltd, Vancouver, British Columbia. Hooper served as
chief operating officer for Afcan Mining Corp., and has
experience in production, engineering, re-organization and
training contracting, exploration and corporate affairs.
Glenn Solar
of Dallas, TX, has joined the board of directors of Denarii
Resources Inc., Carson City, NV, and will be instrumental in
negotiating for mineral asset acquisitions in the U.S. and other
countries. Solar has worked extensively in the banking industry
in North and South America. He has a degree in computer science
from Northeastern University.
Hendrik Verster
appointed non-executive director of Coal of Africa's
ArcelorMittal, replacing
Pierre Leonard.
Verster is executive director of finance for the steelmaker and
is also a board member for various other Arcelor companies.
Verster is a director of the National Business Initiative in
South Africa.
Robert Lewis
appointed state director for Rural Development at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Mary Jo Thompson
will fill the vacancy left by Lewis, and will serve as interim
director of Community Development for the West Virginia
Development Office.
Jimmy Wilson
appointed president, energy coal, at BHP Billiton, replacing
Dave Murray
who has resigned.
Gerard Bond
will assume the role of acting CSG president, stainless steel
materials. In his 17 years with BHP, Wilson has held key
managerial and operating roles, including president of stainless
steel materials. Prior to this he was president and chief
operating officer, nickel west, president and chief operating
officer Samancor Chrome, and general manager of Billiton's
Bayside Aluminum.
Randy Hull
appointed senior vice president, development, sales & marketing,
for Marsulex Inc., Toronto, Canada. Hull has extensive
experience in the petroleum, energy and chemical industries and
will lead initiatives to expand and leverage Marsulex's value
proposition with existing and potential customers to meet future
growth objectives. Most recently, he was director, global
refining/energy services business development at Praxair Inc.
Leon Fanoe
appointed general manager Riversdale's African operations in
Mazambique's hard coking and thermal coal mine as the Benga coal
project moves towards first production. In South Africa,
Hardus Combrink
has been appointed general manager of Riversdale's Zululand
anthracite colliery. Fanoe has worked in senior roles in BHP
Billiton's underground and open cut operation and most recently
was general manager at the Douglas colliery. Combrink has over
20 years industry experience as a mining engineer and most
recently was general manager at Springlake colliery in Zwa-Zulu
Natal.
Ricky Pinheiro
has been appointed group marketing manager. He has 30 years
experience in the field with companies including Falcon Research
Laboratory, Inspectorate M&L, CSIR, AfriOre and Petmin.
James Duncan
appointed to the board of directors of Quest Minerals & Mining
Corp., Paterson, NJ., and potentially could be appointed
chairman of the audit committee. Duncan has been VAT Manager at
Sempra Energy Europe, as well as Williams Energy Marketing &
Trading Europe Limited, Enron Europe, Ltd., and Louis Dreyfus
Energy, Ltd.
Dr. Oswald Franks,
dean of the engineering faculty at Cape Peninsula University of
Technology, appointed CEO of the Engineering Council of South
Africa, succeeding acting CEO of Ecsa, Professor
Hu Hanrahan.
Earlier, it was announced that
Chris Campbell
was appoint ed president of Ecsa, succeeding
Truman Goba.
Franks will work on improving relationship with key
stakeholders, including all spheres of government, organized
business and industry, voluntary organizations, professionals,
educational institutions and the public. He has 25 years of
experience.
Todd Galgoci
and
Laura Roan
appointed area sales managers of the Great Lakes territory and
Southeast territory, respectively, for Talbert Manufacturing,
Inc., Rensselaer, IN. Galgoci and Roan will assist dealers and
end users with trailer sales, service and support. Galgoci's
territory includes IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH and WI; and in Canada,
provinces of Manitoba, Nunavut and Ontario. Roan's territory
includes AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA and WV.
Diversified Mining Services (DMS) has made two appointments to
consolidate responsibilities. General Manager, Business
Development
Darryl Crowder
will take on a wider range of management responsibilities in a
new position as Chief Operating Officer while former senior
Mincom executive
Greg Davies
has been appointed to the newly created position of General
Manager, Human Resources. Crowder has more than 15 years
management experience in the manufacturing industry. Davies has
worked in a variety of roles in the IT industry across a range
of industries including electricity supply, local government,
insurance and asset management.
Boris Sedelnikov
appointed managing director of Korschunov Mining Plant OAO,
Mechel OAO, Moscow, succeeding
Yuriy Efimenko
who will work in Mechel Mining Management Company OOO as deputy
general director and director of HR Department. Sedelnikov will
be responsible for cost reduction and increasing production
performance at the Korschunov Mining Plant and to fulfill all
the tasks set by the Group.
James F. Cordes,
formerly executive vice president of The Coastal Corp., has been
elected to American Electric Power's board of directors. Cordes
has more than 30 years of experience in the interstate natural
gas pipeline business facing issues similar to those being
experienced today as the AEP electric transmission business
grows.
Brian X. Tierney
named executive vice president and chief financial officer for
American Electric Power, Columbus, OH, and
Venita McCellon-Allen
will replace Tierney as executive vice president-AEP Utilities
East.
Charles Patton
will replace McCellon-Allen as executive vice president- AEP
Utilities West. Tierney replaces
Holly Koeppel
who served as AEP's chief financial officer since September
2006. Tierney joined AEP in 1998 and has held a number of
management positions with responsibilities for pricing energy
transactions, market operations, and trading and marketing.
McCellon-Allen was previously president and chief operating
officer of Southwestern Electric Power Co. Patton was president
and chief operating officer for AEP Texas from 2004 to 2008.
Paul Dircksen
appointed executive chairman of the board of Timberline
Resources Corporation, Coeur D'Alene, ID, to help direct the
company with the development of the Butte Highlands Gold
Project. In addition, Dircksen will continue with his current
responsibilities as vice president of exploration, which include
advancing the current projects and focusing on the
identification, evaluation, and acquisition of advanced-stage
exploration projects with near-term production potential.
John Swallow,
Timberline's prior chairman, has stepped down and will continue
to provide input to company management on a consulting basis.
Sander Press
appointed managing director and head of Coal Trading for Europe
and Asia for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, London. Press was
formerly at BHP Billiton where he was responsible for all energy
coal positions Globally.
Brian Statham
appointed chair-elect of the World Energy Council (WEC) Studies
Committee, and as a member of the Officer's Council. Statham is
chairperson of the South African National Energy Association,
and will assume office in September 2010. The Studies Committee
oversees all studies undertaken by WEC, which plays an integral
role in shaping thinking in the global energy community.
The National Mining Association (NMA) has elected the following
new members to the organization's board of directors:
Ed Bolton,
chief financial officer at Cumberland Resources;
Nick Carter,
president and chief operating officer of Natural Resource
Partners;
Keith Kimble,
president of Penn-Ohio Coal Co.; and
Victor Stabio,
director of Sunrise Coal, LLC. All were elected to two-year
terms. New members to the board to fill two-year, unexpired
terms are:
Dan Allan,
president of region USA and Canada, Sandvik Mining and
Construction;
Cindy Crane,
VP of Interwest Mining Co. and Fuel Resources, Interwest Mining;
Glenn Kellow,
president and chief operating officer of BHP Billiton New Mexico
Coal; and
Richard Smith,
product manager of Komatsu America Corp.
Scott Beer
appointed chief operating officer of the Rajant Corporation
mining division. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Beer
took over strategic and operational oversight for the Rajant
sales, marketing and service professionals, both domestically
and internationally, and will continue to develop the company's
mining services and support operations.
John Ninness,
a member of the Safety Institute of Australia and a member of
the Australia China Business Council, has been honored by the
Chinese government with a Friendship Award, for his contribution
to work safety and economic development in Liaoning Province, in
the northeast region of China.
SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd., Vancouver, British
Columbia, announces organizational changes:
Alexander Molyneux,
current president, appointed to the dual role of president and
chief executive officer, succeeding
Peter Meredith
who assumes the position of chairman of the board.
John Macken,
chairman since 2007, will remain a director of the company.
Dave Bartell
appointed vice president, director of South Gobi's Mongolian
Operations.
Gavin May
appointed chief operating officer. Molyneux will lead the
management team tasked with the expansion of the company's
flagship Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine, as well as the ongoing
development of the company's other coal projects in southern
Mongolia and Indonesia.
Mark A. Blinn
named president and chief executive officer of Flowserve
Corporation, Springville, UT. He assumes responsibility for the
operations and management of the company in 55 countries around
the world. Blinn will also become a member of the board of
directors. In addition to his role as CFO, Blinn has also been
in charge of Latin America operations for the company. He
joined Flowserve in 2004 as chief financial officer. Former
president and chief executive
Lewis M. Kling,
who will retire February 2010, has been elected vice chairman of
the board.
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