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 11^th 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 105^th 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.