On Monday night, founder and former CEO of Murray Energy Corp. Robert E. “Bob” Murray announced his retirement from American Consolidated Natural Resources (ACNR), the entity that was formed following Murray Energy’s emergence from bankruptcy in mid-September. He was serving as the chairman of the board for directors for ACNR.
Murray had taken a step back from the company in October 2019 when Robert D. Moore became president and CEO of Murray Energy after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Murray’s health also had begun to decline. In July 2016, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or coal miner pneumoconiosis. In early October, it was reported that Murray had filed for federal benefits to treat black lung disease.
“No one has been more devoted to the industry and ACNR’s business than Mr. Murray,” Moore said. “When others shied away from the industry he dug in and worked hard for the industry and for our business.”
Murray began his more than 60-year-career as a coal miner at North American Coal Corp., ultimately serving as president and CEO before founding Murray Energy Corp., which at the time of its filing for bankruptcy, was the largest privately held coal company in the U.S.
Besides a coal miner and business owner, Murray has also been a vocal advocate for the coal industry during his career, pushing for less regulations, revoking former President Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, and calling for subsidies for coal.
“Throughout my life in and about coal mines and in our industry, I have given all that I had to our employees and their families to sustain their family livelihoods and jobs for the hardworking people in our mining communities,” Murray said. “I tried to put my faith and our families first so that we could build the best possible coal company in Murray Energy Corp. And our folks did it.”
He added that ACNR “is the best positioned thermal and metallurgical coal company in the world to confront the current threats to reliable, low-cost, fossil-fueled electricity.”
Eugene I. Davis will replace Murray on the board.
“Today we had an opportunity to celebrate Mr. Murray’s grit and determination,” Davis said.
