Randall Atkins, chairman and CEO of Ramaco Resources, Inc. and carbon technology company Ramaco Carbon, was appointed to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB). The CIAB advises the IEA on coal-related policies and projects around the world. On the board, Atkins will not only represent the U.S. coal industry, but also advocate for the international development of alternative uses for coal, such as replacing petroleum as a cheaper, more environmental feedstock in advanced materials such as carbon fiber, graphene, and graphite, a critical material in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries. His membership was advanced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and approved by the White House.
“We have been working with the DoE’s national laboratories, strategic industry peers, regulatory agencies and environmental stakeholders for many years to develop and advance a new direction for coal. A role that places it at the center of technological advances and environmental solutions,” Atkins said. “I am excited to join this group of influential global leaders to continue developing ways for industry to benefit from this vital and abundant natural resource.”