Peabody today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech has been formally appointed Chair of the National Coal Council during a White House ceremony. Grech, who joined Peabody in 2021 and brings over 35 years of experience in coal and natural resources, will lead the advisory body reporting to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. The NCC, reestablished in June 2025, offers guidance on policy, regulation, technology and market issues affecting U.S. coal production and use.

Grech’s leadership role strengthens Peabody’s influence as U.S. coal-fueled generation grew an estimated 13 percent in 2025. He pledged to promote policies that advance energy reliability and affordability, highlighting coal’s competitive cost advantage over alternatives and its potential as a source of rare earth elements and critical minerals. With Vice Chair Jimmy Brock and collaboration from DOE Secretary Wright, the Council aims to shape federal programs covering coal marketing, environmental regulations, and plant life extensions.

Global coal demand reached an all-time record of 8.8 billion tonnes in 2025, driven by higher electricity demand from AI and data centers and extended coal plant lifespans. U.S. utilities added roughly 25 terawatt-hours of coal-fired generation last year. Peabody mines accounted for approximately 12 percent of U.S. coal production, underscoring the company’s ability to benefit from rising electricity consumption and favorable regulatory conditions.

Founded in the 1880s, Peabody operates nine U.S. mines—including eight thermal and one metallurgical operation—and seven mines in Australia. Its North Antelope Rochelle mine in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin remains the largest surface coal mine in the Western Hemisphere. The company continues to explore opportunities to recover rare earth elements during mining and is evaluating cost-reduction technologies to lower cash operating costs per ton by 5 percent in 2026.