Coal Nation: Episode 2 — "Coal Is Too Valuable to Burn" with Randall Atkins

Welcome back to Coal Nation, the official podcast of the American Coal Council. In this powerful second episode, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down with Randall Atkins — a leading voice in the transformation of the coal industry and Chairman & CEO of Ramaco Resources. From rare earth elements to carbon innovation, this episode explores coal's evolving role in America's economy, energy future, and technological landscape.

🧠 In This Episode

• The surprising global dynamics of coal usage — and why the U.S. is lagging

• How coal's image is shifting: from "dirty fuel" to "carbon ore"

• Innovations in advanced carbon products and rare earth extraction

• Why AI, defense, and clean tech all depend on coal's future

• What policymakers and industry leaders must do now to stay competitive

• The two-for-one power of coal: energy + critical materials

• The importance of permitting reform and American mineral independence

• Why, in Randall's words, "coal is too valuable to burn"

💡 Rapid-Fire with Randy
Get to know Randall Atkins as he shares his proudest career moment, advice for young professionals, and the one innovation he's most excited about.

🗣️ Quotable Moments

• "Coal is too valuable to burn."

• "We don't even call it coal anymore — we call it carbon ore."

• "Let's leave no molecule behind."

• "There's a very benign side to coal — it's really carbon."

🎧 Listen + Subscribe
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💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! What's your take on the future of coal? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or at americancoalcouncil.org.