Coal Nation
Coal Nation
Podcast Description
Coal Nation is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and industry updates that highlight the people, companies, and innovations keeping the coal industry strong. Each episode delivers valuable perspectives on the latest developments, best practices, and key issues shaping American energy, manufacturing, and global trade. Whether you're a coal producer, energy provider, or industry advocate, Coal Nation is here to inform, inspire, and strengthen the community driving our nation’s energy future.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers essential topics impacting the coal industry, including legislative advocacy, sustainability efforts, and the evolving role of coal in energy transitions. Episode examples include discussions on the ACC's rebranding strategy, technological innovations like rare earth mineral extraction, and insights into international coal markets and their significance for U.S. exports.
Coal Nation is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and industry updates that highlight the people, companies, and innovations keeping the coal industry strong. Each episode delivers valuable perspectives on the latest developments, best practices, and key issues shaping American energy, manufacturing, and global trade. Whether you’re a coal producer, energy provider, or industry advocate, Coal Nation is here to inform, inspire, and strengthen the community driving our nation’s energy future.
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 Don’t miss a moment of Coal Nation. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with colleagues, policymakers, and anyone who cares about America’s energy future.
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.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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