August 24, 2026 - Knight Hawk Coal, LLC was created in 1998 by four partners – Steve Carter, F.D. Robertson, James Bunn and James Bunn, Jr. – to meet demand for southern Illinois’ high-quality, low chlorine coal when the large coal companies had withdrawn from the region and the Illinois coal industry had declined significantly.

Knight Hawk began with surface mining exclusively and opened its first underground mine in 2006. The company currently operates two surface mines, one underground mine, and carbon recovery operations. From a crew of 17 people in 1998, Knight Hawk has grown to employ nearly 350 people along with an equal amount of contractors.

One of Knight Hawk’s competitive advantages is its dock, Lone Eagle, located on the Mississippi River at Mile Marker 105 on the Upper Mississippi River, where more than 80 percent of the coal is shipped. This proximity to the Mississippi River allows Knight Hawk to competitively access markets throughout the Midwest and Southeast United States, as well as international opportunities through the Gulf Coast. Knight Hawk contracts an independent truck fleet in support of Lone Eagle Dock.

Nearly all of Knight Hawk Coal’s facilities are located within a 35 mile radius where Perry, Jackson, and Randolph counties meet in Southern Illinois, providing a compact footprint with versatility of differing operations and the ability to process coal at three different plants. The company has capacity to produce and deliver up to 6.5 million tons of high quality, low chlorine Illinois Basin coal per year, with proven reserves providing for a mining life of more than 25 years. Knight Hawk currently produces five million tons of coal annually.

The Carter family, like the majority of employees, live in towns and neighborhoods near where the company mines. Knight Hawk prides itself on hiring extended family members of employees, creating a family atmosphere throughout the workplace and community. This family spirit fosters close relationships to the community and empowers everyone involved to contribute to surrounding communities.

Coal mining safety is the core value of Knight Hawk Coal. The company’s safety program, S.A.L.U.T.E. (Safe Actions Lead Us To Excellence), consists of workers observing or assessing work practices before or during an act, with communication documented to identify trends and potential safety barriers. The PIT Team (Process Improvement Team), composed of Knight Hawk’s most seasoned, outspoken, and respected employees covering diverse operations, meets monthly to visit various operations and provide guidance to the workforce. Knight Hawk provides employees with training and communication in safety procedures through numerous programs including a kids calendar contest and monthly company newsletter distributed to employees and families. The company is known for excellent relationships with state and federal agencies and maintains strict adherence with all state and federal regulations.

Knight Hawk is committed to environmental stewardship and responsible mining. The company has returned almost thousands of acres to beneficial use through agricultural, recreational, or conservancy efforts, and has created more than hundreds of acres of new wetlands. In 2012, Knight Hawk Coal participated with the Heartland Conservancy to help acquire the Mill Creek Natural Area in Randolph County. Knight Hawk has dedicated 240 acres of land to the state of Illinois to expand Pyramid State Park once operations have concluded at its adjacent Golden Eagle Mine. CEO Josh Carter actively participates with the Friends of Pyramid State Park, a volunteer group committed to enhancing the state’s largest park.