September 11, 2026 - Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin is stepping down from the Board of Directors of Ramaco Resources to devote more time to an independent leadership council initiative he is pursuing with his daughter, Heather.

Ramaco Resources announced Manchin’s departure on September 10, saying the company understands and respects his decision to focus his attention on the new effort.

Manchin, who represented West Virginia in the U.S. Senate from 2010 until 2025, brought decades of experience in government, energy policy and economic development to Ramaco’s board. Before serving in the Senate, he was governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010 and previously served as West Virginia secretary of state.

During his Senate career, Manchin chaired the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and also served on the Appropriations, Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees.

Ramaco Chairman and CEO Randall W. Atkins expressed appreciation for Manchin’s service, noting the value of his experience and his understanding of issues involving U.S. energy, industry and economic security.

Manchin also expressed appreciation for his time with the company and indicated that his departure from the board will not end his support for Ramaco.

He described the company as a close-knit organization and said he remains committed to supporting its continued success.

Manchin’s departure comes as Ramaco continues to expand its position beyond its traditional metallurgical coal business.

The Lexington, Kentucky-based company operates four metallurgical coal mining complexes and processing facilities in West Virginia and Virginia. Its operations produce coal primarily for steelmaking customers in the United States and international markets.

Ramaco has reached annual metallurgical coal production of nearly 4 million tons and employs approximately 900 people. The company has also outlined plans to increase production to more than 6 million tons over the next several years.

At the same time, Ramaco is advancing the Brook Mine project near Sheridan, Wyoming, where it is exploring deposits containing rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

The project has become an increasingly important part of the company’s long-term strategy. Ramaco is evaluating materials including gallium, scandium, alumina, quartz and rare earth elements that could potentially supply U.S. defense, semiconductor, battery and other advanced manufacturing industries.

The company has cautioned that the estimated rare earth and critical mineral resources at Brook Mine are currently classified as inferred mineral resources and have not been demonstrated to be economically viable.

Manchin’s background in both West Virginia’s coal industry and national energy policy made his appointment to Ramaco’s board particularly notable. Although he is now leaving the formal position, both Manchin and the company indicated that their relationship will continue.

Ramaco said Manchin remains a valued friend of the company and wished him success as he turns his attention to his independent leadership initiative.