Alpha Natural Resources Statement on Conductivity Settlement

Today's settlement between two of Alpha Natural Resources' affiliated operations (Alex Energy and Elk Run Coal Company) and three environmental organizations charts a path forward to improve certain stream conditions in the areas near these operations. It does not include a monetary civil penalty. The role conductivity plays in stream quality is still an evolving area of research. The decision to settle this litigation is not an endorsement of any research or the currently available methods for measuring stream health. This settlement's compliance deadline of August 1, 2019 will allow for the continued study of this issue, and also provides reasonable time and flexibility for the evaluation and development of the most appropriate technologies, water management methods and other approaches to improve stream conditions in an environmentally and economically responsible manner.