Westmoreland Announces Organizational Changes; Keith E. Alessi to Become CEO

Westmoreland Coal Company (Nasdaq: WLB) announced that Keith E. Alessi,Executive Chairman, has reassumed the title of Chief Executive Officer, atitle he previously held for the majority of the time between 2007 and 2013.Such change was made as the initial step in the realignment of the corporatestructure in light of the pending closing of the previously-announcedacquisition of Sherritt International's Canadian coal operations. At the sametime, Richard Klingaman reassumed the title of Chairman of the Board to ensurethe company maintains a split CEO and Chairman of the Board governancestructure. Mr. Klingaman previously held the Chairman role from 2009 to 2013and has been Lead Independent Director since April of 2013. To become fullyaligned with our core U.S. operations, Robert King has assumed the title ofPresident - U.S. Operations. Upon consummation of the Sherritt transaction,Mr. Alessi will also add the title of Interim President - Canada Operationsand will directly oversee the transition of the Canadian business.About Westmoreland Coal CompanyWestmoreland Coal Company is the oldest independent coal company in the UnitedStates. The Company's coal operations include sub-bituminous coal mining inthe Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming, and lignite mining operationsin Montana, North Dakota and Texas. Its power operations include ownership ofthe two-unit ROVA coal-fired power plant in North Carolina. For moreinformation, visit www.westmoreland.com.