Press Releases

Peabody Energy today announced that Robert C. Hammond has been named Group Executive for Southwest Operations, reporting to President and Chief Operating Officer Gregory H. Boyce. Hammond will have executive responsibility for coal operations in Arizona and New Mexico. His appointment is effective May 9, 2005.

Hammond has more than 27 years of experience in mining engineering and operations in the Western United States, Australia and Chile. His career includes operations and management positions with Rio Tinto and engineering management positions with BHP Billiton. Most recently, he served as Leader of Core Technologies for Rio Tinto Procurement in Salt Lake City. Hammond's energy experience includes previous roles as Chief Operating Officer for Coal and Allied in New South Wales, Australia, and General Manager at the Jacobs Ranch Mine in the Powder River Basin.

"We are pleased to have Rob join the Peabody team as head of our Southwest region," said Boyce. "Rob has tremendous experience in large-scale surface operations, coupled with a proven track record in negotiating complex commercial agreements."

Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from the Montana School of Mines in Butte.

Peabody Energy is well positioned to fuel the future energy needs of America and the world. Peabody is the world's largest private-sector coal company, with 2004 sales of 227 million tons and $3.6 billion in revenues. Its coal products fuel more than 10 percent of all U.S. electricity and 3 percent of worldwide electricity. The company is serving global coal demand from electricity generators and steelmakers, and is growing to serve new global customers and emerging Btu Conversion markets.

   CONTACT:
   Beth Sutton
   (314) 342-7798

SOURCE: Peabody Energy