Published: March 19, 2025 |

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Ramaco Resources has made changes to its senior management and board of directors.

E. Forrest Jones, Jr., has been hired by the company to serve as its new general counsel, bringing a career of immense legal experience in the minerals and coal industry. Jones has been a member of the board since 2021 and resigned as a director of the company to transition into his new full-time role effective May 1, 2025. He was honored by the board with the honorary appointment of director Emeritus.

“Forrest has served as a member of the board with unwavering commitment and leadership greatly enriching and guiding the board’s deliberations and decisions. Jones’ strategic thinking during a period of significant growth has been instrumental in the company’s success and expansion,” said Randall Atkins, Ramaco chairman and CEO.

“His service as chairman of the Environmental, Health and Safety Committee has ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being for all employees. His decades of experience, qualifications, and unique legal skills make him well qualified to serve as our general counsel,” added Atkins.

Evan Jenkins has also been elected to the board and appointed as vice-chairman. Jenkins has served as the company’s general counsel and secretary since February 2024.

“Evan has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing the company’s legal division. His guidance, decision-making and strategic planning will greatly benefit the company as both a board member and now in the additional role of vice-chairman,” said Atkins.

“Jenkins will help lead the board in policy analysis and advocacy based on his more than two decades as a state and federal legislator. He also brings a deep understanding of legal principles and regulatory compliance from his prior service as Justice and Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court,” added Atkins.

E. Forrest Jones, Jr., age 74, has served as a member of the board of directors since January 2021. Jones has been the owner and manager of Jones & Associates, a law firm in Charleston, West Virginia, for thirty-seven years focusing upon all areas of corporate and business practice. He is regarded as perhaps one of the most knowledgeable counsel in the coal industry and has dealt principally on corporate and regulatory matters relating to coal operations, development, acquisitions and management. He received his license to practice law in 1977. Prior to starting Jones & Associates, he practiced as a partner in a small firm focused upon the operational needs of the coal industry. Over the course of his career, Jones has served as general field counsel for Pickands Mather & Company, W-P Coal Company, Agipcoal USA, Costain Coal, Pocahontas Land Corporation, and numerous other coal and mineral land companies. Jones received a B.A. with a major in American History from the University of Virginia, a B.S. in Business Administration from West Virginia University and a J.D. from West Virginia University. He is admitted to practice in the Circuit Courts and The Supreme Court of Appeals for the State of West Virginia, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Evan Jenkins, age 64, joined Ramaco in February 2024 as general counsel and secretary. Jenkins has a long and distinguished public career, including as the former Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court, former two term U.S. Congressman from Southern West Virginia, and also a longtime State Legislator. He now currently serves as president of The Ramaco Foundation and a member of its board of directors. Before joining Ramaco, Jenkins served as senior vice president, Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., the world’s largest business organization. Jenkins received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Ramaco Resources is an operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. Its executive offices are in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices in Charleston, West Virginia and Sheridan, Wyoming. The company currently has three active mining complexes in Central Appalachia and one mine not yet in production near Sheridan, Wyoming. Contiguous to the Wyoming mine it operates a research and pilot facility related to the production of advanced carbon products and materials from coal. In connection with these activities, it holds a body of roughly 60 intellectual property patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements and various trademarks.

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