James River Coal Company CEO to Speak at Conference

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Peter Socha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of James River Coal Company , will speak at the Natixis Bleichroeder 2nd Annual Hidden Gems Conference on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

Interested investors can access the live presentation at 4:00 p.m. E.T. on October 14, 2008 at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/nblr2/jrcc/. The presentation can also be accessed through James River’s website http://www.jamesrivercoal.com/.

James River Coal Company mines, processes and sells, steam-and industrial-grade coal primarily to electric utility companies. The Company’s mining operations are managed through five operating subsidiaries located throughout eastern Kentucky and one subsidiary in southern Indiana.

   CONTACT:    James River Coal Company               Elizabeth M. Cook               Director of Investor Relations               (804) 780-3000  

James River Coal Company

CONTACT: Elizabeth M. Cook, Director of Investor Relations of JamesRiver Coal Company, +1-804-780-3000

Web Site: http://www.jamesrivercoal.com/