Randall W. Atkins Appointed to National Coal Council
Rhea-AI Summary
Ramaco Resources (NASDAQ: METC) announced that Chairman and CEO Randall W. Atkins was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to the re-established National Coal Council (NCC). The council was re-established by President Trump and Secretary Wright; its first meeting is scheduled at the White House on January 15, 2026. Atkins previously served as NCC chairman in 2021 and said he is committed to advising on coal policy, innovation, and energy security.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, METC declined 7.76%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +6.5% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -3.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 31 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $125M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.48B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
METC gained 8.19%, while key peers showed modest moves: METCB +0.7%, AMR +0.17%, SXC 0%, HCC +1.83%, AREC +2.64%. The stronger move in METC suggests a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad sector swing.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 30 | Credit facility amendment | Positive | -4.7% | Expanded revolver to $500M and extended maturity to 2030 |
| Dec 23 | Share repurchase plan | Positive | +8.6% | Board authorized $100M Class A share buyback over 24 months |
| Dec 23 | Strategic MOU | Positive | +8.6% | Non-binding MOU to support 10-year rare earth stockpile |
| Dec 01 | Media appearance | Positive | -4.7% | CEO TV appearance to discuss Brook Mine and critical minerals |
| Nov 14 | Stock dividend | Positive | -1.6% | Declared $0.1780 per-share stock dividend for Class B shares |
Recent history shows mixed price reactions to positive corporate actions, with buyback and strategic partnership news aligning positively, while financing and communication updates saw negative reactions.
Over the past months, Ramaco announced several capital markets and strategic developments. On Dec 30, 2025, it expanded its revolving credit facility to $500 million and extended maturity to 2030, but shares fell 4.66%. A $100 million buyback and a rare earth offtake MOU on Dec 23, 2025 each coincided with a +8.55% move. Communication-focused updates, including a Brook Mine TV appearance and a Class B stock dividend of $0.1780 per share, saw modest declines. Today’s governance-focused NCC appointment follows this backdrop of mixed reactions to otherwise constructive news.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -7.8% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite news tied to national energy policy influence would have fit the pattern seen after several prior updates. Expansions of credit capacity, a stock dividend, and communication around strategic projects previously coincided with declines, even though the content was constructive. In that context, a sharp drop after this announcement would have underscored market concerns about execution, capital structure, or broader sector sentiment rather than the headline alone.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Atkins was serving as the last Chairman of the NCC in 2021 when former President Biden allowed the Council's charter to lapse, forcing it to cease operations. The Council's re-establishment by President Trump and Secretary Wright marks another significant milestone and renewed commitment to advancing America's coal industry and energy security. Their efforts reflect a strong belief in the value of coal as a strategic resource and the importance of expert guidance in shaping national energy policy.
"It is an honor to once again serve on the National Coal Council," said Randall Atkins. "This is somewhat personal to me because as the last Council Chairman I was fighting for clean, beautiful coal when then President Biden shut down this almost 50-year institution. What a difference an election can make. "I'm honored to again serve and am committed to working with my fellow Council members to make the NCC even stronger than before. I look forward to working with Secretary Wright, President Trump, and my fellow Council members to help shape policies that will secure our nation's energy future and to ensure that coal plays a vital role."
The NCC will provide advice, information and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on scientific, technical, and programmatic issues relating to coal and coal policy. Members, including technology developers and industry leaders, represent a broad spectrum of viewpoints and expertise. The Council's work focuses on fostering innovation, supporting responsible energy development, and encouraging the responsible development of the nation's valuable coal resources.
The first meeting of the NCC will be held at the White House on January 15, 2026.
ABOUT RAMACO RESOURCES
Ramaco Resources, Inc. is an operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/randall-w-atkins-appointed-to-national-coal-council-302659120.html
SOURCE Ramaco Resources, Inc.
FAQ
What did Ramaco Resources (METC) announce on January 13, 2026 about Randall W. Atkins?
When will the National Coal Council first meet after re-establishment and will Atkins attend?
How might Randall Atkins' NCC appointment affect METC shareholders in the near term?
Who re-established the National Coal Council and who appointed Atkins?
What is the stated role of the National Coal Council according to the announcement?
