Harworth Gp Regulatory News (HWG)

UK COAL PLC

Directorate Changes

UK Coal plc ("UK Coal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Peter Hickson has been appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect. He will chair the Remuneration Committee and will become Senior Independent Director on the retirement of Peter Hazell from the Board.

Peter Hickson has had wide Board and senior management experience with a number of large international companies. He is currently Chairman of Communisis plc and Chairman of Chemring Group plc.

He was Chairman of Anglian Water Group from 2003 to 2009, and served as Finance Director of Powergen plc between 1996 and 2002. He was a non-executive director of Kazakhmys plc from 2009 to 2011, Scottish Power plc from 2006 to 2007, Marconi Corporation plc from 2004 to 2007 and RAC plc from 1994 to 2002. He was also Senior Independent Director of London & Continental Railways Ltd between 2007 and 2011. Mr Hickson is a trustee and Board member of Orbis Charitable Trust, the international sight saving charity, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Jonson Cox, Chairman of UK Coal said: "I welcome Peter to the Board and look forward to working with him again. His experience will help the Board and Company as we implement our strategic recovery plan."

Peter Hickson said: "I look forward to joining the Board of UK Coal and helping to address the challenges ahead. It will be good to work with Jonson again after our five years at Anglian Water."

There are no further details requiring disclosure under Listing Rule 9.6.13 in relation to the appointment of Peter Hickson to the Board of UK Coal.

We also announce today that, as part of a planned and orderly succession process, Peter Hazell will be retiring as a non-executive director on 31 December 2011 after serving the Board for over 8 years. The search for a new non-executive, who will chair the Audit Committee, has commenced.

Jonson Cox said: "I wish to thank Peter Hazell for his key role in managing the transition of the Board and his personal counsel to me since my appointment as Chairman"

For further information:

Media:

Rupert Pittman Cardew Group Tel: 020 7930 0777

Emma Crawshaw

Alexandra Stoneham

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