Peabody Energy Appoints Scott P. Lawson Senior Vice President - Engineering Services

ST. LOUIS, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody Energy announced today it has appointed Scott P. Lawson as Senior Vice President – Engineering Services.  Based in St. Louis, he will lead engineering, environmental, geology, and design and construction services across the company's global operations.  Lawson will report to Executive Vice President – Technical Services Jeane L. Hull.

"We look forward to the more than 25 years of experience Scott brings with him," said Hull.  "His background demonstrates proven results across international operations management and technical innovation, both vital areas that will strengthen Peabody's engineering activities supporting the company's operations in North America and Australia, and as the company expands its global reach."

Most recently, Lawson led the Bauxite and Alumina Technology group for international miner Rio Tinto, where he directed a global team responsible for world-class mining and refining performance that included life-of-mine and reserve development strategies, project management and capital delivery, asset management, operations technology support and business improvement.  Lawson also served as global practice leader for Rio Tinto's Technology and Innovation group, where he was responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies for asset management, including standard technical systems, global collaborative forums and professional development programs.  

Prior to that, Lawson was Vice President and General Manager of Engineering and Technical Services at Kennecott Utah Copper, part of Rio Tinto; he oversaw major capital projects and plant engineering activities, as well as companywide health, safety, environmental and sustainable development initiatives.  He also held responsibility for establishing and managing Rio Tinto's North American office for asset utilization, and led a group of technical professionals supporting North and South American operations.  

Lawson began his career in 1986 at the Barrick Mercur Gold Mine, and held operational and management positions of increasing responsibility at Rio Tinto subsidiaries Kennecott Utah Copper and Kennecott Minerals.  

He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City, and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah.  He also graduated from business and strategic leadership programs at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and the London School of Business, respectively, and belongs to the Society of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers. Lawson is a member of the University of Utah Industrial Advisory Board, as part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world's largest private-sector coal company and a global leader in clean coal solutions.  With 2010 sales of 246 million tons and nearly $7 billion in revenues, Peabody fuels 10 percent of U.S. power and 2 percent of worldwide electricity.

CONTACT:
Meg Gallagher
(314) 342-7963

SOURCE Peabody Energy