James River Coal Company was formed in 1988 through the purchase of McCoy Elkhorn and Bell County from Transco Coal Company. In 1992 we acquired the operations of Johns Creek Coal Company and the Bevins Branch Preparation Plant, both of which are now operated under McCoy Elkhorn. In June of 1995 the Leeco and Bledsoe operating companies were acquired through Transco Coal Company. The Blue Diamond operating company was purchased in 1998. In 1999, we acquired Shamrock Coal Company, which added mines, reserves, and a preparation plant and the Clover loadout facility to the Bledsoe complex. Triad was purchased in May of 2005.