Inducted
2025
Hometown
Summersville, WV
Degrees
Mining Technology and Engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology
John McDaniel has spent his entire working career in the West Virginia coal industry. In 1973, he started his employment as a general laborer, welder, and heavy equipment operator for a small, family-owned surface mining company in Nicholas County, working full and part time until obtaining his degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, he worked for a consulting firm in Charleston, West Virginia, where he was responsible for the design and regulatory approvals on a project developing multiple underground mines, rail sidings, and loadout facilities in the Monongahela National Forest.
McDaniel joined Arch Resources and its predecessor companies in 1982. In 43 years with Arch, he served in a variety of roles with the company, completing his tenure as Director of Engineering and Technical Services for Arch's Eastern Operations. Through his leadership, the company led innovations in water management systems, passive treatment processes, and expansion of recoverable reserves from existing facilities, while helping the company achieve industry leading environmental performance.
In addition to his service with Arch, McDaniel has served as Chairman of the West Virginia Coal Association's Environmental - Technical Committee since 2011. He led the industry in developing trusted relationships across the Association membership and with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Through his leadership, McDaniel has championed efforts with the WVDEP to prepare and update policies and guidance documents, and to revise the regulations.
McDaniel has received several awards: in 2013 "Because of You" Engineering Professional Award at the Miner's Celebration, a project of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University; the United Mine Workers of America; et.al; West Virginia State Journal Who's Who in West Virginia; In 2019, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Cabinet Secretary's Award for contributions to the State, Environment and Industry; member of Careers in Coal.