Robert E. "Bob" Ellis

Born in the heart of the Southern West Virginia coalfields in Logan, West Virginia, Robert E. "Bob" Ellis is a third-generation coal miner whose career spans decades of leadership and commitment to the coal mining industry. From his early days working alongside his father, a respected coal mining contractor, he has dedicated his life to preserving the legacy of coal mining in his home state. He later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University, combining his practical experience with academic training to further his career. 

Ellis’s professional career began as a senior mining engineer at Shell Mining. He later became president of Rockspring Development. At Kanawha Eagle Coal, he served as vice president of operations and minority owner. A cornerstone of his career has been his expertise in revitalizing long-idled coal properties. He has successfully turned dormant coal operations into sustainable, profitable ventures. As the founder of Coventry Mining Services, he has worked with companies like Peabody Energy and Patriot Coal as a contract miner with a focus on sustainability and operational excellence. 

He currently serves as the chief executive officer of Appleton Coal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investec Plc, a global banking and asset management group based in London. In addition to his role at Appleton Coal, he is also the managing member and owner of BlackBriar Energy, based in Charleston, WV. BlackBriar Energy provides specialized mining consulting services to banks, law firms, and other industry stakeholders. 

A key figure in the coal mining community throughout his career, he has served as a past board member of the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and spent 20+ years on the board of the Peter's Creek Coal Association. He currently serves as president of the King Coal Club, continuing his leadership role in the industry. He is also a member of the Old Timers Club that honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the coal industry. 

Ellis has long been a champion for recruiting young high school students throughout southern West Virginia to pursue careers in mining engineering at his alma mater West Virginia University. Several of these students, whom he has mentored and encouraged, now hold key senior engineering, operational and executive roles in the coal industry, a legacy he is most proud of.