Foundation Coal Affiliate Wins Top National Honor for Reclamation Excellence.

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, Md. -- Delta Mine Holding Company, an affiliate of Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FCL) was recently recognized as the winner of the National Mine Reclamation Award by the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC). The award was presented on April 26, 2005 in Philadelphia at the annual meeting of the IMCC.

IMCC's highest reclamation honor is given only to one coal mining company in the nation. The commission includes regulatory officials from 22 states and recognizes the company that epitomizes excellence in regulatory compliance, contemporary reclamation, drainage control, reclamation success and innovation. According to IMCC's executive director, Greg Conrad, "This award signifies Delta's necessary efforts to achieve balance between the nation's need for coal and effective environmental restoration." The award denotes the first time an Illinois reclamation site has carried the top honor and also points out the impact of Delta's efforts on the state level.

The Delta mining operation lasted 17 years and removed approximately 34 million tons of coal over its production lifespan. The project has restored 8,200 acres back to productive land. According to Jeff Mueller, vice president of Delta Mine Holdings Company, "This award represents the company's strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Our recovery efforts have rendered productive land with multiple uses, from forestry and cropland to restored wildlife habitats and water resources. It is truly an honor to be recognized by a panel of regulators representing multiple states as well as the State of Illinois."

Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. is a major U.S. coal producer with 13 coal mines and related facilities in several states including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, and Wyoming. Through its subsidiaries Foundation Coal employs approximately 2,700 people and produces approximately 67 million tons annually, largely for utilities generating electricity. Foundation's corporate offices are in Linthicum Heights, MD.