ST. LOUIS, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today earned a spot in the 2013 InformationWeek 500. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Arch Coal has been ranked one of the nation's most innovative users of business technology by InformationWeek.

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"The theme of this year's InformationWeek 500 is digital business. It's a movement, rooted in data analytics, mobile computing, social networking and other customer‐focused technologies that are turning companies and industries on their ear," said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. "Every enterprise is now a digital business – or needs to become one fast. The organizations in our ranking are leading the way."

Arch Coal was recognized for introducing mobile technology to its mining operations. The company's efforts included the development of custom applications, such as real-time tracking of fuel and lubricant usage for technicians in the field, materials management for on-site engineers and mobile approval of purchase requisitions, timecards and expense reimbursements for managers.

"Deploying digital technologies in the field allows Arch Coal to increase efficiencies and lower costs," said David E. Hartley, Arch Coal's vice president and chief information officer. "A team-based focus on continuous process improvement often drives our unique technology solutions. Because Arch employees embrace mobile technology, we're saving hundreds of hours of collective time each year, time that instead can be spent on more strategic efforts."

Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found online at http://www.informationweek.com/500.

U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. is one of the world's top coal producers for the global steel and power generation industries, serving customers in 25 countries on five continents. Its network of mining complexes is the most diversified in the United States, spanning every major coal basin in the nation. The company controls more than 5 billion tons of high-quality metallurgical and thermal coal reserves, with access to all major railroads, inland waterways and a growing number of seaborne trade channels. For more information, visit www.archcoal.com.

SOURCE Arch Coal, Inc.

RELATED LINKShttp://www.archcoal.com