Joseph G. Evans – 2013 Mining Engineering Foundation Distinguished Alumnus

Joseph Evans attended the University of Kentucky, earning a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering in 1980 and a master’s degree in mining engineering in 1987. His time at UK prepared him for a successful career in the coal mining industry that has lasted over 30 years.

During the early years of his career, Mr. Evans was involved in both surface and underground mining as well as engineering and production duties in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In 1994, while working for A.T. Massey Companies, Mr. Evans became president of Independence Coal Co., in Twilight, W. Va., where he was responsible for the production, budgeting and capital of two room and pillar mines. He later held the same role at Performance Coal Co., and Progress Coal Co., both located in West Virginia.

Since 1998, Mr. Evans has been president and chief operating officer at Leeco Inc., and Blue Diamond Coal. He oversees the operation of six deep mines along with two preparation plants and associated impoundments.

Mr. Evans is a strong supporter of the Department of Mining Engineering. He was principally responsible for providing the funding needed to initiate the football tailgate that is a significant fund raising event for the students of the program. He has donated funds on many occasions that were used to enrich the educational experience of UK mining engineering students.