Peabody Energy Expands its Leaders in Education Program: Call for Nominations Now Open

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Peabody Energy will introduce its
Leaders in Education program to the communities around several of the company’s
U.S. operations, including Illinois, Indiana and Wyoming. The Leaders program
was developed in Missouri in 2009, in partnership with Logos School, and
reflects Peabody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the communities where
the company’s employees live and work by honoring those who inspire students to
succeed.

The 2010-2011 Leaders in Education will be honored on Aug. 30 at the Hilton St.
Louis at the Ballpark, where the Educator of the Year will be named.

The 2011-2012 program began accepting nominations August 1 from members of the
community and will recognize leaders who are strengthening education for the
next generation.

“Education lasts a lifetime and is an essential means to build strong, safe and
healthy communities,” says Peabody’s Vic Svec, Senior Vice President, Investor
Relations and Corporate Communications. “We believe sustainable energy solutions
power economic prosperity and improve quality of life. Similarly, education
holds profound potential for an improved future for the next generation.”

The award program is open to educational professionals of public and private
schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work.
Winners are selected from a diverse group of educators. They can range from
veteran teachers to individuals in support staff roles such as administrators,
coaches or counselors. Nominations may be made at
PeabodyEnergyLeadersInEducation.org. A committee of academic, business and civic
leaders will select winners throughout the school year. Each will receive a
$1,000 grant and be considered for a final Educator of the Year honor, and a
$5,000 award.

About Peabody Energy

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world’s largest private-sector coal company
and a global leader in clean coal solutions. With 2010 sales of 246 million tons
and nearly $7 billion in revenues, Peabody fuels 10 percent of U.S. power and 2
percent of worldwide electricity. Peabody Energy’s mission as a community
partner is to improve lives through strategic social investments that empower
communities, educate the next generation, reclaim, conserve and beautify the
environment, and engage our employees to give back.

CONTACT:
Meg Gallagher, 314-342-7963
Sarah Kramer, 314-588-3089

SOURCE Peabody Energy