ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Late Monday, Robert Murray, longtime president and CEO of Murray Energy Corp., announced his retirement as chairman of the board of directors of American Consolidated Natural Resource Holdings Inc., concluding a 63-year career in which he rose to become coal’s most powerful advocate.

A new company, ACNR Holdings was formed to acquire the former Murray Energy Corp. when it emerged from bankruptcy several months ago. Murray served as its first chairman after agreeing to step down from his leadership roles at Murray Energy as part of the bankruptcy process.

The Bethesda native describes himself as a “coal miner, mining engineer, company founder, job creator, and philanthropist.” Prior to bankruptcy, Murray Energy was the largest independent coal mining operation in the nation, employing thousands of people in a number of states.

“Throughout my life in and about coal mines and in our industry, I have given all that I had to our employees and their families to sustain their family livelihoods and jobs for the hardworking people in our mining communities,” Murray said. “I tried to put my faith and our families first so that we could build the best possible coal company in Murray Energy Corp. …

“As the acquirer of substantially all of Murray Energy’s assets, ACNR is the best positioned thermal and metallurgical coal company in the world to confront the current threats to reliable, low-cost, fossil-fueled electricity. … I wish the leadership and employees of this great company tremendous success in meeting the energy needs of our country.”

For years, Murray invested in coal mining when other energy companies instead moved toward natural gas and renewables. St. Clairsville-based Murray Energy purchased the former Consolidated Coal holdings in West Virginia about a decade ago, and the company also had assets in Illinois, Utah and other states.

“No one has been more devoted to the industry and ACNR’s business than Mr. Murray. When others shied away from the industry, he dug in and worked hard …” said Rob Moore, ACNR’s president and CEO. “We will always appreciate Mr. Murray for all he has done, and in recognition of that he has been named chairman emeritus.”