David Hibbs is the Vice President of Mining for the PSEC. In his role, he is responsible for the overall direction, management, and operations of the Lively Grove coal mine, the adjacent underground mine which feeds the PSEC power plant. Mr. Hibbs has an extensive background in the coal mining industry, with over 30 years of mine management experience. His career spans both underground and surface mine operations, where he has led strategic planning efforts and spearheaded the construction of several new mines.
Mr. Hibbs joined the Prairie State team in July 2019. Before making the commitment to PSGC, he held the positions Manager of Business Development and Manager of the west Kentucky Business Unit for Murray Energy Corporation. Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer at La Luna Mining; in this role, he was responsible for design, construction, and operation of a new underground mining project in Bogota, Colombia. Past positions include President and Director of Engineering for Utah American Energy, Engineering Manager for United Coal Company, Operations Manager for Twin Ridge Development, and Vice President of Engineering for Solomon Mining Company. Prior to 2001, he held various upper management positions in mines across Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Mr. Hibbs earned a B.S. and M.S. in mining engineering from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He also holds an MBA from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is certified as a professional engineer, underground mine foreman, surface mine foreman, preparation plant foreman, advanced first aider, and electrical worker. He has been trained by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in surface and underground instruction, as well as impoundment inspection and instruction.
Current role