AGM Statement

RJB Mining PLC
15 May 2001



                        AGM STATEMENT
                                                                              

At the RJB Mining PLC AGM held today, the Chairman made the following comments
on current trading:-

Sales volumes in the first four months of 2001 were 7.0 million tonnes (2000:
7.9 million tonnes), producing a reduction in coal stocks of 0.8 million
tonnes (2000: reduction of 1.7 million tonnes).

Deep mine production in the period of 4.7 million tonnes (2000: 4.8 million
tonnes) has been held back by adverse geological working conditions at Daw
Mill producing a shortfall of 0.4 million tonnes. The company is targeting to
recoup the shortfall tonnage during the second half of the year by bringing
the first of the new South Access reserves into production at the beginning of
November, rather than early 2002. In the first four months of the year
Clipstone and Ellington collieries have been in development mode, with full
production recommencing during April.

Surface mines produced 1.3 million tonnes (2000: 1.4 million tonnes) in the
first four months. Planning approval has been received for a 1.9 million
tonnes site at Cutacre near Bolton, and the site will commence production in
the second quarter of 2002.

The Property and Estates business continues to make progress with outline
planning approvals being received for a 64 acre Denby Hall business park at
Ripley, Derbyshire.

We expect to receive further transitional State Coal Aid during the course of
this financial year. The financial performance in the year will therefore be
affected by the phasing and amount of payments under the scheme.

At the AGM a resolution was approved by shareholders to change the name of RJB
Mining PLC to UK COAL PLC.  The name change will take effect from 25 May 2001.

Enquiries:-

National Media
Liz Morley/Felicity Caton - Gavin Anderson                  0207 457 2345

Regional Media
Stuart Oliver                                               01525 381759
                                                            07774 231178