Murray Energy was a coal company based in the United States, primarily involved in the production and sale of coal. Founded by Robert E. Murray in 1988, the company operated several mines across the Appalachian region, focusing on both underground and surface mining techniques. It was one of the largest privately-owned coal companies in the country. In 2019, Murray Energy filed for bankruptcy due to declining coal demand and increased competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources. The company's assets were subsequently acquired by American Consolidated Natural Resources, marking a significant shift in the coal industry's landscape.