NATIONAL COAL CORP. SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO PURCHASE WEST VIRGINIA MINE FOR $60 MILLION Monday November 20, 2006

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


NATIONAL   COAL CORP.   SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO PURCHASE   WEST VIRGINIA MINE FOR
$60 MILLION
Monday November 20, 2006

KNOXVILLE,   Tenn.   --National   Coal Corp.   (Nasdaq:   NCOC) today   announces   its
wholly-owned   subsidiary,   National Coal   Corporation,   has signed a non-binding
letter of intent to   acquire a   surface   mining   operation   from an   undisclosed
private   seller for   approximately   $60   million and the   assumption   of certain
liabilities.

If completed,   this proposed acquisition will significantly increase the size of
National Coal's   production and, moving forward,   is expected to be accretive to
earnings   and   significantly   boost   National   Coal's   operating   results.    The
properties    to   be   acquired   are   located   in   West    Virginia   and   encompass
approximately   18 million tons of reserves on about 4,000 acres.   The operations
include a coal load-out facility as well as all operating equipment.

"It is a surface   mine that has been well   managed   and   boasts   low   production
costs,   no legacy   liabilities,   and high   quality   coal   reserves.   It also has
maintained excellent   relationships with its work force and customer base," said
Daniel   Roling,   CEO of National   Coal.   "This is   precisely   the kind of mining
operation we have been seeking to enhance   National   Coal's   future   growth.   If
consummated,    we   fully   expect   this    acquisition   to   provide   a   meaningful
contribution going forward."

The transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited
to,   the   negot