Puda Coal Commences Investigation Into the Allegations Raised in a Recent Article

Puda Coal, Inc. PUDA today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously ratified the Audit Committee's decision to launch a full investigation into the allegations raised in a recent article alleging various unauthorized transactions in the shares of a subsidiary company, Shanxi Coal. The Audit Committee has retained professionals in the United States and China to assist it in its investigation. The full board, including Mr. Ming Zhao, the Chairman of Puda Coal, has agreed to cooperate in the investigation. Although the investigation is in its preliminary stages, evidence supports the allegation that there were transfers by Mr. Zhao in subsidiary ownership that were inconsistent with disclosure made by the Company in its public securities filings. Mr. Zhao has agreed to a voluntarily leave of absence as Chairman of the Board of the Company until the investigation is complete. The New York Stock Exchange has halted trading in the Company's stock.