Document:

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                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              --------------------
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------

     THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), entered
into as of November 1, 2001, by and between MASSEY ENERGY COMPANY ("Parent"),
A.T. MASSEY COAL COMPANY, INC., ("Massey"), and DON L. BLANKENSHIP (the
"Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Parent and Massey desire to retain the experience, abilities and
service of the Executive upon the terms and conditions specified herein; and

     WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to provide such services upon the terms
and conditions specified herein; and

     WHEREAS, the parties previously entered into an Employment Agreement (the
"Prior Agreement") effective as of November 1, 2001; and

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement as set
forth in this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the terms and provisions
set forth herein, the mutual benefits to be gained by the performance thereof
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     SECTION 1. Employment. Parent and Massey hereby offer employment to the
                ----------
Executive and the Executive hereby accepts such offers, all upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein.

     SECTION 2. Term. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
                ----
Executive shall be employed by Parent and Massey commencing on November 1, 2001,
(the "Effective Date") and terminating on April 30, 2005, (the "Primary Term")
unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement.

     SECTION 3. Duties and Responsibilities.
                ---------------------------

     A. Capacity. The Executive shall serve as Chairman and Chief Executive
        --------
Officer of Parent and Massey. The Executive shall perform the duties ordinarily
expected of a Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and shall also perform such
other duties consistent therewith as the Organization and Compensation Committee
of Parent's Board of Directors (the "Committee") from time to time, reasonably
determines.

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     B. Full-Time Duties. The Executive shall devote his full business time,
        ----------------
attention and energies to the business of Parent and Massey. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the Executive shall be allowed to (a) manage
the Executive's personal investments and affairs, and (b)(i) serve on boards or
committees of civic or charitable organizations or trade associations, and (ii)
with the permission of the Committee, serve on the board of directors of any
corporation or as an advisory director of any corporation; provided that such
activities do not interfere with the proper performance of his duties and
responsibilities specified in Section 3(A).

     SECTION 4. Compensation.
                ------------

     A. Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall
        -----------
receive a salary (the "Base Salary") of $1,000,000 per annum. The Base Salary
shall be payable by Massey in accordance with the general payroll practices of
Massey in effect from time to time.

     B. Annual Incentive Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible for an annual
        ----------------------
bonus pursuant to the Massey Energy Company 1999 Executive Performance Incentive
Plan ("PIP") with a target amount of at least $700,000, $800,000, $900,000 and
$450,000, based upon company performance for fiscal years ending in 2002, 2003,
2004 and 2005, respectively. The bonus amounts will be paid in installments on
August 15 and February 15 between Massey and the Executive. The following table
shows the target payment amounts and payment dates for each fiscal year's
performance:

        ------------------------------------------------------------------
                FYE       August 15         February 15         TOTAL
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        2002               $350,000          $350,000          $700,000
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        2003               $400,000          $400,000          $800,000
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        2004               $450,000          $450,000          $900,000
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        2005               $450,000             N/A            $450,000
        ------------------------------------------------------------------

     The bonus payments will be based on the financial performance of Parent,
Massey or both for each of the stated fiscal years. There will be predetermined
performance goals and objectives established and mutually agreed to by the
Committee and the Executive. The award payments will be made in accordance with
standard Massey practices.

     C. Long Term Incentive Award. The Executive shall participate in Parent's
        -------------------------
Long Term Incentive Program. The Executive will participate in the fiscal year
2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 performance cycles.

     The Long Term Incentive Award for each cycle shall consist of a target cash
award of $300,000 (except for the four month fiscal 2005 performance cycle for
which the target cash award shall be $150,000). The amount payable under each
Long Term Incentive Award may range up to 2 times the target level as determined
by the Committee in a manner consistent with Massey's established Long Term
Incentive Program based on predetermined performance of Parent, Massey or both
over the performance cycle. Each of the cash awards will be evidenced by an
Award Agreement between Parent and the Executive pursuant to the PIP.

                                       2

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                                       3

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     The Long Term Incentive Program will also consist of annual grants of
50,000 non-qualified stock options, 12,700 shares of restricted stock, and a
cash bonus equal to the fair market value of 7,300 shares of Parent stock
(except for the four month fiscal 2005 performance cycle the Long Term Incentive
Program will consist of 25,000 non-qualified stock options, 6,350 shares of
restricted stock and a cash bonus equal to the fair market value of 3,650 shares
of Parent stock). Each of the stock options will be evidenced by an Award
Agreement between Parent and the Executive pursuant to the Massey Energy Company
1996 Executive Stock Plan (the "ESP") or the PIP and each of the restricted
stock grants and the cash bonuses will be evidenced by an Award Agreement
between Parent and the Executive pursuant to the PIP.

     D. Shadow Stock. As of the Effective Date the Executive shall be granted
        ------------
1,050,000 units of shadow stock ("Units") pursuant to the Massey Energy Company
1982 Shadow Stock Plan (the "Shadow Plan"), subject to the following terms and
conditions, and the terms and conditions of the Shadow Stock Plan. In the event
the Executive remains continuously employed by Parent or Massey from the
Effective Date until the applicable vesting date, then all restrictions on the
Units will expire and the Unit shall vest at the times and in the amounts set
forth in the following table:

         Vesting Date                            Number of Units

       October 31, 2002                           300,000 Units

       October 31, 2003                           300,000 Units

       October 31, 2004                           300,000 Units

        April 30, 2005                            150,000 Units

     On each date that Units vest in accordance with the foregoing table, the
then value of the Units will thereupon be credited to the Executive's account in
the Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Program. In the event the Executive's
employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to the expiration of the
Primary Term and following a "Change of Control" (as such term is hereinafter
defined) or if the Executive's employment is terminated by Parent or Massey for
reasons which do not constitute "Cause" as defined herein, then any Units which
have not vested in accordance with the foregoing table shall be vested as of
such termination date and all restrictions on the Units will expire and the then
value of the Units will thereupon be credited to the Executive's account in the
Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Program. In the event the Executive's
employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to the expiration of the
Primary Term for any reason other than those set forth in the preceding
sentence, then all of the Executive's rights in the Units which have not
previously vested in accordance with the foregoing table shall terminate as of
the date of termination, and all rights thereunder shall cease. The Units will
be evidenced by a Shadow Stock Agreement between Parent and the Executive.

                                       4

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     E. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). As of the Effective Date, the
        --------------------------------
Executive shall be granted units of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) pursuant to
the Massey Energy Company 1997 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the "SAR Plan").
The number of shares awarded shall be 787,500. All restrictions on the SARs will
expire and the then value of the SARs will thereupon be credited to Executive's
account in the Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Program in the event that
the Executive remains continuously employed by Parent or Massey from the
Effective Date until the applicable vesting date in accordance with the
following table:

                Vesting Date                      Number of SARs

              October 31, 2002                     225,000 SARs

              October 31, 2003                     225,000 SARs

              October 31, 2004                     225,000 SARs

               April 30, 2005                      112,500 SARs

     In addition, all restrictions on the SARs will expire and the then value of
the SARs will thereupon be credited to the Executive's account in the Massey
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in the event that the Executive's
employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to the expiration of the
Primary Term following a "Change of Control" (as such term is hereinafter
defined) or the Executive's employment is terminated by Parent or Massey for
reasons which do not constitute "Cause" as defined herein.

     In the event that the Executive's employment with Parent and Massey
terminates prior to the expiration of the Primary Term for any reason other than
those set forth in the preceding sentence, then all of the Executive's rights in
the SARs which have not previously vested in accordance with the foregoing table
shall terminate as of the date of termination, and all rights thereunder shall
cease. The SARs shall have a ten-year term from the Effective Date, subject to
earlier expiration in accordance with the plan documents. The SARs will be
evidenced by an SAR Agreement between Parent and the Executive.

     F. Retention Stock Award. A subaccount, denominated as the "Retention Stock
        ---------------------
Account" will be established for the Executive under the Massey Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan. As of the Effective Date, the Retention Stock
Account will be credited with the then value of 350,000 shares of Parent stock.
The Executive's interest in the Retention Stock Account will vest on April 30,
2005 if the Executive remains in the continuous employ of Parent or Massey from
the Effective Date until April 30, 2005. In addition Executive's interest in the
Retention Stock Account will vest on the date of the Executive's termination of
employment if the Executive's employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior
to April 30, 2005 and following a "Change in Control" (as such term is
hereinafter defined) or if the Executive's employment is terminated by Parent or
Massey for reasons which do not constitute "Cause" as defined herein. In the
event that the Executive's employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to
April 30, 2005 due to death or permanent and total disability as defined by
Massey personnel policy, then the Executive will vest in a pro rata interest in
the

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     Retention Stock Account in accordance with the following table and the
portion of the Retention Stock Account which does not vest shall terminate and
be forfeited:

       ----------------------------------------------------------
                  Date of Death               Pro rata Portion
                  or Disability                 to be Vested
       ----------------------------------------------------------
        November 1, 2001 through                     2/7
        October 31, 2002
       ----------------------------------------------------------
        November 1, 2002 through                     4/7
        October 31, 2003
       ----------------------------------------------------------
        November 1, 2003 through                     6/7
        October 31, 2004
       ----------------------------------------------------------
        On or after November 1, 2004                 7/7
       ----------------------------------------------------------

     Except as provided in the three preceding sentences, the Executive's
interest in the Retention Stock Account shall terminate and be forfeited if the
Executive's employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to April 30,
2005.

     The value of the Retention Stock Account shall be determined based on the
value of the Parent stock as if the amount credited thereto was invested in
Parent stock and received dividends and other distributions thereon to the same
extent as if it was invested in Parent stock.

     G. Retention Cash Award. The Executive's account in the Massey Executive
        --------------------
Deferred Compensation Plan will be credited with $400,000 on each of October 31,
2002, October 31, 2003 and October 31, 2004 and an additional $200,000 on April
30, 2005. All restrictions on such amounts and the bookkeeping earnings thereon
shall lapse on April 30, 2005 if the Executive remains in the continuous employ
of Parent or Massey from the Effective Date until April 30, 2005. In the event
the Executive's employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to April 30,
2005 and following a "Change in Control" (as such term is hereinafter defined)
or if the Executive's employment is terminated by Parent or Massey for reasons
which do not constitute "Cause" as defined herein, then the date for the
addition any credits to the Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Plan referred
to in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be accelerated to such
termination date and all restrictions on all such amounts (including amounts
credited before the termination date) and the bookkeeping earnings thereon shall
lapse as of such termination date. In the event that the Executive's employment
with Parent and Massey terminates prior to April 30, 2005 due to death or
permanent and total disability as defined by Massey personnel policy, all
restrictions shall lapse on amounts scheduled to be credited to the Executive's
account in the Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Plan on or before the
Executive's termination date and the bookkeeping earnings thereon. In the event
that the Executive's employment with Parent and Massey terminates prior to April
30, 2005 for any reason other than those set forth in the two preceding
sentences, then all of the Executive's rights with respect to amounts credited
or to be credited to the Executive's account in the Massey Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph shall
terminate as of the date of such termination of employment.

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     H. Life Insurance Policy. The Executive's rights under the $4,000,000 split
        ---------------------
dollar life insurance policies or program owned by Parent and in force on the
Effective Date shall be vested if the Executive remains in the continuous employ
of the Parent or Massey from the Effective Date until April 30, 2005 or, if
earlier, the termination of the Executive's employment (x) following a "Change
in Control" (as such term is hereinafter defined), (y) by Parent or Massey for
reasons which do not constitute "Cause" as defined herein or (z) due to death or
permanent and total disability as defined by Massey's personnel policy. The
Executive's rights under the $4,000,000 split dollar life insurance policies or
program owned by Parent and in force on the Effective Date shall be determined
without regard to this paragraph if the Executive's employment with Parent and
Massey terminates before April 30, 2005 for a reason other than those set forth
in items (z), (y) or (z) of the preceding sentence.

     SECTION 5.  Termination of Employment.
                 -------------------------

     Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2, the Executive's employment
hereunder may terminate under any of the following conditions:

     A. Death. The Executive's employment under this Agreement shall terminate
        -----
automatically upon his death.

     B. Disability. The Executive's employment under this Agreement may be
        ----------
terminated due to his Disability. "Disability" shall mean permanent and total
disability as defined by Massey personnel policy.

     C. Termination by Company for Cause. The Executive's employment hereunder
        --------------------------------
may be terminated for Cause by Parent or Massey. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Cause" means:

          (1) willful and persistent failure by the Executive to reasonably
perform his duties:

          (2) conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude which
materially affects the Executive's ability to perform his duties hereunder or
materially adversely affects the Executive's, the Parent's or Massey's
reputation or conviction of a felony;

          (3) material dishonesty, defalcation, or embezzlement or
misappropriation of corporate assets or opportunities; or

          (4) any material default by the Executive in the performance of any
covenants or agreements of the Executive set forth in this Agreement.

     Any termination of the Executive's employment for Cause under this Section
5(C) shall be authorized by the Parent's Board of Directors (the "Board"). The
Executive shall be given notice by the Board specifying in detail the particular
act or failure to act on which the Board is relying in proposing to terminate
him for Cause and offering the Executive an opportunity, on a date at least 1
day after the receipt of such notice, to have a hearing, with counsel, before
the Board.

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     SECTION 6.  Change of Control.
                 -----------------

     A. Upon the Executive's termination of employment for any reason
(including, by way of example and not of limitation, the Executive's death or
permanent and total disability as defined by Massey personnel policy), within
two years following a Change of Control, as defined below, any restrictions on
any stock option, restricted stock, stock appreciation right, Unit or other
equity-based incentive provided under the PIP, ESP, the SAR Plan, the Shadow
Plan or any other plan of Parent (a "Stock Plan") shall lapse immediately.

     B. Upon the Executive's termination of employment for any reason
(including, by way of example and not of limitation, the Executive's death or
disability as defined by Massey personnel policy), within two years following a
Change of Control, as defined below, the Executive's account in the Massey
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan shall be credited with any credits
accelerated in accordance with Section 4(G) and the Executive shall be vested in
his rights under the split dollar life insurance policies or program in
accordance with Section 4(H).

     C. A Change of Control shall have the meaning set forth in the PIP as of
the Effective Date, or any definition that is more favorable to the Executive
that is set forth in any subsequent Stock Plan or that is approved by the Board
for the benefit of Massey's senior executives.

     SECTION 7.  Payments Upon Termination.
                 -------------------------

     A. Upon termination of the Executive's employment for any reason prior to
the expiration of the Primary Term, Parent and/or Massey shall be obligated to
pay, and the Executive shall be entitled to receive:

          (1) all accrued and unpaid Base Salary under Section 4(A) to the date
of termination;

          (2) any unpaid bonus under Section 4(B) or long-term incentive award
under Section 4(C) for the fiscal year or performance cycle ending prior to the
date of termination; provided that if such termination occurs after October 31
of a calendar year, such unpaid bonus or long-term incentive award shall accrue
as of October 31;

          (3) any benefits to which he is entitled under the terms of the Massey
Executive Deferred Compensation Program, the Long Term Incentive Program, and
any other applicable employee pension or benefit plan or program, or applicable
law.

     B. Upon termination of the Executive's employment by Parent or Massey
without Cause pursuant to Section 5(C), Parent and/or Massey shall be obligated
to pay and the Executive shall be entitled to receive:

          (1) all of the amounts and benefits described in Section 7(A);

          (2) Base Salary under Section 4(A) for the remainder of the Primary
Term, as if there had been no termination;

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<PAGE>

               (3) annual bonuses under Section 4(B)for the remainder of the
Primary Term equal to the target bonus for each such fiscal year, such bonuses
to be paid at the same time annual bonuses are regularly paid by Massey to him;

               (4) accelerated vesting of Units of shadow stock and
corresponding credits to the Executive's account under the Massey Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with Section 4(D);

               (5) accelerated vesting of SARs and corresponding credits to the
Executive's account under the Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in
accordance with Section 4(E);

               (6) accelerated vesting of the Executive's interest in the
Retention Stock Account in accordance with Section 4(F);

               (7) accelerated credits to the Executive's account under the
Massey Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with Section 4(G) and
accelerated vesting of such amounts;

               (8) accelerated vesting of the Executive's rights under the split
dollar life insurance policy in accordance with Section 4(H).

          C. Upon termination of the Executive's employment on account of the
Executive's death or permanent and total disability as defined by Massey
personnel policy, Parent and/or Massey shall be obligated to pay, and the
Executive shall be entitled to receive:

               (1) all of the amounts and benefits described in Section 7(A);

               (2) accelerated vesting of a pro rata interest in the Retention
Stock Account in accordance with Section 4(F);

               (3) accelerated credits to the Executive's account in the Massey
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with Section 4(G) and
accelerated vesting of such amounts;

               (4) accelerated vesting of the Executive's rights under the split
dollar life insurance policy in accordance with Section 4(H).

          D. In the event of any termination of employment under this Section 7,
the Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment, and there
shall be no offset against amounts due the Executive under this Agreement on
account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that he
may obtain.

          SECTION 8. Amendment; Waiver. The terms and provisions of this
                     -----------------
Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written instrument executed by
each of the parties hereto, and compliance with the terms and provisions hereof
may be waived only by a written instrument executed by each Party entitled to
the benefits thereof. No failure or delay on the part of any

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<PAGE>

party in exercising any right, power or privilege granted hereunder shall
constitute a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other right, power or privilege granted hereunder.

          SECTION 9. Entire Agreement. Except as contemplated herein, this
                     ----------------
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior written or oral
agreements, arrangements of understandings between Parent, Massey and the
Executive with respect thereto; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not
affect or impair in any way the rights and obligations of Parent and Executive
under the Special Successor Development and Retention Program established in
August, 1998.

          SECTION 10. Notices. All notices or communications hereunder shall be
                      -------
in writing, addressed as follows or to any address subsequently provided to the
other party:

          To Parent:
          Massey Energy Company
          Attention:  Chief Legal Officer
          4 North 4/th/ Street
          Richmond, VA 23219

          To Massey:

          A. T. Massey Coal Company, Inc.
          Attention:  Chief Legal Officer
          4 North 4/th/ Street
          Richmond, VA  23219

          To the Executive:

          Don Blankenship
          P.O. Box 895
          Matewan, WV  25678

          All such notices shall be conclusively deemed to be received and shall
be effective, (i) if sent by hand delivery or overnight courier, upon receipt,
(ii) if sent by telecopy or facsimile transmission, upon confirmation of receipt
by the sender of such transmission or (iii) if sent by registered or certified
mail, on the fifth day after the day on which such notice is mailed.

          SECTION 11. Severability. In the event that any term or provision of
                      ------------
this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall
not be in any way affected or impaired thereby, and this Agreement shall be
construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been
contained therein.

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<PAGE>

          SECTION 12. Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be
                      --------------------------
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and assigns (it being understood and agreed that, except as expressly
provided herein, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to confer upon
any other person or entity any rights, benefits or remedies of any kind or
character whatsoever). No rights or obligations of Parent or Massey under this
Agreement may be assigned or transferred by Parent or Massey except that such
rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred pursuant to a merger or
consolidation in which Parent or Massey is not the continuing entity, or the
sale or liquidation as described of all or substantially all of the assets of
Parent or Massey, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor to
all or substantially all of the assets of Parent or Massey and such assignee or
transferee assumes the liabilities, obligations and duties of Parent or Massey,
as contained in this Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law.
Parent and Massey further agree that, in the event of a sale of assets or
liquidation as described in the preceding sentence, each shall take whatever
action it legally can in order to cause such assignee or transferee to expressly
assume the liabilities, obligations and duties of Parent or Massey hereunder. In
the event of the sale, liquidation, consolidation, or merger of Massey or
substantially all the assets of Massey in which Parent does not retain an
ownership interest of more than 50%, Parent agrees to guarantee payment to
Executive of all amounts due under this or related agreements referenced herein.

          SECTION 13. Governing Law; Dispute Resolution. This Agreement shall be
                      ---------------------------------
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Virginia (except that no effect shall be given to any conflicts of law
principles thereof that would require the application of the laws of another
jurisdiction). Any dispute or misunderstanding arising out of or in connection
with this Agreement shall first be settled, if possible, by the parties
themselves through negotiation and, failing success at negotiation through
mediation, and failing success at mediation, shall be arbitrated at Richmond,
Virginia. Unless otherwise agreed upon by Massey and the Executive, the
arbitration shall be had before three arbitrators, each party designating an
arbitrator and the two designees naming a third arbitrator experienced in
employment related controversies. The procedure shall be in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the American Arbitration Association.

          SECTION 14. Headings. The headings of the sections contained in this
                      --------
Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect
the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

          SECTION 15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
                      ------------
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement
effective as of the date set forth above.

                                        MASSEY ENERGY COMPANY

                                        By: __________________________________

                                        A.T. MASSEY COAL COMPANY, INC.

                                        By: ___________________________________

                                        Executive:

                                        _______________________________________
                                        Donald L. Blankenship

                                       12<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.3

                   [LETTERHEAD OF OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION]

                           OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This agreement made effective September 1, 2001 by and between Optical Cable
Corporation, having a place of business at 5290 Concourse Drive, Roanoke,
Virginia (hereinafter referred to as "OCC"), and Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.,
(hereinafter referred to as "Wilkin").

WHEREAS, OCC desires to employ Wilkin and Wilkin desires to accept such
employment upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein
contained, OCC employs Wilkin and Wilkin accepts employment upon the following
terms and conditions:

1.   EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES: Wilkin is employed as Senior VP and Chief Financial
     Officer of OCC. Wilkin hereby agrees to abide by the terms and conditions
     of this Agreement. Wilkin shall report directly to the President and CEO.
     The authority, duties and responsibilities of Wilkin shall include those
     duties as may be assigned to Wilkin by the President and CEO from time to
     time. While employed hereunder, Wilkin shall devote reasonable time and
     attention during normal business hours to the affairs of OCC and use his
     best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently his duties and
     responsibilities.

2.   TERM AND RENEWAL: The term of this Agreement shall begin on September 1,
     2001 and shall terminate on August 31, 2003. At end of the initial term
     (and each renewal term, if any), this Agreement will automatically renew
     for an additional 2-year term unless one of the parties provides the other
     party with written notice indicating the intention not to renew this
     Agreement at least 6 months prior to the end of such term.

3.   COMPENSATION: For all services rendered by Wilkin, OCC shall pay Wilkin
     $120,000 annualsalary, payable in equal monthly installments on the first
     business day of each month during which Wilkin is employed, commencing on
     October 1, 2001.

     Plus, a monthly bonus equal to .0009 of the monthly sales which are
     adjusted for point of sale and payable on the 15/th/ of the following
     month.

     Plus, a lump sum year end bonus equal to the sum of the twelve fiscal year
     monthly bonuses, payable on or around January 15/th/ of the following year.

4.   STOCK OPTIONS: The terms and conditions of stock options granted to Wilkin
     are governed by the documents evidencing such options and are not intended
     to be addressed in this Agreement.

5.   TERMINATION: This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the earliest
     of any of the following events and no act, failure to act (except as
     otherwise provided in this Agreement), oral statement or representation of
     OCC or any of its directors, officers, agents or employees, whether
     contained in any employee handbook or otherwise, will be deemed a waiver by
     OCC of its rights hereunder unless expressly stated to the contrary:

     a.   expiration of the term (including renewals, if any);
<PAGE>

     b.   OCC's termination of Wilkin without Cause (as defined below), provided
          that OCC has given Wilkin 30-days prior written notice;

     c.   resignation by Wilkin other than for Good Reason (as defined below),
          provided that Wilkin has given OCC 30-days prior written notice;

     d.   death of Wilkin (effective on the last day of the month in which death
          occurs);

     e.   the inability of Wilkin to perform substantially all of his duties
          hereunder by reason of illness, physical, mental or emotional
          disability or other incapacity, which inability shall continue for
          more than four successive months or six months in the aggregate during
          any period of 12 consecutive months; provided that OCC has given
          Wilkin written notice at or before the end of such period Wilkin does
          not return to work on a full-time basis; or

     f.   OCC's termination of Wilkin for Cause, provided that OCC has given
          Wilkin written notice. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall
          mean:

           i.   Wilkin's material breach of this Agreement, which breach is not
                cured within 30 days of receipt by Wilkin of notice from OCC
                specifying the breach; orii. Wilkin's gross negligence in the
                performance of his material duties hereunder, intentional
                nonperformance or misperformance of such duties, or refusal to
                abide by or comply with the directives of the Board, his
                superior officers, or the OCC's policies and procedures
                (including nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which
                actions continue for a period of at least 30 days after receipt
                by Wilkin of written notice of the need to cure or cease; or

           ii.  Wilkin's willful dishonesty, fraud, or misconduct with respect
                to the business or affairs of OCC, that in the reasonable
                judgment of the Board of Directors materially and adversely
                affects the operations or reputation of OCC; or

           iii. Wilkin's conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral
                turpitude (whether or not in connection with his employment); or

           iv.  failure of Wilkin to pass any drug or alcohol test administered
                in accordance with OCC's substance abuse policies.

     g.   resignation by Wilkin for Good Reason with 3D-days prior written
          notice. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:

           i.   a change in reporting relationships such that Wilkin no longer
                directly reports to the President and CEO of OCC; or

           ii.  a material diminution in the nature or scope of Wilkin's powers,
                duties or responsibilities to a level below that which would
                ordinarily be assigned to an executive officer serving as Senior
                Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, without Wilkin's
                prior written consent; or

           iii. failure by OCC to provide Wilkin with the compensation and
                benefits in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; or

           iv.  relocation of OCC's principal executive offices to a location
                outside a thirty (30) mile radius of Roanoke, VA; or
<PAGE>

          v.    willful dishonesty, fraud, or misconduct with respect to the
                business or affairs of OCC by the Board of Directors or Wilkin's
                superior officers, that in the reasonable judgment of Wilkin
                materially and adversely affect the operations or reputation of
                OCC.

6.   EFFECT OF TERMINATION: Except as expressly set forth below, OCC shall have
     no further obligations to Wilkin under this Agreement after the termination
     of his employment hereunder:

     a.   Termination For Cause. If Wilkin is terminated for Cause by OCC, as
          defined in Section 5(f) above, OCC shall pay to Wilkin his salary and
          pro rata bonuses earned through the date of termination.

     b.   Resignation by Wilkin without Good Reason. If this Agreement is
          terminated by the resignation of Wilkin without Good Reason, OCC shall
          pay to Wilkin his salary and pro rata bonuses earned through the date
          of termination.

     c.   Termination without Cause, upon Death or Disability, or Resignation
          for Good Reason. If this Agreement is terminated for any of the
          reasons stated in Sections 5(b), (d),(e) or (g), OCC shall pay to
          Wilkin his salary and pro rata bonuses earned through the date
          of termination, as well as a severance payment equal to six (6) months
          salary (including bonuses), less applicable withholdings, payable in
          the same manner as during Wildin's employment.

7.   RELOCATION: Upon accepting employment with OCC, Wilkin will be paid a one-
     time relocation bonus of $15,000.00.

8.   PATENT RIGHTS: Wilkin's interest in any and all inventions or improvements
     made or conceived by him, or which he may make or conceive at any time
     after the commencement of and until the termination of his employment with
     OCC, either individually or jointly with others, which relate to the
     business conducted by or planned to be conducted by OCC as reasonably
     determined by OCC, shall be the exclusive property of OCC, its successors,
     assignees or nominees. He will make full and prompt disclosure in writing
     to an officer or official of OCC, or to anyone designated for that purpose
     by OCC, of all inventions or improvements made or conceived by him during
     the term of his employment. At the request and expense of OCC, and without
     further compensation to him, Wilkin will for all inventions or improvements
     which may be patentable, do all lawful acts and execute and acknowledge any
     and all letters and/or patents in the United States of America and foreign
     countries for any of such inventions and improvements, and for vesting in
     OCC the entire right, title and interest thereto. As used in this
     Agreement, "inventions or improvements" means discoveries, concepts, and
     ideas, whether patentable or not, relating to any present or prospective
     activities of OCC, including, but not limited to, devices, processes,
     methods, formulae, techniques, and any improvements to the foregoing.

9.   CONFIDENTIALLY; DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION: Since the work for which Wilkin
     is employed and upon which he shall be engaged, will include trade secrets
     and confidential information of OCC or its customers, Wilkin receive such
     trade secrets and confidential information in confidence and shall not,
     except as required in the conduct of OCC's business, publish or disclose,
     or make use of or authorize anyone else to publish, disclose, or make use
     of any such secrets or information unless and until such secrets or
     information shall have ceased to be secret or confidential as evidenced by
     public knowledge. This prohibition as to publication and disclosures shall
     not restrict him in the exercise of his technical skill, provided that the
     exercise of such skill does not involve the disclosure to others not
     authorized to receive trade secret or confidential information of OCC or
     its customers. As used in this Agreement, "trade secrets and confidential
     information" includes any formula, pattern device or compilation of
     information used in the business of OCC or its customers for which OCC
     derives independent economic value by
<PAGE>

     affording OCC opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not
     know or use such information; the term includes, but is not limited to,
     devices and processes, whether patentable or not, compilations of
     information such as customer lists, business and marketing plans, and
     pricing information where certain of the information involved is generally
     known or available but where the compilation, organization or use of the
     information is not generally known and is of significance to the business
     of OCC or its customers. The provisions of this paragraph (nine) 9 shall
     apply throughout the period of Wilkin's employment with OCC, and
     thereafter.

10.  NON-COMPETE: Wilkin covenants and agrees that during the term of his
     employment with OCC (as employee, consultant or otherwise) and for the
     twelve (12) consecutive months immediately following termination of that
     employment by either party for any reason he will not directly or
     indirectly own or have an ownership interest in, render services similar to
     those he is providing hereunder to, or work in the same or similar capacity
     in which he is employed hereunder for any business which competes with OCC
     or is engaged in the same or similar business conducted by OCC during the
     period of Wilkin's employment with OCC; nor will he call on, solicit or
     deal with any customers or prospective customer of OCC learned about or
     developed during Wilkin's employment with OCC for twelve (12) consecutive
     months immediately following termination of that employment by either party
     for any reason. This Agreement shall apply to Wilkin as an individual for
     his own account, as a partner or joint venturer, as an employee, agent
     salesman or consultant for any person or entity, as an officer, director or
     shareholder.

11.  RETURN OF OCC PROPERTY: Immediately upon the termination of his employment
     with OCC, Wilkin will turn over to OCC all keys, passwords, computers,
     notes, memoranda, notebooks,drawings, records, documents, and all computer
     program source listings, object files, and executable images or other
     information or materials obtained from OCC or developed or modified by him
     as part of his work for OCC which are in his possession or under his
     control, whether prepared by him or others, relating to any work done for
     OCC or relating in any way to the business of OCC or its customers, it
     being acknowledged that all such items are the sole property of OCC.

12.  BENEFITS: Wilkin shall be entitled to such vacation and benefits of OCC as
     OCC may from time to time establish for employees of similar positions,
     responsibilities and seniority; provided that Wilkin will receive at least
     3 weeks vacation per year.

13.  BINDING ON OTHER PARTIES: This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
     the benefit of Wilkin, his heirs, executors and administrators, and shall
     be binding upon and inure to the benefit of OCC and its successors and
     assigns.

14.  ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES: This Agreement shall be enforced and construed in
     accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

     Each party acknowledges that in the event of a breach or threatened breach
     of the confidentiality or non-compete provisions set out in paragraphs 9
     and 10 of the Agreement, damages at law will be inadequate and injunctive
     relief is appropriate in addition to whatever damages may be recoverable.
     Wilkin agrees to pay the costs, including attorneys fees incurred by OCC in
     enforcing the provisions of paragraphs 9 and 10.

     Each and all of the several rights and remedies contained in or arising by
     reason of this Agreement shall be construed as cumulative and no one of
     them shall be exclusive of any other or of any right or priority allowed by
     law or equity.

15.  NOTICES: Any notice required or desired to be given under this Agreement
     shall be deemed given if in writing sent by U.S. Mail to his last known
     residence in the case of Wilkin or to its principal office in the case of
     OCC.
<PAGE>

16.  SEVERABILITY: It is understood and agreed that, should any portion of any
     clause or paragraph of this Agreement be deemed too broad to permit
     enforcement to its full extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to
     the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties hereby consent and
     agree that such scope may be modified accordingly in a proceeding brought
     to enforce such restriction. Further, it is agreed that, should any
     provision in the Agreement be entirely unenforceable, the remaining
     provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected.

17.  ASSIGNMENT: Wilkin may not transfer, pledge, encumber, assign, anticipate,
     or alienate all or any part of this Agreement.

18.  PRIOR AGREEMENT; MODIFICATION: No modifications or waiver of this
     Agreement, or of any provision thereof, shall be valid or binding, unless
     in writing and executed by both parties hereto. No waiver by either party
     of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed
     as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or any other term or
     provision.

WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
written above.

/s/ Neil D. Wilkin, Jr
------------------------
Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.

Optical Cable Corporation

By:  /s/ Robert Kopstein
     ---------------------------
     Robert Kopstein
     President and Chief Executive Officer

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