Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF) has appointed Katie Jackson, a former Shell (LON:RDSa) executive as its new head of copper.
Currently the president of UK-based energy infrastructure firm National Grid (LON:NG) Ventures, Jackson will join Rio Tinto from the start of September taking over from Bold Baatar, who has been promoted to chief commercial officer.
Jackson previously headed acquisitions, divestment and new business development at Shell before moving to Anadarko.
As the head of its copper operations, Rio said Jackson will oversee the underground development of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, one of the world's largest deposits of the metal.
Yesterday, Rio announced it had received the go-ahead for the Simandou high-grade iron ore deposit in Guinea, the world’s largest mining project, after thirty years of trying.
Simandou will add around 5% to global iron ore supply when it comes online.