JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Australia-based diversified miner BHP Billiton has appointed Chris Campbell as president of its iron-ore division, succeeding Ian Ashby, who would become CEO of the Western Australian iron-ore production joint venture (JV) with Rio Tinto.

In his new role, Campbell would have overall responsibility for the BHP’s global iron-ore operations.

BHP said in a statement on Monday that Campbell’s appointment was expected to become effective as Ashby's workload in the JV increases, which would occur progressively over the coming months.

BHP said that once the Rio Tinto JV takes effect, the remaining iron-ore business under Campbell's leadership would include: the Samarco iron-ore operations in Brazil; the Nimba and the proposed Arcelor-Mittal JV in West Africa; iron-ore growth opportunities outside Western Australia; and the marketing of BHP Billiton's share of the Western Australia production JV with Rio Tinto.

Campbell has been with the BHP Billiton group for 20 years. During this time, he has had various Australian and overseas roles in marketing, business development and project management.

Since June 2009, Campbell has been leading the BHP Billiton project office for the Western Australia iron-ore production JV with Rio Tinto, with responsibility for coordinating the delivery of the JV and preparing for the integration of the businesses for BHP Billiton.

Last week, Rio Tinto announced the appointment of Ian Bauert as MD for its Chinese operations, in an effort to strengthen ties with that country, which is the bigger buyer of Australian iron-ore.

Rio Tinto’s relationship with China came under strain last year, as its lead iron-ore negotiator, Stern Hu, and three other staff members from its Chinese offices were arrested. The four staff members remain in custody on allegations of obtaining Chinese steel industry commercial secrets, and on allegations of commercial bribery.

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