TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner Rio Tinto has begun a search for a new chairperson, after Paul Skinner indicated that he will step down after his current term ends in December next year.

Skinner will have served as chairperson of Rio Tinto's board for six years, and does not intend to stand for another term.

He was appointed to the position on November 1, 2003, after retiring as MD of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group on September 30 of the same year.

Rio Tinto is defending itself against a hostile takeover attempt by the world's biggest mining group, BHP Billiton.

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