Chamber of Minerals & Energy president David Smith has resigned from the role after taking a new position with Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Africa.
Chamber of Minerals & Energy president David Smith has resigned from the role after taking a new position with Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Africa.
Dr Smith has been appointed managing director and president, Simandou, heading Rio's planned development of a major new iron ore project in the west African nation of Guinea.
Greg Lilleyman has been promoted to fill Dr Smith's former role as managing director, Pilbara Mine Operations.
A Chamber statement is pasted below:
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) advises that CME President, Dr David Smith has resigned from the CME Presidency following his assignment to a new role within Rio Tinto.
Dr Smith is currently Managing Director of Pilbara Iron and was elected CME President in May 2006.
CME Chief Executive, Reg Howard Smith recognised the important role of Dr Smith during his time as CME President, highlighting that his leadership of CME has coincided with the most exciting period of resources development in the State's history.
Dr Smith said a global adjustment is occurring that is creating a strong demand for mineral and energy resources and this demand will remain strong for some time.
"Western Australia and, for that matter, the rest of the nation, can prosper in these circumstances but we have to understand what it means," Dr Smith said.
"It will change the regions and the city of Perth. Things like infrastructure, land, housing, communities and population flows will all be affected. There is a great opportunity to create vibrancy and very positive outcomes. But it will take vision and planning. This has been lacking to date, but there are some positive signs of late that this is changing."
Dr Smith believes CME, representing the State's resources sector, can play a key role in informing the essential strategic planning required. He cited the Pilbara Region as a prime example of industry, governments and communities coming together to forge community and infrastructure plans for the future.
"Things like health, education and indigenous employment are being tackled with more gusto now," Dr Smith said.
