Minara appoints Peter Coates

Perth based nickel producer, Minara Resources, has appointed current chair of nickel group Xstrata Australia, Peter Coates, as its new chairman.

Mr Coates, who also sits on the board of Santos, has more than 40 years experience in the resource industry and will remain as a non executive chairman of Xstrata Australia.

Minara is Australia's second largest nickel producer.

Xstrata recently acquired Perth-based nickel miner Jubilee Mines NL after launching a $3.1 billion bid last year, which sparked speculation another nickel outfit could be on the takeover cards.