Australian mining and mining services company Mineral Resources (MinRes) has announced the appointment of Susan Ferrier and Colin Moorhead as independent nonexecutive directors, in line with a board renewal programme under chairperson Malcom Bundey aimed at enhancing independence, governance and technical oversight across the company.

The appointments, effective October 10, bring together experience spanning mining operations, governance, culture, and capital markets.

Bundey said on Friday that the additions reflected the company’s ongoing focus on strengthening capability and diversity at board level.

“The appointments of Susan Ferrier and Colin Moorhead mark another important step in strengthening the capability and diversity of our board as we position MinRes for its future,” Bundey said.

“Both bring outstanding track records, complementary expertise and a strong alignment with our values. Their experience will be instrumental as we focus on disciplined capital management, leadership succession and engaging with stakeholders to deliver sustainable value for shareholders.”

The board shakeup also sees nonexecutive director Zimi Meka preparing to retire from the board at the conclusion of the company’s AGM on November 20.

Ferrier, who will become chair of the remuneration and people committee and join the nomination committee, brings more than three decades of experience in global leadership, human resources, and cultural transformation. Between 2019 and 2023, she served as group executive for people and culture at National Australia Bank (NAB), where she led the transformation of the bank’s human resources function and oversaw enterprise-wide leadership and culture programmes.

Before that, she spent eight years in senior global roles with KPMG International, including as global head of people, global head of inclusion and diversity, and Australian managing partner for people and culture. Her earlier career included 15 years in the UK with HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and ING.

She currently serves as co-chair of Jawun, a non-profit supporting economic and social development in Indigenous communities, and sits on the boards of Airservices Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, chairing both their remuneration committees.

Bundey said Ferrier’s experience would be crucial as the company continued to refine its approach to leadership development, remuneration, and succession planning.

“Susan brings exceptional governance, people, culture and remuneration expertise, with a proven ability to guide organisations through complex change and cultural transformation,” he said. “She has successfully supported four CEO succession processes during her executive career, offering valuable insight and partnership to Chairs navigating leadership transitions.”

Moorhead, who will chair the technical committee and join the sustainability committee, adds more than 35 years of mining experience across exploration, development, and operations in gold, copper, mineral sands, and rare earths.

A geologist by training, Moorhead most recently served as executive chair and MD of Xanadu Mines, where he oversaw the successful sale of the copper/gold explorer earlier this year. Prior to that, he was CEO of PT Merdeka Copper Gold, leading the development of Indonesia’s Tujuh Bukit gold mine.

He also spent 28 years at Newcrest Mining, where he held senior roles in global exploration, resource governance, and operational leadership. He currently serves as a nonexecutive director at Ramelius Resources, Aeris Resources, and VHM, and is a former president of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

“It is a privilege to join MinRes at such a pivotal stage, particularly as the Mining Services division continues to grow alongside the transformational Onslow Iron project and high quality lithium assets,” Moorhead said.

Bundey said Moorhead’s operational depth and technical acumen would significantly strengthen the board’s oversight in critical areas.“Colin adds nearly four decades of mining industry experience spanning exploration, project development and operational leadership, including C-suite and CEO roles,” Bundey said. “He brings technical depth and operational insight that will significantly strengthen the board’s capability in these areas and will ensure MinRes continues to execute with excellence and deliver on its growth ambitions.”