Brad Peterson will assume the role of acting general manager of the Shanxi Asian American-Daning Energy Company (SAADEC) joint venture as Hite makes the transition into his new role with AACI.

Hite joined AACI in 2001 as vice president and general manager of SAADEC, a JV between AACI and several Chinese parties. SAADEC is undertaking the exploration and development of PCI, industrial and thermal coals, located in southern Shanxi Province, with a planned production capacity of 4 million tonnes per year.

Hite has been involved in the JV from the start of the development of the Daning mine in 2001. Previously, Hite had more than 25 years experience in operations and management of a number of US-based coal mining operations.

SAADEC, in which AACI owns 56%, was the first modern day Sino-foreign JV in the coal mining industry under Western management and operatorship.

“Ron Hite’s proven leadership and experience in China’s challenging business environment will be a crucial addition to AACI’s senior management as we grow our operations in China,” said chief executive Gary F Ladd.

AACI was formed in 1999 by a consortium of international financial and industry investors to tap the growing opportunity in China’s coal industry by bringing international capital as well as advanced management, technology, environmental and safety standards to China.

Hite’s successor Peterson has extensive experience managing large-scale coal production facilities in the US, with more than 25 years experience there. Peterson has acted as director of operations, safety manager, and manager of continuous miner operations of SAADEC at various times since 2002.

“Brad Peterson is a very knowledgeable manager, and has the capability to assist SAADEC in realising its potential as an underground coal mine,” said Ladd.