In a move announced yesterday, Xstrata Coal director of operations Peter Freyberg will succeed Coates after he stands down on January 1.

Coates will assume his new chairman position from April 1 and will provide, on a consultative basis, support to Xstrata Australia.

Xstrata CEO Mick Davis congratulated Freyberg on his appointment to the role and thanked Coates for his influence over the company during the past five years.

“Peter Coates has played an important and decisive role in shaping Xstrata since its creation in 2002 and leaves an impressive legacy at Xstrata Coal, having built the premier thermal coal business in the industry today.

“Peter’s long and distinguished career in the mining industry includes senior positions across a number of commodities and at the forefront of industry initiatives including as chairman of the Minerals Council of Australia and more recently as a member of the Australian Prime Minister’s Emissions Trading Taskforce.

“I am delighted that Xstrata will continue to benefit from Peter’s considerable industry expertise and strong external relationships through his role as chairman, Xstrata Australia.

“I also congratulate Peter Freyberg on his appointment as chief executive, Xstrata Coal. Peter brings with him over 28 years of international coal mining industry experience and has played a pivotal role in the success of Xstrata Coal, working closely with Peter Coates.

“I have every confidence that under his leadership, Xstrata Coal will continue to grow and deliver outstanding operational performance.”

Freyberg, 48, is currently Xstrata Coal’s director of operations and oversees the Company’s South African and Australian operating divisions.

Beginning his career as a trainee official with Anglo American in South Africa in 1978 and completing his B.Sc. Mining Engineering degree in 1983, Peter gained his experience working in both underground and open pit coal operations in a variety of roles, including operations management and technical support.

After leaving Anglo American in 1991, Peter embarked on an international career, including working with Kaltim Prima Coal in Indonesia; Hamersley Iron in Perth, Copelmi Mineração in Brazil; and Carbones del Cerrejón in Colombia.

He joined Glencore following the acquisition of the Duiker assets in South Africa and was subsequently appointed chief operating officer for Xstrata Coal South Africa after Xstrata’s purchase of the Glencore assets in 2002.

Peter became the director of operations for Xstrata Coal in April 2006 and is based in Sydney.