Craig, who is due to retire from his position at Peabody at the end of February, joins the skills centre after more than 30 years experience in both the Australian and international resources sector.

From beginning his career as a mining engineer, Craig is currently responsible for the overall management, direction and coordination of Peabody’s Australian operations.

MISC chief operating officer Derek Hunter said the team was excited at the skills and experience Craig would bring to the chairman position.

“Ian’s extensive experience in the resources sector will enable him to pass on his knowledge of the industry and assist our organisation to reach its goal of becoming the voice of industry," Hunter said.

Craig said he would be joining MISC at an exciting time with "a number of projects underway that will assist in addressing the skilling challenges currently facing the industry".

MISC is a not-for-profit organisation, formed as a collaborative venture between the mining industry and the Queensland Government, to establish a centre of excellence for the development and implementation of training initiatives in the mining industry.