A chief executive with more than 30 years experience in the coal and gold sectors, he takes over from Rio Tinto Coal Australia managing director Dr Grant Thorne.

Pegler said a key challenge for the minerals and energy resources sector was to turn a skills shortage into an opportunity for employment and careers for young people.

He said the Minerals and Energy Academy announced earlier in the week by Queensland premier Peter Beattie enabled a partnership between industry and government that would go a long way toward increasing the number of young people considering careers in the sector.

"This partnership is a vital ingredient in matching the twin goals of skills requirements and employment opportunities. We have a lot to offer in many different careers, but we must expose our youth to the choices available and provide clear educational and vocational pathways," Pegler said.

"This is just what this new academy, which will be centred on a number of hub schools throughout the State, will do."

QRC chief executive Susan Johnston said Pegler had been an active member of the QRC board and committees, particularly in the areas of safety, health, communications and education. S

he also paid tribute to Dr Thorne whose vision helped to revitalise the organisation over the past two years.