According to information received by ILN, general manager of technical services and operational excellence at Vale global coal, Bob Gallagher, recently left to work for Macarthur Coal.
Vale’s mine engineering manager Martin Watkinson left for a Queensland-based role with India’s Adani Mining, while market and planning analyst Adam Cutting left to work for Anglo American Metallurgical Coal, according to the same sources.
ILN is seeking confirmation from Macarthur, Adani and AAMC.
A Vale spokesman could not confirm these workforce movements.
“Out of respect for the privacy of our employees, we are unable to provide you with information regarding the employment status of the individuals which you have sought,” the spokesman told ILN.
But he did provide an update on two new key appointments at Vale Australia.
Andrew Betts has landed the role of general manager of asset management for Australian coal.
He was previously a maintenance manager at BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s Blackwater mine and before that worked in this role for Rio Tinto’s Blair Athol mine.
“Andrew has worked in the mining industry for more than 25 years in both open cut and underground coal operations in a wide variety of roles including trade, planning, leadership and statutory engineering functions,” the Vale spokesman said.
“He also has experience working for original equipment manufacturers and as principal with small business in project management and engineering consultancy.”
Gary Maher was appointed to head up Vale Australia’s Health, Safety, Environment and Risk areas.
Maher previously served as Queensland Rail’s general manager of network safety.
He has also worked as the health and safety executive for EDI Mining’s eastern region.
“Gary has worked in various HSE positions in mining, civil constructing and engineering industries,” the spokesman said.
Both Betts and Maher will work under Vale Australia director of operations for coal Steve Badenhorst.
The spokesman also commented on Vale’s recruitment efforts during the ongoing skills crisis.
“Vale has a growing workforce of 1400 people in Australia and these two key appointments join 150 new employees hired in the first four months of 2011. As with any organisation of Vale’s size, in the context of a volatile skills demand, some staff movement is inevitable,” he said.
“Vale believes that our employees are our greatest asset and we place a high priority on developing and retaining qualified professionals.
“Vale recognises and empowers its staff, offering attractive career development opportunities and competitive benefits with a focus on a respectful and safe workplace.”
