Reich's appointment follows the acquisition of Excel Mining Services by Minova parent company Orica last year.

Orica plans to merge Minova and Excel, under the Minova name.

“Our immediate challenge is the integration of Minova and Excel into a combined US business and then the integration of that business, along with the rest of Minova, into Orica," Reich said.

“We now have the complete product package for our customers, with Minova’s chemical resins and Excel’s bolt capacity.

“As global leader in rock bolting, we aim to roll out our products and technology worldwide.”

Arbuthnot will continue to act as an advisor to Reich throughout 2008.