Basto to run BHP’s Australian mines

Edgar Basto has been promoted to president of mining major BHP’s entire suite of Australian operations, including iron-ore, coal, nickel and copper, with effect from July 1.

The Colombia-born executive previously headed BHP’s Western Australia iron-ore business and is filling the position left vacant when Mike Henry became group CEO last year.

Basto, who has acted as Minerals Australia president since November, will be responsible for BHP’s iron-ore and nickel operations in Western Australia, metallurgical and energy coal in Queensland and New South Wales, and copper in South Australia.