Rio Tinto reshuffles organisational structure with iron chief axed

This structure will include four product groups: aluminium; copper and diamonds; energy and minerals; and iron ore.

These asset-focused groups will work alongside a new 'growth and innovation" group focused on "future assets and technical support".

Jacques said: "Our strategy, commitment to balance sheet strength and focus on shareholder returns will not change; but we are strengthening our structure and delivery by placing our assets at the heart of the business to drive improved performance."

With Andrew Harding leaving the iron ore business with effect from 1 July, current interim copper boss Chris Salisbury will take over and be based in Perth where all the group's operations are located.

Canada-based Alfredo Barrios will remain in charge of the aluminium unit.

The newly merged Copper & Diamonds unit will combine two businesses to help maximise technical underground mining expertise, with current aluminium chief Arnaud Soirat taking moving over with a London base.

The formation of the Energy & Minerals segment brings together the group's coal, uranium, salt, borates and titanium dioxide businesses, as well as the Iron Ore Company of Canada, all under the aegis of Alan Davies, currently Diamonds & Minerals chief executive, in London.

Jacques said Growth & Innovation "will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for the end-to-end delivery and management of growth from exploration to projects", with Stephen McIntosh, currently acting technology head, taking control from a Brisbane base.