Matthew Holcz has been appointed Managing Director of Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Division. This appointment comes as the group prepares for the Simandou project in Guinea to begin production, scheduled for the end of 2025.

Before assuming this strategic position, the Australian expert led Pilbara Mines, the entity that brings together Rio Tinto’s 18 iron ore mines in the Pilbara region. This recognized experience gives the new leader a solid understanding of mining operations and international safety and performance standards.

From now on, the manager will lead a unified portfolio comprising iron ore operations located in Australia, Canada, and Guinea. The company’s press release emphasizes that this organization will combine existing performance with Simandou’s potential, leveraging best practices and cutting-edge technologies.

With this appointment, the company confirms its ambition to make Simandou a growth engine, capable of producing up to 120 million tonnes of iron ore per year and to strengthen its role as a global leader in the sector.