Goodman applied his geological training and business acumen to help build several successful mining companies, notably International Corona and Kinross Gold.
“The process of publicly airing these matters has built trust and accelerated the momentum for change,” said Kellie Parker, Rio Tinto's chief executive for Australia.
The miner is preparing for two rounds of layoffs to take effect on Sept. 25 and Oct. 11, if it doesn't obtain a permit to continue extracting 6 million tonnes of iron ore a year.