Rio Tinto announced Wednesday it has appointed James “Joc” O’Rourke as a non-executive director, effective immediately. O’Rourke, a dual Canadian-Australian national, will stand for election at the annual general meetings of the company in 2024.
O’Rourke has more than 25 years’ experience across the mining and minerals industry. He has been the chief executive officer of the Mosaic Company, an integrated producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, since 2015. He also served as president of Mosaic until recently, and previously held roles including executive vice president of operations and chief operating officer.
Before joining Mosaic, O’Rourke was president of Australia Pacific for Barrick Gold, where he led 10 gold and copper mines in Australia and Papua New Guinea. He currently serves as an independent non-executive director of the Toro Company (NYSE) and the Weyerhauser Company (NYSE).
“It is my pleasure to welcome Joc to the Rio Tinto board. He is widely respected for his deep knowledge of the mining industry and passion for improving safety and operational performance, Rio Tinto chairman Dominic Barton said in a statement.
“I look forward to the valuable contribution Joc will make as we shape an even stronger Rio Tinto for the future.”