The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has appointed Simon Bennison as chief executive, taking over from Justin Walawski.
Mr Bennison's earlier career in the mining industry involved environmental management in open pit and underground mining operations prior to him moving into both state and federal based policy development and lobbying roles on behalf of the Australian aquaculture industry.
Most recently Mr Bennison was employed by the National Aquaculture Council as Chief Executive Officer and based in Canberra.
"The appointment of Simon to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Australia's peak industry body for junior and mid-size mineral exploration and mining companies comes at time that presents both opportunity and challenge for the minerals exploration sector," AMEC President Ian Walker said.
"The recent change of government in Western Australia has seen a welcome return of focus to facilitating minerals development in the State, particularly the attention directed to the development approvals process, and the recent decision to lift the ban on uranium mining in the State.
With Simon's track record on policy development, stakeholder communications and industry sponsorship AMEC is well positioned to continue its long history of representing the minerals exploration industry at all levels of government, both at a State and Federal level."
