Cusack to chair Brockman

Former Rio Tinto managing director Barry Cusack has been appointed as non-executive chairman of iron ore company Brockman Resources.

In a statement Brockman said Mr Cusack is one of Australia's most accomplished mining executives, with over 40 years of experience in the minerals industry including a lengthy and distinguished career spanning several decades with Rio Tinto group.

The company's founding chairman Ross Norgard will assume the role of deputy chairman in an expanded board structure.

The board already includes former senior BHP Iron Ore executive Wayne Richards, as well as Colin Paterson, David Nixon and Ross Ashton.

"Barry joins Brockman at a critical time in our Company's evolution as we move into the development and financing phase of our flagship assets, the Marilana iron ore project," said Mr Norgard.

"His experience in the Australian iron ore sector, including in the funding, development and operation of major projects, will be invaluable to Brockman as we move to the next level of our corporate development," he said.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Cusack said, "I am delighted to join the highly regarded board of Brockman and its professional management team as it moves forward towards establishing its first mine at Marilana."

The Marilana Project is scheduled to commence production in 2013 at a nominal rate of 17-20 million tonnes per annum.