David Smith appointed to Macmahon board

Macmahon Holdings has appointed former Rio Tinto executive David Smith to its board as non-executive director, effective immediately.

Dr Smith's most recent role, as part of his 30 years with the mining gaint, was as president of Rio Tinto Atlantic covered the Simondou Project in Guinea, West Africa.

He has served as president of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (2005 to 2008) and as chairman of the National Skills Shortages Strategy working group (2006).

Full announcement below:

Dr David Smith appointed to the Board of Macmahon Holdings Limited

Macmahon Holdings Limited (ASX:MAH) announced today that Dr David Smith has been appointed to the Board as a non-executive Director, effective from 1 April 2010.

Dr Smith has more than 30 years' experience within Rio Tinto, at both operational and senior management levels. His most recent role as President of Rio Tinto Atlantic covered the Simondou Project in Guinea, West Africa.

Prior to this, he was Managing Director of Rio Tinto's Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia, comprising the Hamersley Iron and Robe River Mining businesses.

Prior to his appointment at Rio Tinto's iron ore operations, Dr Smith was the Chief Executive Officer of RÖssing Uranium Limited in Namibia.

Dr Smith is now retired from Rio Tinto and currently sits on the Boards of both Bannerman Resources Limited and Atlas Iron Limited.

Macmahon Chairman, Mr Ken Scott-Mackenzie, said Dr Smith's operational, technical and senior management experience will make him a valuable addition to the Macmahon Board.

"Dr Smith has worked at the executive level across a number of Rio Tinto operations and his knowledge and expertise will further strengthen the calibre of the Board.

"Furthermore, Dr Smith's experience in international markets will make him an asset to the Company as it continues to focus on growing its overseas presence.

"On behalf of the Directors, I would like to welcome Dr Smith to the Board and we look forward to working with him going forward," Mr Scott-Mackenzie said.

Dr Smith has served as President of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (2005 to 2008) and as Chairman of the Board of the National Skills Shortages Strategy working group (2006).

He holds a PhD in Metallurgy and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Metallurgy, both from the University of New South Wales, Australia.