FMG recruits Blanning to replace Williams as mining head

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd has appointed John Blanning as head of mining, replacing Jim Williams who is expected to retire in the new year.

Mr Blanning has worked in the mining industry for over 20 years with the last six years as General Manager of BHP Billiton's Saraji and Blackwater coal mines in Queensland.

An announcement from the company said Mr Blanning had a proven ability to improve key performance targets such as safety, productivity and environmental performance.

FMG executive director of operations Graeme Rowley said Mr Blanning's experience would be invaluable to the company as it moved from construction into production

"John will play a pivotal role within Fortescue's joint venture alliance with Roche Mining known as the Pilbara Mining Alliance, as he has a depth of expertise and bulk commodity knowledge that will enable the alliance group to optimise the planning and design of the Cloud Break and Christmas Creek operations," Mr Rowley said.

Mr Blanning is due to start at FMG on October 4.