FORTESCUE Metals Group Ltd has appointed John Blanning as head of mining. Mr Blanning has worked in the mining industry for more than 20 years, with the past six years as general manager of BHP Billiton’s Saraji and Blackwater coal mines in Queensland. Mr Blanning will replace Fortescue’s existing head of mining, Jim Williams. FMG recently advised that it had awarded the locomotive supply contract to General Electric and another contract to McConnell Dowell for the design and construction of the marine structures including the jetty and wharf facilities at the company’s port site at Port Hedland. Last week, the company said there might be a possibility of construction on its Pilbara railway falling behind schedule due to delays in obtaining all regulatory approvals for its $3.7 billion Pilbara iron ore project.
