Gould previously announced that he would retire from the board following Rio’s annual general meeting in May.

Varley, the former chief executive of Barclays, has been on the Rio board since September last year and will remain as chairman of the remuneration committee.

Chairman Jan du Plessis will join the remuneration committee.

Newcrest Mining has appointed its new finance director and chief financial officer Gerard Bond as an executive director.

Former Moto Goldmines president and chief executive Klaus Eckhof has been appointed as the new managing director and CEO of Burey Gold.

Founding CEO Bruce Stainforth will retain the role as executive director in charge of exploration.

Singapore’s Noble Group has appointed former Goldman Sachs executive Yusuf Alireza as CEO, replacing Richard Elman who will continue as chairman.

John Ryan and Jason Brewer have been appointed as directors of Black Mountain Resources, replacing Stephen Anastos and David Morris.

Ryan will be an executive director and manage the company’s new US projects.

Hydrometallurgy company Intec has appointed its finance director and CFO Kieran Rodgers as MD, replacing long-time MD and CEO Philip Wood.

Hendra Surya has joined the board of Indo Mines as a representative of new shareholder Rajawali Group.

Todd Alder has been appointed as joint company secretary of Toro Energy.

Finally, Uranex has appointed Dr Sean Muller as exploration manager.