Brazilian mining giant Vale has appointed a new boss for its coal division, to be based in Brisbane.

European steelmaker ArcelorMittal has pulled out of its joint deal to takeover Macarthur Coal with US-based Peabody Energy.

Australia's biggest iron ore miner Rio Tinto appears to have bowed to Chinese pressure after saying it is being forced to move to shorter-term pricing.

Explosives maker Orica has chosen former Newcrest Mining chief executive Ian Smith to succeed Graeme Liebelt as CEO.

Peabody Energy and ArcelorMittal look certain to take over Queensland miner Macarthur Coal after an about-face by China's CITIC

Rio Tinto is offering $A603 million for Canadian junior uranium explorer Hathor Exploration in an all cash deal.