OPR strengthens capacity of iron ore supply chain

Jim Netterfield and Alwyn Vorster have been appointed Operations Director and Director - Supply Chain respectively.
Chief Executive Christopher Eves said Mr Netterfield and Mr Vorster brought a wealth of iron ore industry and logistics experience to OPR.
    “Jim and Alywn will play a vital role in bringing the mines into the development process, completing OPR's Bankable Feasibility Study and ultimately ensuring the efficient operation of one of the largest greenfields port and rail projects in the State's history,” he said.
    “This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the State and we need the strongest possible team to deliver and manage it. We now have two additional key members of that team.
    “The Oakajee port and rail project is about the mines as much as the infrastructure, and Jim and Alwyn will provide critical support to mine and logistics planning to bring these two key elements together and move the project forward.”
    Fifty per cent owner of OPR, iron ore player Murchison Metals said the appointments represented a major boost for the mid-west iron ore industry and would drive the delivery of an efficient bulk commodity supply chain for miners in the region.
    “Both new OPR executives have direct experience working with major iron ore companies such as BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Rio Tinto,” said Murchison’s Executive Chairman, Paul Kopejtka.
    “Their combined experience includes direct responsibility for ensuring optimal throughput across large scale infrastructure services, managing port and rail operations, negotiating favourable commercial outcomes for miners and marketing iron ore in the Asian region.
Mr Netterfield has extensive experience in port and rail operations gained in his previous roles as Manager Port Operations and Vice President Rail and Ports with BHP Billiton, and Manager Operations, Dampier at Rio Tinto.
    In both roles, he oversaw increases in throughput and efficiencies across complex logistics chains, through a cooperative and robust approach to mine and infrastructure integration.
    Mr Vorster has a proven track record in the development and implementation of strategic plans in revenue, volume optimisation and yield management across both port and rail, underpinned by the co-ordination of mines, operators, infrastructure owners and the steel mills.
His previous roles included Regional Marketing Manager at Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Manager of Marketing and Sales at Kumba Coal in South Africa.
    “The logistics task of the Oakajee deepwater port and associated rail network is a highly complex one involving a number of producers and large scale operations,” said Mr Eves.
    “The technical skill of both Jim and Alwyn, combined with their commercial experience, stand OPR in good stead to work with regional miners to deliver those mines optimal operational efficiencies.
    “Coordinated supply chain management is a key principle of the Oakajee infrastructure project and I believe that these appointments will deliver that.”
Mr Vorster joins OPR on July 13 and Mr Netterfield on August 3, 2009.