Grant Thorne

Grant Thorne was appointed Rio Tinto "Group executive Technology and Innovation during 2007. After tertiary study in mineral processing and metallurgy at the University of Queensland, he joined the Group in 1975 and has held senior operational roles in base metals, aluminium and coal. He was Vice-president of Research and Technology for Comalco from 1994 to 1995. His service has included appointments in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the UK. Prior to his current appointment, he was Managing Director of Rio Tinto's coal business in Australia. Grant is a Fellow and Chartered Professional (Management) of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy."

• Member of the Coal Industry Advisory Board to the International Energy Agency from 2002 to 2006
• Managing Director of Coal and Allied Industries from 2004 to 2006
• President of the Queensland Resources Council from 2002 to 2004