Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) has appointed Darren Killeen as its chief operating officer (COO), forming part of its leadership succession process and centralising the company’s leadership structure.
The appointment is effective immediately. Killeen has been with the miner for 17 years, holding experience as chief executive, engineering and construction since 2023.
Killeen has delivered major projects such as the design, construction, and commissioning of the Onslow Iron mine in Western Australia, as well as other large-scale assets that underpin the company’s iron ore, lithium, and mining services portfolios.
“Darren is highly regarded and has built strong and longstanding relationships with our major clients and joint venture partners,” Ellison said.
“He brings a deep knowledge of our assets, people, and culture, and has a proven track record of turning strategy into reliable and disciplined capital execution, delivering projects on time, on budget, and with an unwavering commitment to safety.”
During this period, mining services was a key growth driver, with its 2025-2026 financial year production (FY26) volume guidance upgraded to 320-330 million tonnes (Mt) from 305-325Mt, reflecting sustained demand and contract renewals across haulage and crushing operations.
Its iron ore performance remained steady despite weather disruptions, with Onslow Iron producing 2.8Mt and shipping 7.2Mt in the third quarter FY26, on a 100 per cent basis.
This will be housed in a new entity, called LithCo, with the venture holding MinRes’ existing 50 per cent interests in the Wodgina and Mt Marion mines, two of Australia’s premier hard rock lithium assets.
With MinRes continuing to make progress on operational and leadership growth, its independent non-executive chair Mal Bundey congratulated Killeen on his appointment.