“Having worked with Colin over the past six months left us with no doubt that he is the right person to fill the chairman’s role,” Hamblin said.

“We have seen the value that Colin brings to this organisation through his strong mining background, his industry network and his experience in having worked in large corporations and we look forward to having him as chairman of the Mastermyne board.”

Bloomfield’s resume included more than eight years as the president of BHP Billiton subsidiary Illawarra Coal plus almost nine years as a New South Wales Minerals Council director and a more than eight-year run as the chairman of the Port Kembla Coal Terminal.

Hamblin swapped roles with Bloomfield, consequently remaining on the board as a non-executive director.

Mastermyne has also appointed a new company secretary, Chris Kneipp, following the recent resignation of Bill Lyne.

“I thank Bill for his services as company secretary,” Hamblin said.

“He has held the role since the company listed and has been a valued member of the Mastermyne team.”