Bastos had more than five years of experience with BHP, including more than two years as president of BMA and almost two years as president and chief operating officer of BHP’s Nickel West business.

A Brazilian mechanical engineer with more than 25 years of mining industry experience, along with international business training from Columbia Business School, the reasons behind his recent resignation are unclear.

A spokesperson confirmed that Bastos has completely left BHP’s organisation.

He was replaced by BHP Mitsui Coal asset president Stephen Dumble.

Dumble’s mining career spans more than 20 years and he previously held senior roles in the metallurgical coal sector before joining BHP almost a year ago.

Fellow Brazilian namesake Matos has ceased to be a director of Vale Australia Holdings, according to a company filing lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on March 11.

A Vale spokesperson has confirmed that Matos will remain with the company.

“General manager marketing and business development Marcelo Matos continues to be employed by Vale within its coal business,” she said.

“Marcelo is now based in Singapore as part of Vale’s marketing strategy designed to ensure closer alignment between the commercial area and our major Asian-based customers. Vale continues to maintain a strong marketing presence in Australia.

“Marcelo’s move to Singapore does not represent any significant change for the company as he remains in charge of global marketing and sales for Vale’s coal business.”

Another Vale Australia employee, project manager Sean Egan, recently left the company to work for a consultancy.

“Sean Egan has left Vale on good terms due to personal reasons,” the spokesperson said.