He replaces outgoing managing director Paul Mulder who held the position for six years, with two years of that being on secondment from Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.

GVK Power and Infrastructure chairman and managing director Dr GVK Reddy said Yeates, who has more than 30 years experience in coal mining operations, mine infrastructure and resource sector industries, played a critical role in managing ports and infrastructure in the Pilbara and brought leadership and operational experience from leading Australian mining operations.

“I am very pleased with the extensive leadership and experience that Mr Yeates will bring to our organisation,” he said.

“I am extremely confident that Mr Yeates’ in-depth operational and project management experience will complement our existing management team and drive our Galilee Basin projects to operational reality.”

Yeates said he was aware of the significant progress the project team had achieved throughout the approvals and planning process for the Galilee Basin projects.

“My immediate focus will be on continuing to build on the significant progress achieved to date and on driving a clear path forward to project delivery,” he said.

“Our projects will deliver one of the most significant pieces of regional and economic development Queensland has seen for decades and I’m really proud to be playing a key role in such a significant suite of projects in my home state.

“I am also really looking forward to working with a company like GVK, who are renowned for their pioneering spirit and ability to deliver world class projects with best practice outcomes.”

GVK vice chairman Sanjay Reddy said he would be working with Yeates to bring the Galilee projects through the next chapter, with final operational, construction and financing arrangements coming together “to enable us to bring online a new world class high quality, low ash, low sulphur, low gas thermal coal basin”.