According to information received by ILN, Vale senior marketing manager for East Asia Ross Monks has left the company.

Vale would not confirm this, citing privacy reasons.

However, a company spokesperson told ILN Vale had recruited 197 new employees in the first five months of 2011.

“As with any organisation of Vale’s size, in the context of a volatile skills demand, some staff movement is inevitable,” the spokesperson said.

“Vale believes that our employees are our greatest asset and we place a high priority on developing and retaining qualified professionals.

“Vale recognises and empowers its staff, offering attractive career development opportunities and competitive benefits with a focus on a respectful and safe workplace.”

Several months ago, ex-Vale Australia coal projects manager Greg Nieuwenhuis landed a key technical management role for the development of Anglo American Metallurgical Coal’s $A1.1 billion Grosvenor longwall project.