Brazilian pellet producer Samarco, a 50/50 joint venture between Vale and BHP Billiton, has named a new interim CEO.
Rodrigo Alvarenga Vilela will replace former CEO Roberto Lucio Carvalho, who worked at the company for 32 years.
Vilela assumes the CEO position as the company seeks to resume operations following a deadly iron ore waste dam burst in November 2015, which killed 19 people and halted production.
Vilela has dedicated his activities to help the company become operational, helping the company to ensure proper maintenance while preparing to resume operations. Since December last year, Vilela has responded for the company’s projects area, which includes the company’s environmental licensing and the strategic resuming of operations.
Until Samarco resumes activities, Vilela will work as both interim CEO and operations and projects manager.