Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) has appointed Darren Killeen as its chief operating officer (COO), forming part of its leadership succession process and centralising the company’s leadership structure.
The appointment is effective immediately. Killeen has been with the miner for 17 years, holding experience as chief executive, engineering and construction since 2023.
Killeen has delivered major projects such as the design, construction, and commissioning of the Onslow Iron mine in Western Australia, as well as other large-scale assets that underpin the company’s iron ore, lithium, and mining services portfolios.
MinRes managing director Chris Ellison said Killeen has been “instrumental” in delivering the major projects that have “transformed” the company, including the client projects that have built the miner’s reputation for execution excellence.
“Darren is highly regarded and has built strong and longstanding relationships with our major clients and joint venture partners,” Ellison said.
“He brings a deep knowledge of our assets, people, and culture, and has a proven track record of turning strategy into reliable and disciplined capital execution, delivering projects on time, on budget, and with an unwavering commitment to safety.”
Killeen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for MinRes, considering the reduction of its net debt to roughly $4.5 billion – from $4.9 billion – while lifting production guidance across iron ore, mining services, and lithium, following the March 2026 quarter.
During this period, mining services was a key growth driver, with its 2025-2026 financial year production (FY26) volume guidance upgraded to 320-330 million tonnes (Mt) from 305-325Mt, reflecting sustained demand and contract renewals across haulage and crushing operations.
Its iron ore performance remained steady despite weather disruptions, with Onslow Iron producing 2.8Mt and shipping 7.2Mt in the third quarter FY26, on a 100 per cent basis.
More recently, MinRes made significant progress to sealing a landmark lithium partnership with Korean giant POSCO Holdings, with the investment agreement formalising POSCO’s planned acquisition of a 30 per cent stake in MinRes’ operation lithium arm.
This will be housed in a new entity, called LithCo, with the venture holding MinRes’ existing 50 per cent interests in the Wodgina and Mt Marion mines, two of Australia’s premier hard rock lithium assets.
With MinRes continuing to make progress on operational and leadership growth, its independent non-executive chair Mal Bundey congratulated Killeen on his appointment.
“We look forward to his continued strong contribution to the business as we execute on our strategy,” he said.
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