Australia-based coal and minerals giant Rio Tinto says a process is underway to replenish its board, including recognising the desirability of appointing another Australian director after the retirement of two directors.

The resource giant said Sir Rod Eddington and Yves Fortier, non-executive directors of Rio Tinto, will be retiring from the boards at the conclusion of the 2011 annual general meetings on 5 May 2011.

Yves Fortier’s retirement was first announced in February 2010. Andrew Gould, senior independent director, will serve for one more year before retiring at the conclusion of the 2012 meetings, at which time he will have served on the boards for more than nine years.

Jan du Plessis, chairman, said, "I am most grateful to Yves for his tremendous support during an important transition period for Rio Tinto following the Alcan acquisition.

"I would also like to thank Rod for his significant contribution and the Australian perspective that he has brought to the boards since 2005. I am particularly grateful to Andrew for his willingness to continue supporting me and providing his guidance to the boards for a further 12 months. I wish all of them well for the future.”