Rio Tinto's board of directors is looking for a new CEO who understands the mining industry better.

After Jacob Stausholm took over as CEO of Rio Tinto Group, he repaired the relationship with the company and led it into new investment areas, including lithium battery materials. However, the company's board has requested Stausholm to step down, and they are currently looking for a new boss who can maximize the potential of Rio Tinto's key growth assets, including the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in Mongolia and the Simandou iron mine in Guinea. Sources familiar with the matter state that setting the direction for development for the next few decades means prioritizing operational expertise and track record. This may lead to Rio Tinto's iron ore business leader Simon Trott, and aluminum executive Jerome Pecresse, taking over after Stausholm leaves later this year.