BHP replaces WMC chiefs
BHP Billiton has started restructuring WMC Resources by replacing most of the company's board.
WMC has announced the retirement of chief executive Andrew Michelmore, chairman Tommie Bergman and five other directors.
BHP executive director Mike Salamon has been appointed chairman, with Chris Campbell to become interim chief executive and Brendan Rudd chief financial officer.
They have also been appointed to the WMC board.
Only two WMC directors will continue to serve on the board.
Briefings are yet to be held for WMC's 650 white collar employees in Melbourne.
Most of their jobs are duplicated at BHP and job losses are expected.
BHP has secured more than 76 per cent of WMC shares and says it will continue to chase 100 per cent ownership.
Move
BHP Billiton says it will expand its presence in South Australia by setting up a national base-metals office in Adelaide.
The company says the office will oversee its newly acquired Olympic Dam mine at Roxby Downs as well as the Carrington mine in Queensland.
BHP says it plans to expand its existing Adelaide offices to make way for the new national office.
South Australian Premier Mike Rann say the move is likely to create 200 jobs.
BHP Billiton's base metals headquarters is currently in Queensland.