The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has announced it has commenced succession planning to replace outgoing Chief Executive Officer Mitch Hooke, following his announcement that he will not renew his contract at the end of the year, ending an 11 year tenure at the top job.

The MCA’s Board thanked Mr Hooke for his ‘enormous impact’ he has had on the mining industry and the Australian public-policy landscape.

The Board described Mr Hooke as a ‘tireless campaigner’ during his time as Chief, saying his explicit attention to the financial as well as social responsibilities of the mining sector made him a dynamic and visionary leader.

“Ten years ago this industry charged Mitch with reforming the MCA. He has built a strong and highly regarded organisation with a very capable secretariat, an engaged membership and a reputation for policy integrity and credibility,” the Board said in a statement.

Mr Hooke will stay on in the role as special advisor for the 12 months after he steps down as CEO.