Australian mining firm rings the changes

BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, has replaced WMC Resources's chairman and chief executive officer after winning majority control of the world's fifth largest nickel metals producer.

Mike Salamon, an executive director at Melbourne-based BHP Billiton, replaces Tommie Bergman as chairman of WMC.

Chris Campbell, a marketing director for BHP's stainless steel business based in Holland, replaces Andrew Michelmore as CEO.

BHP beat a rival bid from Xstrata Plc with a A$9.2 billion takeover, gaining control of the Olympic Dam mine, holder of more than a third of the world's uranium.

BHP said it expects to sell WMC's fertiliser unit and some analysts have said it may sell the Corridor Sands titanium project in Mozambique.

WMC's fertiliser business may be worth up to A$500 million, according to Grant Samuel & Associates.

Corridor Sands may be worth up to A$220 million, the group said.