BHP Billiton Group and Vale SA joint venture Samarco Mineração SA appointed Rodrigo Alvarenga Vilela as interim CEO, Metal Bulletin reported March 16.
Vilela is replacing Roberto Lúcio Nunes de Carvalho, who took over as CEO in January 2016.
Vale is in discussions with BHP to acquire the latter's stake in the joint venture, which operates the Samarco iron ore mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
