Perth, Nov 9, 2009 (ABN Newswire) - Atlas Iron Limited (ASX:AGO) is pleased to announce that it has further strengthened its Board with the appointment of former Rio Tinto senior iron ore executive Dr David Smith as an independent non-executive Director.

With a career at Rio Tinto spanning 30 years, Dr Smith was until recently Managing Director and President of Rio Tinto's Simandou iron ore operations in Guinea, where he headed up the planned development of this major new iron ore project.

Prior to that role Dr Smith was Managing Director of Rio Tinto's Pilbara Iron unit from 2004 to 2008, responsible for all Rio Tinto's operations in the Pilbara, and Managing Director of Hamersley Iron from 2001 to 2004.

"We are delighted to have secured someone of David's experience and calibre in the global iron ore industry to join the Atlas Board," said Atlas' Chairman Geoff Clifford.

"David has substantial operational experience and a depth of skills and experience that will greatly assist us in the continued development of our iron ore projects.

"He has been a senior executive with a number of Rio Tinto's operational and technology businesses as well as having had considerable community and government involvement."

Atlas Managing Director Mr David Flanagan said: "The Atlas management team is really looking forward to working with David, whose operational experience will be a real asset as we grow our business in the years ahead."

Dr Smith has served as President of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (2005 to 2008), a Councillor of the Australia Business Arts Foundation (2003 to 2008) and as Chairman of the Board of the National Skills Shortages Strategy working group (2006).

He holds a PhD in Metallurgy from the University of New South Wales, Australia and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Metallurgy from the University of New South Wales, Australia.