8 January 2013
The Companies Officer Australian Stock Exchange Exchange Plaza
2 The Esplanade
Perth WA 6000
Dear Sir,

Appointment of Director Operations

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG, Fortescue) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Woodall as Director Operations commencing on Monday,
14 January 2013 and reporting to the CEO.
David has an outstanding record in the mining industry and has held both senior operational and corporate roles. His personality and down to earth approach make him a natural fit with Fortescue's culture and values.
Most recently, David was President and Chief Executive Officer of Altynalmas Gold Ltd, which owns and operates the Kyzyl Gold Project in Kazakhstan. Prior to that he was President Gold Division at Ivanhoe Mines where he was responsible for
exploration and development. David is from WA and has over 27 years' experience in the resources industry in senior executive positions in operations, mine development, project evaluation and corporate management with internationally publically listed resources companies including Sino Gold, Placer Dome, Glencore International and WMC Resources.
He is also very familiar with the Pilbara and the Australian iron ore industry having run one of Rio Tinto's largest mines at West Angelas before moving to Ivanhoe Mines.
David's experience in open pit and underground mines in iron ore, gold and base metal operations will make him a great asset for Fortescue.
Fortescue CEO Nev Power said we are very pleased to warmly welcome David to the Fortescue family.
"His appointment gets us off to a fantastic start for 2013 and I look forward to working with him in another record breaking year for our great company.

Fortescue Metals Group Limited ABN 57 002 594 872 ACN 002 594 872 ADDRESS Level 2, 87 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, Western Australia 6004 TEL +61 8 6218 8888 FAX +61 8 6218 8880 EMAIL fmgl@fmgl.com.au

"Later this month we will farewell Jamie Frankcombe who is returning to Sydney to be with his family. I take this opportunity to thank Jamie for his contribution during his time with Fortescue and wish him well in his future endeavours," Mr Power said.
Yours sincerely

Fortescue Metals Group ltd Mark Thomas

Company Secretary

Media Contact:

Deidre Willmott

0417 183 073 dwillmott@fmgl.com.au

distributed by