The long-time Hunter Valley resident replaces David Boshoff, who tendered his resignation in September and finished up on November 15.

Asset president Elsabe Muller said Mr Lancey was a stand-out candidate to replace Mr Boshoff, having performed a number of roles across BHP in a career with the company that spans almost two decades.

"Adam brings a wealth of experience to the leadership position at Mt Arthur Coal and has an intimate knowledge of the Upper Hunter," she explained.

Mr Lancey is deeply committed to the region where he was born, and is focused on building on the strong platform established at Mt Arthur Coal by his predecessor, particularly in relation to safety.

"Our safety field leadership activities have grown to the point where we conducted more than 36,000 in the last financial year alone, which indicates the attention we give to safety," he said.

"I will work every day to ensure our mine remains safe and to ensure key learnings we have are shared across the industry."

Mr Lancey was named Gender Diversity Champion at the 2016 NSW Women in Mining Awards, and is passionate about ensuring BHP builds a more diverse culture, while also promoting diversity in the sector.

It is among his key priorities coming in to the new role.

"We want to continue making Mt Arthur Coal a great place to work, which offers people rewarding careers and celebrates the diverse backgrounds that they bring to the mine," Mr Lancey said.

Meanwhile, Ms Muller wished Mr Boshoff well in his future endeavours, after overseeing a successful period at the mine.

"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding job David has done over the past three years working tirelessly to improve Mt Arthur Coal's production performance and safety culture and, just as importantly, its culture and connection with the Muswellbrook community," she said.

"I wish him well with the next chapter of his career."