The firm said the appointments were a reflection of the critical importance of sustainability and "license to operate" challenges now facing the energy and mining sectors.

Holliday joined the panel in December and the addition of Hambro and Thompson, who takes on the top job at Rio on March 5, were announced today.

Critical Resource's managing director and founder Daniel Litvin said the firm was delighted to have attracted such an eminent and globally-respected group of individuals to join the panel.

"At a time when companies are facing growing challenges in managing issues as diverse and complex as climate change, resource nationalism, and corruption, their commitment reflects the growing recognition within and beyond the industry of the need for companies to tackle these risks in a highly proactive, strategic and responsible way," Litvin said.

The other panel members are Oxford University Professor Sir Paul Collier, former editor-in-chief of The Economist Bill Emmott, Sustainable Energy for All CEO Rachel Kyte and Italian oil and gas major Eni non-executive director Karina Litvack.

The senior advisory panel was established in 2008 and provides high-level guidance and input to the firm's team on major emerging socio-political, environmental and business trends.