Fortescue Metals executive chairman Andrew Forrest says he will accept the first generation of clean energy projects having lower rates of return than alternative growth options in the iron ore division, as mining boss Fiona Hick added to the extraordinary turnover of executives at the company.

Ms Hick and Dr Forrest agreed on her unexpected departure on Sunday after just six months in the job, and after both executives had spent the previous night at Fortescue’s 20th anniversary party at the Solomon mining hub in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.