Mining Mirror May 2019 | Page 11

Global Canada and South Africa are both hugely important to the future of De Beers Group and we want to continue to grow and invest in both countries. Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers Group, says: “We are delighted to appoint Mpumi into this new and vitally important position to focus on growing a profitable and sustainable business in both South Africa and Canada. Our businesses in these countries face very different challenges and require a leader of Mpumi’s skill, vision, and experience to maximise their full potential. I am personally very pleased to see her step into this role, which she does with my full support.” Speaking about her appointment, Zikalala says she is excited to be taking on the role of managing director: Managed Operations. “Canada and South Africa are both hugely important to the future of De Beers Group and we want to continue to grow and invest in both countries. I am looking forward to working with the teams and am very grateful to have the support of Allan Rodel, who has a wealth of experience in both the South African and Canadian mining industries,” says Zikalala. Zikalala’s role will replace those currently held by Phillip Barton, CEO of DBCM, and Kim Truter, CEO of De Beers Canada, who will both leave the organisation to focus on new opportunities. Barton has been with the De Beers Group for more than 30 years and has played a key role in mentoring Zikalala and developing her as his successor. Truter joined De Beers Group in 2015 as CEO of De Beers Canada, bringing with him 30 years of mining experience. His achievements at the company include bringing the Gahcho Kué Mine into operation in 2016 and the acquisition of the Chidliak Project in 2018. Zikalala holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand and is a graduate of the London Business School Emerging Leaders Programme. She is a non- executive board director of De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa and has also served as executive director for various organisations, including the Black Management Forum and Mintek. www.miningmirror.co.za MAY 2019 MINING MIRROR [9] MAY 2019 MINING MIRROR [9]