The World Gold Council (WGC) announces the appointment of Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, as its new Chair. Neal succeeds Randy Smallwood, President and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp, who served as Chair of the Board since 2020.
Neal has been the CEO and an Executive Director of Sibanye-Stillwater for over 10 years and brings over 40 years’ experience in the mining industry. Under his leadership, Sibanye-Stillwater has evolved from a South African gold producer to a multi-national diversified mining and processing business with assets and investments on five continents. It has also built a leading position in Platinum Group Metals recycling (circular economy) and tailings reprocessing.
In addition to Neal’s appointment, the World Gold Council welcomes Niël Pretorius, CEO at DRDGold, as a new Director of the Board. The appointments mark continued evolution and diversity of experience and industry contributions to the Board of the World Gold Council.
DRDGold produces gold through the large-scale retreatment of mine dumps and tailings dams. The removal of remnant mining residues not only restores the environment, but also frees up previously sterilised land for sustainable land use.
World Gold Council CEO, David Tait, commented: “I would like to thank Randy for his leadership of the Board over the last few years. Under his tenure, the World Gold Council has embarked on several new initiatives, from our transformational Gold247 programme to help digitalise the global gold industry, to bringing gold to the attention of millions of retail investors. I am grateful for his contributions and dedication as Chair.
“We welcome the appointment of Neal as the new Chairman. His wealth of experience in the industry will greatly benefit myself and the rest of the Board. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity, and to further our work to improve the gold market and demonstrate the valuable contribution responsible gold mining makes to the world and host communities.
“I am also delighted to welcome DRDGold to the World Gold Council and look forward to collaborating with them on our shared ambitions for the industry.”
Neal Froneman, CEO Sibanye-Stillwater and Chair of the Board, World Gold Council commented on his appointment: I am honored to have been appointed to Chair the Board of the World Gold Council, representing the leading gold producers globally. In a world of transition and change, the gold industry will need to be innovative and forward-thinking to remain relevant and I am looking forward to the challenge this poses.”
Niël Pretorius, CEO at DRDGold, commented: “We are looking forward to being part of the World Gold Council, and drawing from the collective experience and knowledge of its members. We also hope to contribute to its efforts to promote gold and responsible mining practices.”
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