Neal Froneman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sibanye-Stillwater Group has been appointed chairman of the World Gold Council (WGC).
Established in 1987, the WGC is the chief industry body representing the world’s leading gold miners. It aims to stimulate and sustain demand for gold while providing industry leadership.
Sibanye-Stillwater has been a member of the WGC since June 2016 and has extended its congratulations to Froneman, noting that he is the first representative from a South African gold company to be appointed to the position.
“We welcome the appointment of Neal as the new chairman,” World Gold Council CEO David Tait said. “His wealth of experience in the industry will greatly benefit me and the WGC board.
“I look forward to working with him in this new capacity, and to furthering our work to improve the gold market and demonstrate the valuable contribution responsible gold mining makes to the world and host communities.”
Froneman said he was honoured by the appointment.
“In a world undergoing change, the gold industry must continue its innovative and forward-thinking approach to remain relevant,” he said. “I eagerly anticipate the challenge ahead as we build on the pioneering work the WGC has already undertaken.”
Sibanye recently gave the green light to the commencement of the second phase of its Keliber lithium project in Finland.
The second phase of the project includes the construction of the concentrator and the development of the Syvajarvi open pit mine in Paivaneva. The delivery of ore from the Syvajarvi open pit mine is expected to be timed to coincide with the commissioning of the concentrator.