The Mining Executive

22/05/2025

A strategic crossroads: Rio Tinto’s CEO search vs BHP’s succession plan.

Leadership transitions are more than just a change at the top but they are a window into the future of a company. And when two mining giants like Rio Tinto and BHP are involved, the story becomes even more fascinating.

Rio Tinto’s recent announcement about searching for a new CEO following Jakob Stausholm’s planned departure in the near future is raising questions about the company’s strategic direction. While there are strong internal candidates like Bold Baatar, who has proven his ability to lead in complex regions like Mongolia and Guinea, Rio Tinto’s decision to cast a wider net signals a desire for fresh leadership perspectives. This approach hints at a broader shift in their business strategy, possibly to better align with evolving global demands.

Meanwhile, BHP stands out with its more predictable approach. With Mike Henry’s planned departure in the near future, BHP’s internal pipeline is ready to take the reins. Candidates like Geraldine Slattery and Vandita Pant have been nurtured through strategic rotations and leadership grooming. This structured approach reflects BHP’s confidence in its future and its commitment to maintaining continuity with its culture and objectives.

Both companies are facing similar challenges that is global demand for copper and other critical minerals but their approaches to leadership succession could not be more different. While Rio Tinto appears open to redefining its path, BHP seems focused on reinforcing its existing strategy through familiar faces.

It is a compelling reminder that the way a company manages its leadership pipeline speaks volumes about its vision and adaptability. As the mining sector moves toward more sustainable and tech-driven solutions, how will these leadership transitions impact the future of these companies?

What is your take on these contrasting strategies?

Which approach do you think will better position these companies for the future?

Lets talk....

20/05/2025

Is the Cobalt market on the edge of a tipping point?

The winds are shifting in the cobalt landscape—and fast.

A new industry outlook suggests the cobalt market could swing from surplus to deficit by the early 2030s, with EV demand as the main driving force.

Let that sink in: by 2030, EVs alone could account for more than half of all cobalt consumption—up from 43% just last year. That is not just growth but it is a transformation.

Meanwhile, cobalt supply is growing but not fast enough. The DRC, which has long dominated global production, may see its share dip as Indonesia ramps up its output. But even that shift may not be enough to keep pace with the surge in demand.

Here is where it gets interesting: despite a surplus of 36,000 tons this year, the recent DRC export ban has already caused a sharp rebound in prices—up 60% to $16/lb. That is a clear sign of how volatile and sensitive this market is becoming.

The big question now is:
●Are we ready for the cobalt crunch?

●How will battery producers and EV manufacturers adapt?

●Can alternative chemistries or recycling scale fast enough to cushion the impact?

●And how will this shift reshape global supply chains?

●What strategies should industry leaders be considering now to stay ahead of this turning tide?

We would love to hear your thoughts!

09/04/2025

Our this Wednesday is Michelle Ash. She is a powerhouse whose leadership continues to shape the mining industry with boldness and brilliance.

From the boardrooms of BHP, where she serves as Vice President of Growth, to her influential roles on the Advisory Boards of OffWorld and Minespider, Michelle has never been afraid to push boundaries. Her journey is not just about titles but it is about transformation.

She wears many hats — Chairperson at Behault Mining BV, Chair at Magnium Australia, and a voice of strategic direction across continents from Switzerland to Germany and the U.S.

What makes her stand out is not just her global reach, but her commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the digital transformation of mining.

At a time when the industry is being called to embrace change and lead with conscience, Michelle Ash is doing just that — building growth strategies that look beyond profit, championing diversity, and helping usher in a new era of responsible mining.

Here is to the women who lead with vision, grace, and guts.

Keep going Michelle Ash❤️

.

08/04/2025

YOU KNOW?

El Teniente Mine in is the world's largest underground copper mine. Since its inception in 1906, this colossal operation has carved out an extensive network exceeding 3,000 kilometers of tunnels, a testament to over a century of relentless innovation and engineering prowess.

Operated by CODELCO – Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile, Chile's state-owned copper giant, El Teniente stands as a cornerstone of the nation's economy. Its rich veins not only yield vast quantities of copper but also produce significant amounts of molybdenum, a valuable byproduct used to enhance steel alloys. The extracted ores undergo initial smelting on-site before being transported by rail to Rancagua and subsequently exported through the port of San Antonio, facilitating Chile's prominent role in global copper markets.

To ensure the mine's longevity and address the challenges posed by declining ore grades, Codelco has embarked on ambitious expansion projects. The Mine Level Project, for instance, aims to delve deeper into the deposit, extending operations by an additional 50 years. This initiative incorporates cutting-edge automation and remote-control technologies, enhancing both safety and efficiency by allowing real-time monitoring of underground activities from a centralized operations center in Rancagua.

Beyond its industrial significance, El Teniente is intertwined with Chile's cultural heritage. The nearby Mining Town, established in the early 20th century to house mine workers, stands as a colorful relic of the past. Though it fell out of use in the 1970s, Sewell was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006, preserving its historical essence for future generations.

Recently, El Teniente has also garnered recognition for its commitment to sustainable mining practices.

In 2023, the mine achieved the Mark certification, aligning its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and underscoring its dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

With copper reserves projected to sustain production until at least 2080, El Teniente not only cements Chile's status as a global copper powerhouse but also exemplifies a harmonious blend of historical legacy, technological advancement, and sustainable development.

31/03/2025

The toughest challenges often lead to the greatest rewards. Belief fuels action, and action fuels success!

If we dare to see the impossible as possible, we unlock new frontiers in innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

Happy New Week Mining Pros🖤

04/03/2025

YOU KNOW?

The world's largest Gold mine is ?

Grasberg Mine is hidden deep within the rugged mountains of Papua, Indonesia; an industrial marvel that stands as the largest gold mine on the planet. Valued at an astounding $40 billion, this colossal operation is not only a major gold producer but also a critical player in the global copper market. Since its opening, Grasberg has produced over 20 million ounces of gold.

In 2023 alone, the mine milled and produced more than 72 million tonnes of ore, with a daily processing capacity of 240,000 tonnes at its world-leading milling and concentrating complex.

What makes the Grasberg Mine even more extraordinary is its sheer scale and self-sufficiency. It features a mile-wide open-pit mine alongside advanced underground operations like the Grasberg Block Cave—an engineering feat that pushes the boundaries of modern mining. With its own airport and seaport, the mine ensures a seamless flow of personnel and materials to this remote location, which sits at 4,270 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level. Beyond the machinery and ore, Grasberg operates as a city in the clouds, offering employee housing, schools, and even a hospital to support the thousands who live and work there.

Yet, as impressive as Grasberg’s scale and output may be, it also sparks an ongoing conversation about the balance between industrial ambition and environmental responsibility. With such vast reserves and continuous expansion, questions arise about the mine’s long-term impact on local ecosystems and the communities surrounding it.

Should operations of this magnitude focus solely on profit, or is there a greater responsibility to ensure environmental and social sustainability?

As Grasberg continues to shape the global mining landscape, the debate remains open.

03/03/2025

Big Moves, Bold Deals, and Global Shifts – This Week in Mining!

Happy new week mining enthusiasts.🤎

The industry never sleeps, and this week’s headlines are packed with high-stakes negotiations, game-changing deals, and global power plays. From diamond victories to critical mineral battles—there is a lot to unpack!

Here is a round up of some of the stories making the headlines:👇

1. Ukraine’s ambitions:
Ukraine is pushing to turn its lithium and rare earth reserves into fully operational mines. With rising global demand for critical minerals, will Ukraine become a major player on the world stage?

2. metrics bounce back:
Good news! After a sluggish end to 2024, January saw a promising rebound in drilling metrics. Could this signal a mining revival as we head into spring?

3. Conflict in the DRC threatens Supply:
Ongoing unrest in the DRC is raising alarm bells about the global supply of tantalum—a mineral crucial for high-tech devices. With supply chains already fragile, how big could the ripple effects be?

4. US & Ukraine 's minerals deal falls apart:
In a surprising twist, a mineral rights and security agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine was abruptly cancelled at the White House. With global supply chains already under pressure, what could this mean for future collaborations?

5. Botswana’s big win with De Beers:
Botswana just secured a major victory—boosting its share of diamonds from Debswana from 25% to 50%. This deal is a game-changer for the country’s diamond revenues.

Let’s unpack these developments together. Lets hear your thoughts too.

25/02/2025

A bold exit or a strategic pivot?

Anglo American is stepping away from South Africa's platinum sector, reshaping its future focus.

What does this mean for the industry and local economies?

Anglo American Amplats Ltd

“This unbundling will result in a more focused, competitive, and independent business,”Craig Miller,Chief Executive Officer,Amplats.Anglo American is closing a major chapter in its mining history by exiting the South African platinum sector—a move th

17/02/2025

Every Monday is a hidden gem—waiting for those bold enough to unearth it. Step into the week with determination and seize new opportunities.

HAPPY NEW WEEK MINING PROS🧡


.

13/02/2025

After more than a decade at the helm, Neal Froneman is set to bow out as Sibanye-Stillwater's CEO.

From bold acquisitions to industry-shaping leadership, his legacy is undeniable. He transformed the company into a global mining powerhouse.

We wish him the very best in his next chapter!

What is next for Sibanye-Stillwater?





Sibanye-Stillwater Neal Froneman Maphai.

When Neal Froneman took the helm at Sibanye-Stillwater in 2013, the company was a struggling collection of aging gold mines spun off from Gold Fields. Few could have predicted that a decade later, it would be a global mining powerhouse, spanning plat

11/02/2025

Zambia’s mining sector is on the brink of a major transformation.
The game-changing partnership between IRL and Barrick Gold is set to unlock new opportunities, drive sustainable growth, and empower local communities.

Is this the blueprint for the future of responsible mining?

Read more: https://theminingexecutive.com/unlocking-potential-a-game-changing-partnership-in-zambias-mining-sector/


.

“By collaborating with IRL and engaging with the government and local stakeholders, we aim to unlock new opportunities that create long-term value for both Zambia and our shareholders.”Mark Bristow,President and CEO,Barrick Gold.A new chapter is unfo

06/02/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Takudzwa Keith Chengeta, Shawn Jenya