Orion Minerals Ltd (ASX:ORN, JSE:ORN) has strengthened its board with the appointment of highly-regarded South African-based mining executive Philip Kotze as a non-executive director.
Kotze has been nominated to the Orion board as an appointee of the company’s new cornerstone investor and strategic partner, South African mining group Clover Alloys (SA), where Kotze is also the chief executive officer.
Notably, he has accumulated significant operational experience over the last 40 years at a number of different mines and has distinguished himself as an expert in finding innovative solutions for complex problems.
“Outstanding track record”
Orion chairman Denis Waddell said: “We are delighted to welcome Philip Kotze to the Orion board, with Orion set to benefit from Philip’s outstanding track record of developing and optimising mining and processing operations.
“Philip’s appointment, which forms part of our broader partnership with Clover Alloys as a new cornerstone shareholder, provides strong operational expertise to the board and to Orion’s operations team as the company moves into a new phase of project development to become a near-term base metals producer.
“I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing director Alexander Haller who has made a significant contribution to Orion over more than 14 years of service.
“Throughout that time, Orion has transitioned from an Australian gold explorer to a South African base metals developer that is now gearing up to commence production from two operating centres.
“I would like to sincerely thank Alexander for his support, commitment and contribution over many years, and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Notable experience
Kotze has served as a senior executive for listed mining companies since 1996.
He was the operations director for Harmony Gold (NYSE:HMY) Mining Co Ltd and in 2008 joined Atlatsa Resources Corporation, a public company listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange, Amex and the JSE, in the role of president and chief executive officer, a position he held until March 2011.
Thereafter, Kotze took up a position as chief executive officer of Witwatersrand Consolidated Gold Company in 2011 with the objective of taking it from exploration into production.
Witwatersrand Consolidated Gold Company was subsequently acquired by Sibanye Gold at the end of March 2014.
Subsequently, Kotze joined Clover Alloys (SA) Pty Ltd in 2014 when he took over the reins as chief executive officer.