Kumba’s chief executive officer Ras Myburgh will resign from his position to begin a secondment with Eskom for two years, the iron ore company announced on Wednesday.
”He will be assuming the important responsibility of advising the utility on its long-term coal sourcing strategy, and its implementation for all of Eskom’s power stations, ” Kumba said in a statement.
Managing director of Kumba Resources’ coal division, Chris Griffith, will assume Myburgh’s position as CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, from July 1.
Myburgh said: ”My involvement with Eskom presents a unique and challenging opportunity to make a difference in a matter that touches us all.
”I believe that my previous experience in the Eskom generation division, together with my mining experience, will enable me to make a contribution alongside coal suppliers in working to secure the current and future power needs of South Africa.”
Lazarus Zim, chairperson of Kumba Iron Ore, said: ”The board greatly appreciates Ras Myburgh’s leadership and invaluable contribution to the establishment of Kumba Iron Ore … we wish him well with the challenges presented by addressing South Africa’s energy needs, and welcome Chris Griffith to his new role of CEO of Kumba.”
Griffith said he was delighted to be joining Kumba and was looking forward to furthering the success and growth of Kumba as South Africa’s leading iron ore producer.
Griffith (43) has had 18 years of mining experience, most recently as head of operations for Anglo Platinum’s joint ventures.
In 2005, he was general manager of the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine — an operation he led through the ramp-up to full production. He began his mining career at the Amandelbult platinum mine in 1990, and then reached the position of general manager in 2000. – Sapa