Black Zimbabwean appointed Lonmin Plc CEO

Lonmin Plc has appointed Ben Magara as its new Chief Executive Officer and as a Director with effect from 1 July 2013.

Ben Magara is a Zimbabwean national, married with two children, and has been resident in South Africa for the last 19 years.

Ben is currently the Executive Head of Engineering and Capital Projects at Anglo American Platinum Limited (Anglo Platinum). Before taking up his current role, Ben was the Chief Executive Officer of Anglo Coal South Africa and responsible for Anglo American's total coal business in South Africa with revenues of around $2 billion. At Anglo Platinum, Ben's tenure in all projects has been fatality free and amongst others the Unki Platinum Mine Project ramped up to steady state one year ahead of schedule.

Ben has a 22 year distinguished career at the leading edge of the mining industry which has included a number of positions within the Anglo American Group. During his mining career he has shown an exceptional operational ability spanning mining supervision, management and leadership. Ben has also demonstrated an ability to work proactively and extensively with unions, government, and communities. He has a degree in Mining Engineering, has been a director of Anglo American South Africa since 2006, and is a non-executive director of Foskor.

Lonmin's Chairman, Roger Phillimore said "I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Ben Magara to lead Lonmin. The Company is performing well and our safety record is better than it has ever been. Our renewal plan is on track and progress is being made towards the better definition and achievement of our initiatives to improve both the working and living environment of all Lonmin employees for the benefit of all stakeholders and shareholders. The Board is confident that Ben's extensive experience in working in South Africa and the mining community, his relationships and his demonstrated success in proactive relationship building with all stakeholders will drive Lonmin forward."

Commenting on his appointment, Ben Magara said: "Lonmin is a company with excellent assets. I am excited at the prospect of leading team Lonmin and contributing to making a positive difference. The success of the mining industry is vital to the future of South Africa and as the Lonmin team we will drive excellence and build value with and for all our stakeholders."