In a statement on Friday, PNRB said Mphathi’s departure was part of organisational changes to the executive management team.
Beginning three years ago, with Mphathi at its helm, PNRB took over the Selebi and Selebi North shafts which represent two of the four underground resources at BCL Mine, as well as Selkirk Mine, which is one of the two resources at Tati Nickel. The total sale was pegged at P837 million and included related infrastructure such as rail, power and water works.
“Throughout the redevelopment of the Selebi and Selkirk nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum-group elements, PNRB has been diligently evaluating its strategies and objectives to ensure optimal positioning for growth,” the firm said. “As a result, the company has initiated organisational adjustments, transitioning from its entrepreneurial start-up phase to a phase of rapid growth and expansion. After careful consideration, the decision has been made to restructure the executive leadership team.”
PNRB’s current President, Kneipe Setlhare will assume the responsibilities of CEO while retaining the title of President. Setlhare is a mining engineer with over a decade of experience in mining operations management, including roles with BCL and Discovery Metals Limited.
PNRB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian firm, Premium Nickel Resources Limited, a mineral exploration and development company focused on nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum group metals.
“On behalf of the company and our stakeholders, we would like to take a moment to express our appreciation and gratitude to Mr Mphathi,” Setlhare said in the statement. “Mr. Mphathi played a crucial role in the company’s purchase of the Selebi and Selkirk mines and his dedication has shaped our company into what it is today.”
Besides Mphathi’s departure, PNRB has appointed Sean Whiteford and David Newman to its board. Whiteford is a geologist and mining executive with over 30 years of multi commodity experience within the global resource sector, while Newman is a former ambassador of Botswana to the United States and former judge of the High Court.
Mphathi led BCL Mine between 2003 and 2010, anchoring the copper and nickel producer through periods of booms and busts in base metal prices, earning a reputation as a leader who could keep BCL running.
In 2008-2009, during the global financial crisis, his strategy, known as ‘Survival 225’ carried BCL through the steepest drop in prices recorded by then.
Mphathi often made unpopular, tough decisions with workers, but with the mine collapsing in 2016 and burying Phikwe’s economy with it just six years after his departure, he became a folk hero in the north-eastern town.
