JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Africa-focused project developer Ivanhoe Mines on Thursday announced the appointment of community relations VP Dr Patricia Makhesha as MD of the company’s 64%-owned subsidiary Ivanplats, which was advancing the development of the Platreef platinum-group elements, nickel, copper and gold project on the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.

“With the granting of our mining right and the anticipated resumption of site work in preparation for the sinking of our initial shaft, this transition is an appropriate point to establish a dedicated management and technical team for the Platreef project,” Ivanhoe executive chairperson Robert Friedland said.

He noted that Makhesha was uniquely experienced to participate in guiding the realisation of the company’s plans to establish Ivanhoe as a major, innovative presence in South Africa's platinum industry.

Prior to joining Ivanhoe in February this year, Makhesha had served as a consultant to the company as it was preparing for the development and implementation of the Platreef project’s broad-based black economic-empowerment structure.

Ivanhoe announced on September 4 that it had completed the allocation of a combined 26% interest in the Platreef project to 20 nearby communities, representing a total of about 150 000 residents, plus local entrepreneurs and historically disadvantaged, nonmanagerial South African employees.

“Makhesha’s conscientious conduct of her duties with Ivanhoe, coupled with her propensity to listen to the concerns of residents and other stakeholders and to respect and present their views during our corporate decision-making process, helped to create the foundation for policy responses that address the aspirations of neighbours, families and businesspeople who will be most directly affected by the planned development of the Platreef mine,” Ivanhoe CEO Lars-Eric Johansson said.

“This appointment is further recognition of her valued guidance and counsel within Ivanhoe. It also positions her to continue to play a leading role working with employees and senior corporate management in ensuring that the Platreef project fulfils its potential to make meaningful contributions to the economic and social advancement of our neighbouring communities,” he added.