Platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Impala Platinum (Implats) has appointed Patrick Morutlwa to succeed Gerhard Potgieter as COO, with effect from June 19.

Potgieter is retiring after 13 years at Implats and a "distinguished" 40-year career in the South African mining sector. He will step down in July.

Further, Impala Rustenburg CE Mark Munroe has been appointed group chief technical officer (CTO), with effect from July 1.

Marula mining executive Moses Motlhageng will take over as CE of Impala Rustenburg. Themba Ngobeni has been appointed GM of Marula, with effect from June 1.

“We congratulate Patrick Morutlwa, Mark Munroe and Moses Motlhageng on their new roles. Patrick will lead and oversee the performance of Implats’ mining and processing operations and, with his extensive mining sector experience, I am confident he will provide the requisite tactical direction to ensure delivery against the group’s strategic objectives.

"Implats contributes about 20% to annual global primary PGM production, and the role these essential metals play in combatting climate change has never been more important," comments Implats CEO Nico Muller.

He adds that Munroe's extensive operational and technical leadership at Impala Rustenburg over the past five years will be instrumental in his new role as group CTO. He will lead and oversee the performance of the technical functions required to support the group’s strategy, business and project development and execution, as well as achieve Implats' capital management and sustainability goals.

"This new role is necessitated by Implats’ adjusted business model — our strategic focus has shifted strongly to growth, development and expansion, evidenced by our multiyear R50-billion capital programme, our 2019 acquisition of Impala Canada and our pursuit of Royal Bafokeng Platinum."

Further, in his new role, Motlhageng will be responsible for Impala Rustenburg's overall strategic direction and performance.

“We are confident our new business leaders will equip the group management and executive team with industry-leading levels of experience and technical skills, robust leadership and complementary values, ethics and norms.

“We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Gerhard, for his unfailing commitment to Implats over the past 13 years. His enormous contribution enhanced the group’s capabilities and was central to performance improvements over many years. We wish him well in his retirement,” Muller comments.