Mining organisation the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) has honoured former Anglo American CE Mark Cutifani with the Brigadier Stokes Memorial Award for transforming one of the world’s biggest mining companies.

The award is considered the highest honour to be bestowed by the South African mining and metallurgical sector recognising meritorious service to the industry. It was instituted in 1980 to commemorate Brigadier Ralph Stokes’ influence in the local mining industry.

Cutifani says the award is the “ultimate recognition” for someone that has chosen a career in mining and praise from one’s peers is something to be cherished.

The Wollongong-born mining veteran started his career in coal mining while completing a Mining Engineering degree.

While he has led some of the largest mining companies in Australia and Canada, he is recognised as an extraordinary leader and trailblazer for his work at AngloGold Ashanti, Minerals Council South Africa and Anglo.

During his tenure as president of the Minerals Council he made meaningful changes to the industry, particularly as it followed shortly after the Marikana tragedy, and managed to overhaul Anglo towards a sustainable future.

Cutifani also dismantled AngloGold’s toxic hedge book, allowing the company to benefit fully from a much higher gold spot price.

He envisions a safer and smarter future that delivers enduring value for all stakeholders, he said as he stepped down as CEO of Anglo in April last year.

Cutifani’s successor, Duncan Wanblad, says Cutifani has championed South Africa as an investment destination, while fearlessly ensuring that the tough conversations were had to support that thesis.

Cutifani now joins other mining veterans and business influencers who have won the Brigadier Stokes award in the past, including Harry Oppenheimer, Patrice Motsepe, Roger Baxter, Neal Froneman and Mike Teke.