JSE-listed Orion Mineral’s has announced that, following the recent achievement of key milestones with its South African base metal projects, Errol Smart has decided to step down as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 April 2025.
During his more than 12-year tenure as Managing Director, Errol has made a significant contribution to Orion’s growth and development, including its acquisition of both the Prieska Copper Zinc Project and the Okiep Copper Project in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, and the subsequent advancement of both projects to the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) stage.
This journey, which culminated in the recent DFS releases, has included the establishment of a highly experienced in-country mine development and operations team, extensive community, government and stakeholder engagement, and the successful advancement of permitting and financing arrangements for both projects.
Errol will be succeeded as Managing Director and CEO by, Anthony (Tony) Lennox, who has been until now a non-executive director of the Company. He is a highly experienced operational leader with vast experience in the construction, development and operation of large-scale mining projects.
Tony will work closely with the Board and the executive team to maintain Orion’s existing strategic momentum and oversee its imminent transition from project developer to operating mining company. As a non-executive director over the past year, he has already provided valuable insights, particularly in technical and project-related aspects of the business.
Tony brings more than 40 years of experience in mining operations, project development and corporate leadership, making him the ideal leader as Orion makes the transition to base metals producer. He has a proven track record in managing large-scale, complex mining projects and has held executive leadership roles across multiple international jurisdictions.
