Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has announced that Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director, RBM and Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Africa Operations, has decided to leave the business to pursue an opportunity outside the company.
Werner joined Rio Tinto in 2013 as Managing Director of Rossing Uranium Limited in Namibia, where he successfully led the business until 2018. He subsequently joined RBM and has since led the business through a period of extraordinary challenge and change - playing a central role in stabilising operations, strengthening relationships with host communities and rebuilding trust with stakeholders.
Together with his team, he helped establish the conditions necessary to enable the restart of the Zulti South project in March, extending the mine’s life to 2050 and supporting RBM’s long-term operational continuity.
Rio Tinto Chief Commercial Officer, Bold Baatar, said: "Werner has achieved a great deal during his 13 years with Rio Tinto. Most recently, he has been instrumental in guiding RBM through a particularly challenging period with resilience and integrity. He is justifiably held in high esteem by our employees and partners, and his leadership has helped put RBM on a more stable footing for the future.
“We are very grateful for his contribution and commitment to Rio Tinto and RBM, and I wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."
Werner will leave the organisation on 31 July and as part of a transition, Wilhemina Ngcobo, currently Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Acting Managing Director.
About Richards Bay Minerals
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is one of the world’s leading mineral sands producers and a major South African exporter. Established in 1976, RBM is celebrating 50 years of partnership, progress and possibility in 2026. The company mines and beneficiates heavy mineral sands and produces materials including titanium dioxide feedstock, zircon and high purity iron. RBM recently approved the Zulti South project, a major investment that will help sustain operations and economic contribution into the future. RBM operates in KwaZulu-Natal and is committed to safe, responsible and sustainable mining that creates long-term value for employees, host communities and South Africa.
