Newmont Corp. announced leadership appointments that will further strengthen its operating model to support safe and profitable operations of the expanded portfolio of assets and projects.

As previously announced, Natascha Viljoen will be joining Newmont as Chief Operating Officer (COO) on Oct. 2, 2023. After an onboarding period, Viljoen will assume accountability for the Australian, North American, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Units on Nov. 1, 2023. In addition to managing Newmont’s existing assets, she will oversee critical activities associated with incorporating Newcrest’s people and assets into Newmont, following the completion of the acquisition.

Rob Atkinson will continue to lead the Africa, Peru, and Latin America & Caribbean (formally South America) business units, as well as global projects, and support the transition of critical operational integration activities. Viljoen will assume full accountability for all business units in early 2024, at which point Atkinson will transition into a strategic role supporting the business in another capacity.

“As part of our efforts to establish a dedicated Business Unit in Papua New Guinea, Alwyn Pretorius will assume the role of Managing Director, Papua New Guinea, reporting to Viljoen and based in Port Moresby. Pretorius previously led Newmont’s Africa and South America business units and has extensive operational and leadership experience with a strong ability to partner with community and key stakeholders, ensuring the safe and orderly integration of the Lihir operation and the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture into Newmont’s portfolio,” Newmont wrote in a release.

Upon completion of the Newcrest transaction in the fourth quarter, the Australia region will have a significantly increased operational and strategic importance to Newmont’s global portfolio. To support this, Suzy Retallack will take on the responsibility of Executive Australia, in addition to her current role as Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer (CSSO) and will be based in Perth, Australia. Retallack will represent Newmont with key industry bodies in Australia, playing a role in policy development and advocacy, while prioritizing strategic activities that unify and enhance the existing strong reputation of Newmont in Australia.

Newmont 's President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Palmer, said: “These new appointments will allow Newmont to safely and efficiently make decisions to deliver the integration of Newcrest and ensure long-term world-class leadership across the larger business. Our future expanded portfolio will require strong and experienced leadership to support and care for our people, neighbors, stakeholders, and assets for years to come.” 

On May 14, Newmont announced its definitive agreement to acquire Newcrest. The combination would create a world-class portfolio of assets with the highest concentration of Tier 1 operations, primarily in favorable, low-risk mining jurisdictions. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company would deliver a multi-decade production profile from 10 large, long-life, low cost Tier 1 operations, and increased annual copper production primarily from Australia and Canada. The combined business is anticipated to generate annual pre-tax synergies of $500 million, expected to be achieved within the first 24 months, while also targeting at least $2 billion in cash improvements through portfolio optimization in the first two years after closing.

Photo: The Cadia Mine, part of the Newcrest Mining portfolio acquired by Newmont.