Neal Froneman, the founder and longtime CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, will retire at the end of September after leading the company for 12 years. His successor, Richard Stewart, who currently heads the company’s operations in Southern Africa, will take on the role of CEO-designate starting March 1 while continuing his regional responsibilities.
Froneman, 65, has been at the wheel of Sibanye since its inception in 2013, when the company — then known as Sibanye Gold — was formed through the consolidation of three old Gold Fields mines. Under his leadership, Sibanye evolved into a diversified mining giant with significant gold and platinum group metals (PGM) operations across Southern Africa and the United States.
“Neal leaves behind a proud legacy at Sibanye-Stillwater and in the South African mining industry, which is testament to his strategic vision and inspirational leadership,” said board chair Vincent Maphai in a statement. “He still has the same enthusiasm for what he does and has lost none of his drive but wishes to spend more time with his family and loved ones and on his many interests.”
During his tenure, Froneman expanded Sibanye-Stillwater into critical minerals, notably lithium, through the acquisition of a stake in Finland’s Keliber Lithium project, a joint venture with the Finnish government. The company is also involved in the Rhyolite Ridge lithium project in the US. Additionally, Sibanye has diversified into zinc, acquiring Australia’s Century mine after taking over local producer New Century Resources in 2023.
