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At Glencore, he served as COO and director of operations for Kamoto Copper Company before taking on a regional leadership role.

Mncwango returns to RBM after serving as chief operating officer (COO) from 2019 to 2022.

During this time, he led operations across the full value chain, including mining, processing, and logistics, and oversaw safe operations, technical development, and long-term strategic planning.

Bayanda started his career at Anglo American’s Platinum division before joining Rio Tinto in 2019.

He brings 25 years of mining experience spanning platinum, heavy minerals, and copper.

Rio Tinto iron and titanium managing director, Sophie Bergeron, welcomed Mncwango back and thanked COO Wilhemina Ngcobo for serving as acting managing director.

“Bayanda rejoins RBM at an important time as we advance the Zulti South project, our decarbonisation programme and the ongoing investment in local procurement, enterprise development, and community partnerships,” said Bergeron.

“I would like to sincerely thank Wilhemina Ngcobo, who has ably served as acting managing director since July.

“She has maintained a strong focus on safety, operational performance and partnership and will continue to work with Bayanda as she resumes her role as COO.”