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Lonmin makes senior management changes

Johannesburg - Lonmin [JSE:LON] announced senior management team changes on Monday.

Lonmin was at the centre of a five-month platinum mining strike which paralysed its production. Since the strike ended in June, the company has been seeking to lift production to 80% of normal levels by the end of its financial year in September.

The company said it will involve the restructuring and strengthening of its executive management team, which will streamline the business and aid in the execution of the company's strategy as it rebuilds its operational performance.

The changes will see the introduction of a chief operating officer role to oversee both the mining and processing divisions, helping to better align those areas of the business.

Johan Viljoen, a seasoned mining engineer and leader, joins Lonmin in this important new role with immediate effect.

The companyh said he brings a wealth of experience in mining, having spent 37 years in operational management and leadership roles at Gold Fields [JSE:GFI], Anglo American [JSE:AGL] and AngloGold Ashanti [JSE:ANG].

Most recently, Viljoen has been running Sfeer, a company he established to mentor and develop new talent in business and the mining industry specifically.

CEO Ben Magara said he is delighted to welcome Viljoen to the management team.

"He comes with impressive turnaround mining experience and a proven track record of delivery. He will be instrumental in the execution of the operational strategy and overseeing the completion of the ramp up and will work closely with me and the executive team as we assess our medium to long term strategy and options on the productivity and profitability of our business including cost reduction," said Magara.

"He has useful insights in the changing mining industry labour landscape."

Viljoen said he is excited to be joining Lonmin at this pivotal time.

"Our industry has great potential and I have been impressed with Lonmin's renewed efforts in rebuilding relationships. I also believe that people make the difference and I'm certain that if we focus on people, results, safety and sustainability, we will deliver a better future for all our stakeholders," said Viljoen.

The chief operating officer replaces two existing roles, namely the executive vice president (EVP) mining and EVP processing.

The change will better align the functions and help with the creation of a common culture and knowledge sharing across all our operations.

Commenting on the departures of the two EVPs for mining and processing, Mark Munroe and Natascha Viljoen, Magara said both have played key roles in delivering solid operational performances in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Both leave to pursue new opportunities and they do so with our appreciation and gratitude for their achievements. We wish them both the very best for the future," said Magara.

Both the mining and processing teams have strong and experienced people in place, all of whom will continue with the execution of the ramp up where we are continuing to make good progress.

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