New CEO for Metallon

Zimbabwe’s largest gold producer Metallon Corporation has appointed Ken Mekani as the new chief executive, the company announced.

Mekani has held the position of CEO-designate for the last nine months working closely with former chief executive Mzilikazi Khumalo. The company said following Mekani’s appointment, Khumalo will remain non-executive deputy chairman.

Mekani has been with Metallon for 28 years, having joined the firm’s forerunner, Lonrho Mining, as graduate trainee metallurgist before rising through the ranks. In 2012 he was appointed acting chief operating officer and in June 2013 he was appointed general manager for the group’s flagship operation, How Mine.

“Metallon has an ambitious growth plan predicated upon our high quality assets in Zimbabwe, both in terms of our mineral resource and our people,” said Mekani.

Metallon’s output for the first quarter ending March was up eight percent compared to the same period last year despite disruptions in production.

The resources group, which operates five underground mines in Zimbabwe and exploration assets in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, said it focused on increasing production to full capacity at all its mining operations and commencing work on new projects to boost output.

The low-cost producer sees operating costs declining to $883 per ounce this year from $946 recorded last year.

Metallon reported a $10 million after tax profit in 2014 and sees earnings more than doubling to $22 million on improved output and acquisition of the new mines.-The Source

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