Johannesburg - Brian Beamish has been appointed Lonmin chairman following the retirement of Roger Phillimore, the platinum company said on Tuesday.
Lonmin's board of directors decided on Monday to confirm Beamish's appointment with immediate effect, it said in a statement.
Chairman of the Lonmin nomination committee Jim Sutcliffe said he was delighted Beamish accepted the position permanently.
“After an extensive and exhaustive search process I am convinced that Brian was by far the best candidate and I look forward to supporting him as we develop and implement our plans.”
Lonmin chief executive Ben Magara said he looked forward to continuing to work closely with Beamish to build a robust and sustainable Lonmin.
Beamish, who has been interim chairman since May 1, joined the Lonmin board on November 1.
He is an engineer and has 36 years of experience with the Anglo American Group, where he held positions including group director of mining and technology, chief operating officer, and chief executive of global base metals.
Before this he was operations director of Anglo American Platinum for four years.
He has also served as non-executive director of De Beers and as non-executive director of Anglo American Platinum.
“Lonmin holds rights over a suite of exceptional PGM (platinum group metals) assets, has unmatched technical strengths and good people with the drive and skills to restore the business to profitability,” Beamish said.
The return to work following the five-month platinum strike was progressing well, he said.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members at Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum, and Impala Platinum downed tools on January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12,500.
The companies signed a three-year wage agreement with Amcu on June 24, ending the strike.
In terms of the agreement, the salary of the lowest-paid worker would increase by R1000 in the first two years and R950 in the third year. - Sapa