Banhu Zhang has been appointed CEO and executive director of JSE-listed Wesizwe Platinum, with effect from August 21.

Moreover, Daqiang Pang, Yulong Tian and Kaiyu Kang have been appointed nonexecutive directors, effective from the same date.

Zhang holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical design, manufacturing and automation and a master’s degree in construction machinery.

He has nearly 20 years of experience in mining engineering, operations and management, having served in various senior technical and leadership roles at Jinchuan Group where he also led major infrastructure projects, and holds 11 Chinese utility model patents.

Zhang joined Wesizwe in 2021 as deputy mine GM and was appointed head of procurement and IT in November 2024.

Further, Pang holds a bachelor’s degree in photogrammetry and remote sensing and completed postgraduate training in international trade and finance.

With nearly 30 years of experience at Jinchuan Group, he has held key roles across various departments, including nickel and cobalt research and engineering, strategic planning, mineral resources, central Asia operations and resources and capital international.

Pang currently serves as capital operations manager of Jinchuan Group (Hong Kong) Resources Holdings, chairperson and GM of Jinchuan Group (Canada) Resources and Mexico Taylor, and is a director of Metorex.

Pang brings extensive expertise in mineral resource management and project investment evaluation, supported by strong business acumen developed through his international leadership experience in the mining industry, the company points out.

Tian holds a PhD in economic geology and has held senior leadership roles at Jinchuan Group and Metorex Group.

With broad expertise in mineral resource evaluation and geology, he has managed major technical teams and served on several mining company boards.

Since 2024, Tian has been general director of mineral resources at Jinchuan Group (Hong Kong) mineral resources holding company and deputy GM of Metorex Group, overseeing strategic resource management and governance across international mining operations.

Kang is an investment professional specialising in infrastructure and energy across the African region.

He currently represents the China-Africa Development Fund in South Africa and has progressed through senior roles including executive director and assistant director of investment.

Kang holds a master of public policy and a bachelor’s degree in economics and management. He is also certified in banking management and financial economy, bringing strong financial and investment expertise to the board.

The board says it is confident that the four appointees possess the requisite skills, qualifications and experience to serve as nonexecutive directors and contribute meaningfully to the company’s governance and strategic objectives, and has congratulated them on their appointments.

Wesizwe’s core project is the Bakubung platinum mine in South Africa.

The company’s Chinese consortium shareholders, Jinchuan Mining and China-Africa Development Fund, are highly influential in developing its strategy, as is the presence of experienced Chinese mining professionals in the positions of deputy chairperson, CEO, FD and nonexecutive directors on the board.