Canada’s First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has appointed Ryan MacWilliam as CFO and Rudi Badenhorst as COO, with effect from September 1.

MacWilliam joined FQM in 2019 and has been leading the business development and investor relations functions. Prior to joining FQM, he was the CFO of Canada-based Nevsun Resources until its acquisition by Zijin Mining.

Badenhorst joined FQM in 1996 for the design, construction and commissioning of the Bwana Mkubwa tailings project in Zambia. Since 2004, he has held general manager positions at several of the company’s operations, including the Lonshi mine and Kolwezi tailings project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ravensthorpe nickel mine in Australia, and the Sentinel and Kansanshi mines in Zambia.

In 2019, Badenhorst was promoted to director for operations where he has been responsible for all Zambian operations and representing FQM in discussions with the government of Zambia.

“I am excited about the new senior leadership at First Quantum. I have worked with Rudi for over 15 years and he embodies much that is important in First Quantum’s culture and approach. Over his 25 years at First Quantum, Rudi has led operations for us all over the world, successfully tackling any number of operational and stakeholder challenges. He is very well placed to provide significant impetus to our production and optimization efforts in the current challenging environment,” said CEO Tristan Pascall.

Pascall further added, “Ryan brings a wealth of capability to the CFO role. His breadth of mining industry experience and proven track record means he is very well qualified to help the company achieve its ambitious targets and make the right capital allocation decisions in the years ahead. I look forward to working closely with Ryan and Rudi as we have the right team in place to oversee the next stage of the company’s growth.”

After serving as FQM’s CFO for the last 11 years, Hannes Meyer would remain with the company.

“I want to thank Hannes for his leadership, commitment and support,” said Pascall. “I am very grateful for his sound financial management and considered leadership at First Quantum for more than a decade. He has stewarded the company’s finances through challenging times and it is a reflection of his efforts that he leaves the balance sheet in a much improved position.”