BCL has reappointed Montwedi Mphathi as its General Manager, quashing speculations that he was initially removed from the post because of allegations of corruption which were carried in the local press.
BCL issued a press statement on Friday that earlier this year it announced that it was “entering into an arrangement with LionOre Mining International Limited, government’s partners in both Tati Nickel Mining Company and BCL Limited, whereby LionOre would enlist its international resources and skills to enhance the skills base of BCL in certain of its critical technical disciplines.”
The press statement explains that part of the agreement was “to provide a suitably qualified person to act as General Manager during the period when the substantive General Manager Mr. Montwedi Mphathi, would be participating in a high level executive development programme.”
When the arrangement was announced, LionOre was the subject of a take over bid by an international mining company. “It was therefore considered prudent that the arrangement be established for an initial period of three months only, subject to review and possible extension thereafter. This three month-period ended on June 10, 2007. In the meantime, LionOre Mining has ceased to be a publicly listed company, having been acquired in a take over by Norilsk Nickel.
“Indications are that the new owners of LionOre do not intend to make material changes to the company’s business arrangements or its human resources in the immediate future. Nevertheless, the board of BCL has considered that it would be appropriate to renew the skills enhancement arrangement with LionOre for a further period at this time. The formal arrangement with LionOre has therefore lapsed, although LionOre has indicated that it will still be willing to respond to ad hoc requests from BCL to assist on a short term basis to enhance the skills within BCL’s workforce,” stated the press release.
Mphathi has resumed his full time duties at Selibe Phikwe, effective July 27, 2007.