Bindura Nickel pays tribute to David Brown
Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) became the latest in a string of big mining houses mourning mining guru, David Brown, who died in South Africa last week aged 59.
In a statement released at the weekend, BNC chairman Muchadeyi Masunda chronicled the accomplishment of a man whose work changed the lives of many in South Africa and Zimbabwe and singled out his drive towards “commendable community-oriented projects in and around Mhondoro Ngezi district of Mashonaland West province” during his tenure as Zimplats chairman about a decade ago.
“We join David’s widow, Julia, and children, Dan and Nicole, as well as friends, colleagues, Kuvimba Mining House (majority shareholder in BNC) and the mining industry in Zimbabwe and South Africa in mourning the passing on of an icon, a visionary and passionate leader whose immense contribution to the growth of the mining industry in both countries shall remain indelibly etched in our memories,” Masunda added.
At the time of his death, Brown was the chairman of Northam Platinum and former Impala Platinum CEO. Brown died of a heart attack on the 19th of June 2022. He was 59.
Brown was additionally the chairman of Northam Platinum and a director of Vodacom Group in South Africa.
“I am shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of David, a stalwart of the Southern African mining industry. He was not only Chairman of Northam’s board but a friend and colleague. He worked at board level in the sector for more than 23 years. My fellow board members and executive team join me in extending our sincerest sympathy to his family and loved ones, friends and colleagues. David instinctively knew that people are at the centre of all things mining. He will be sorely missed,” Paul Dunne, CEO of Northam, said.
South Africa’s Telecoms giant Vodacom also expressed sadness at the passing of Brown.
“It’s with disappointment that Vodacom advises shareholders of the premature passing of David Brown,” the telecommunications firm stated in an announcement on Monday.
His death came as Northam Platinum is locked in a battle with rival Impala Platinum to take over Royal Bafokeng Platinum.
The mining veteran served as Chief Finance Officer and later CEO at Impala from 1999 to 2012, overseeing operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He has additionally led MC Mining, a coal producer.
He resigned as CEO at Kuvimba Mining however stayed on as a director at its Bindura Nickel Corp.