The board of West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI, OTCQB:WMWWF) has tapped seasoned mining executive Rudi Deysel to lead the company as CEO, effective December 1, spearheading its push to gold production in his native South Africa.
Pivotal role at Qala Shallows
Deysel is no stranger to West Wits’ operations – prior to his appointment as CEO he served as the company’s chief operating officer and country manager for South Africa, where he led the Qala Shallows Project.
He spearheaded the Qala Shallows definitive feasibility study, developed early mining initiatives and established the current mining footprint to fast-track production.
His recent work includes leading the team through due diligence processes with independent consultants and advancing the approval process for the company’s first-tier bank debt facility.
Vast African mining chops
Along with the inside knowledge of the company, Deysel brings more than 22 years of extensive experience in production and project development, spanning narrow tabular underground and open-pit mining across commodities such as gold, PGMs, copper and cobalt throughout Africa.
He has held pivotal executive and senior management roles in leading mining companies during his career, including at ERG Africa, where he established robust management systems, Asanko Gold in Ghana, where he led technical solid and financial principles, and at Murray and Roberts Cementation, where he developed underground mine infrastructure.
“I am deeply honoured to lead the execution of what is undoubtedly an exciting phase for West Wits and the Qala Shallows Project,” Rudi Deysel said.
“Over my career, I have been involved in numerous mining projects, but this one stands out for its robust technical and financial fundamentals.
“Once project funding has been finalised, the Qala Shallows will serve as the catalyst that enables West Wits to expand and establish itself as a mid-tier gold producer in the long term.
“I look forward to driving the company’s strategy, executing the development plan, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”
Engineer by trade
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Deysel is a highly qualified mining professional with a B.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics and B. Eng. in Mining Engineering from the University of Pretoria, as well as an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand.
He is a professional engineer (Pr. Eng) registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa and holds a Mine Manager Certificate of Competency (MMCC).