Responsible business practices ‘no longer optional’, says WDC President Feriel Zerouki

The president of the World Diamond Council takes time out of her busy schedule to tell Rough&Polished readers about the critical work of the WDC. Zerouki, the first female present of the body, which includes all the important industry organizations among...

14 october 2024

James Campbell: Botswana Diamonds optimistic as it enters uncharted territory of using AI for mineral exploration

London-listed Botswana Diamonds has expressed optimism about the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan the exploration database in Botswana to look for new mineralised deposits. Company managing director James Campbell told Rough...

07 october 2024

Artur Salyakayev: For me, happiness is freedom to make my ideas happen and create valuable products

Artur Salyakayev is an art entrepreneur, founder of the International Jewelry Academy (IJA) and the INCRUA jewelry company. He has initiated and developed successful projects in jewelry industry and services sector. He is also a leading expert...

30 september 2024

Paul Zimnisky: China key for sustained recovery in demand for natural diamonds, prices

The curtailing of upstream and midstream natural diamond production in the past months is starting to have an effect on prices, according to the New-York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant, Paul Zimnisky. He told Rough & Polished’s...

23 september 2024

Vladimir Pilyushin: The jewelry market is not stand-alone and moves by the same laws as other markets

Vladimir Pilyushin is editor-in-chief of Russian Jeweler, a leading magazine about the jewelry industry in Russia. He told Rough&Polished about his view on the evolution of the jewelry industry in Russia and touched upon some of its problems.

16 september 2024

RBPlat CEO’s tenure to expire on August 31

21 august 2023

Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) says the contract of Steve Phiri as its chief executive will end on August 31 following the successful completion of Impala Platinum's (Implats') takeover of RBPlat.

Phiri had initially planned to resign as chief executive in 2022, but his retirement was delayed due to announcements made by Implats and Northam Platinum, regarding the potential acquisition of RBPlat.

RBPlat decided in April of this year to extend Phiri's contract until October 7.

This extension was granted to ensure that his employment would continue until the outcome of the corporate action became certain.

However, due to Implats' acquisition of a 98.91% majority stake in RBPlat and successfully obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, his contract will be concluded earlier.

“After more than 18 months of corporate action, our journey to become a fully owned part of Implats is finally becoming a reality and we are excited about the changes this will bring,” said Phiri. “…as I finally retire, I take comfort in knowing that the future is in good hands, and you will work to create a better future for all South Africans.”

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished