Richards Bay Minerals appoints Bayanda Mncwango as Managing Director
Bayanda Mncwango will return to Richards Bay Minerals as Managing Director in October 2026, bringing 25 years of mining experience and previous RBM leadership as the company advances Zulti South, decarbonisation and local investment initiatives
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has appointed Bayanda Mncwango as Managing Director, effective October 2026. Bayanda returns to RBM having previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2019 to 2022.
During this time, Bayanda led operations across the full value chain, including mining, processing and logistics, with responsibility for performance of safe operations, technical development and long-term strategic planning.
Bayanda started his career at Anglo American’s Platinum division before joining Rio Tinto in 2019. He brings 25 years of mining experience spanning platinum, heavy minerals and copper. He rejoins the business from Glencore Copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he served as COO and Director of Operations for Kamoto Copper Company before taking on a regional leadership role.
Sophie Bergeron Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Managing Director said: “Bayanda rejoins RBM at an important time as we advance the Zulti South project, our decarbonisation programme and the ongoing investment in local procurement, enterprise development and community partnerships.
“I would like to sincerely thank Wilhemina Ngcobo who has ably served as Acting Managing Director since July. She has maintained a strong focus on safety, operational performance and partnership and will continue to work with Bayanda as she resumes her role as COO.”
