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Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is bringing back an experienced operator to lead the business as it moves into a new investment phase centred on Zulti South, decarbonisation and deeper local economic participation.
Bayanda Mncwango has been appointed Managing Director, effective October 2026, returning to RBM after serving as Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2022. Mncwango previously led operations across mining, processing and logistics, with responsibility for safe operating performance, technical development and long-term planning.
Mncwango’s return brings 25 years of mining experience spanning platinum, heavy minerals and copper. He joins RBM from Glencore Copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he served as Chief Operation Officer and Director of Operations at Kamoto Copper Company before taking on a regional leadership role. Mncwango began his mining career with Anglo American’s Platinum division before joining Rio Tinto in 2019.
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium’s Managing Director, Sophie Bergeron said Mncwango was returning at an important point for RBM as the company advances the Zulti South project, its decarbonisation programme and 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 Chief Operating Officer,” said Bergeron.
Ngcobo will resume her position as COO and continue working with Mncwango following her tenure as Acting Managing Director. RBM, which marks 50 years of operations in South Africa in 2026, is one of the world’s leading mineral sands producers, producing titanium dioxide feedstock, zircon and high-purity iron. The company recently approved Zulti South, a major investment intended to sustain its operations and economic contribution into the future.
