Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has appointed Bayanda Mncwango as Managing Director, effective October 2026. Mncwango returns to RBM, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2019 to 2022. During that period, Mncwango led operations across the full value chain, including mining, processing and logistics, with responsibility for safe operational performance, technical development and …
Richards Bay Minerals appoints Bayanda Mncwango as Managing Director
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has appointed Bayanda Mncwango as Managing Director, effective October 2026. Mncwango returns to RBM, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2019 to 2022.
During that period, Mncwango led operations across the full value chain, including mining, processing and logistics, with responsibility for safe operational performance, technical development and long-term strategic planning.
Mncwango began his career in 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 RBM 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, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, said: “Bayanda rejoins RBM at an important time as we advance the Zulti South project, our decarbonisation programme and ongoing investments 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.”
About Richards Bay Minerals
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is one of the world’s leading mineral sands producers and a major South African exporter. Established in 1976, RBM is celebrating 50 years of partnership, progress and possibility in 2026.
The company mines and beneficiates heavy mineral sands and produces materials including titanium dioxide feedstock, zircon and high-purity iron.
RBM recently approved the Zulti South project, a major investment that will help sustain operations and economic contribution into the future.
RBM operates in KwaZulu-Natal and is committed to safe, responsible and sustainable mining that creates long-term value for employees, host communities and South Africa.
