Chris Griffith, the former CEO of Gold Fields, has been designated as the CEO of Vedanta Resources’ Base Metals unit and appointed as the President of its International Businesses, commencing October 2.
In his new role, Griffith will oversee a wide spectrum of international operations within Vedanta Resources. This includes leadership of the international zinc business situated in South Africa and Namibia, management of the iron-ore operations in Liberia, and the comprehensive copper portfolio, encompassing assets like Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Zambia, Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and Sterlite Copper in India.
Vedanta Group chairperson Anil Agarwal expressed his enthusiasm for Griffith’s appointment, citing his extensive background in the mining industry, as seen during his tenure at Gold Fields, Anglo American Platinum, and Kumba Iron Ore. Agarwal stressed Griffith’s growth-oriented mindset and strong commitment to sustainability, qualities that align seamlessly with Vedanta’s core values.
Griffith himself conveyed his excitement regarding his new role at Vedanta, a company he views as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing entities in the global mining and metals sector. He looks forward to spearheading innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable growth across Vedanta’s Base Metals businesses. Griffith’s vision includes positioning KCM as a pivotal asset within the company and expanding the group’s international footprint, all with the objective of creating value for stakeholders across various geographies.
Vedanta Resources, a diversified mining conglomerate, has strategically appointed Chris Griffith to lead its base metals division and preside over its international ventures. In this capacity, Griffith will guide the company’s international zinc operations in South Africa and Namibia, as well as its iron ore interests in Liberia.
Furthermore, Griffith will assume responsibility for overseeing the Konkola Copper Mines located in Zambia and will play a pivotal role in managing Vedanta’s downstream processing businesses across India and the Middle East.
Griffith’s appointment comes after his departure from Gold Fields in December of the previous year, which followed an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Canada’s Yamana Gold.
In summary, Chris Griffith’s appointment as CEO of Vedanta Resources’ Base Metals unit and President of its International Businesses signals a strategic move for the company, bringing in a seasoned leader with a track record of success in the mining industry. This appointment is expected to facilitate Vedanta’s growth and sustainability objectives, with a focus on its diverse range of international mining and metals operations.