PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner South32 has announced the appointment of two new independent nonexecutive directors to its board, as well as the resignation of independent nonexecutive director Guy Landsdown.

The miner on Thursday announced that Jane Nelson and Carlos Mesquita would join the board on May 1, and would seek election at the company’s annual general meeting.

Nelson’s appointment follows an extensive global search to identify a director with skills and leadership experience in sustainability, environment, social performance and governance. She has over 30 years’ experience in sustainable development and natural resources, and is the founding director of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Corporate Responsibility initiative.

Nelson is based in the US.

“Nelson brings extensive experience in the sustainable development of natural resources, which will enhance the board’s broad range of skills and experience. Her appointment will support the group’s consistent focus on sustainably producing commodities that are critical in a low-carbon world and the creation of enduring social, environmental and economic value,” said South32 chairperson Karen Wood.

Meanwhile, Mesquita has over 40 years’ experience in the global mining and metals industry and spent most of his career with major mining companies focused on base metals and aluminium in the Americas and Africa, where he held various senior management roles, including VP for major projects for BHP’s base metals business.

Earlier in his career, he served as asset president of the Escondida copper mine in Chile and Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique. He has consulted for several mining companies on acquisitions of mining assets in South America, and in the first half of 2022 he worked with South32 to support the company’s acquisition of its 45% interest in Sierra Gorda SCM and to establish a presence in Chile.

“Mesquita’s expertise in major mining projects and operations in base metals and aluminium in the Americas and Africa will be valuable additions to the board’s skills as we continue to advance our exploration and development options and decarbonise our portfolio,” Wood said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lansdown has announced his intention to resign from the South32 board to enable him to focus on his family and his role as president and director of two charities he and his wife established and run in Mexico that provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth. His resignation will take effect at the end of May 2023.