Natascha Viljoen is a distinguished leader in the global mining industry, currently serving as President and COO of Newmont Corporation, the world's leading gold producer.
Her appointment to this role in May 2025 underscores her extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.
Viljoen's career began in 1991 at Iscor as a trainee engineer. She then held various leadership roles across major mining companies:
BHP: Managed coal and chrome operations in South Africa, including serving as General Manager of the Klipspruit Colliery.
Anglo American Platinum: Held multiple positions, culminating in her role as CEO from 2020 to 2023, where she led initiatives focusing on safety, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Lonmin: Served as Executive Vice President of Processing and Sustainability, emphasizing responsible mining practices.
In October 2023, Viljoen joined Newmont as Executive Vice President and COO. Her leadership during this period was instrumental in integrating Newcrest Mining's assets following Newmont's acquisition, optimizing operations across diverse geographies. Her recent promotion to President and COO in reflects her significant contributions to the company's strategic and operational advancements.
Viljoen's contributions have been acknowledged globally:
- Named among Forbes' "Most Powerful Women International" in 2020 and 2021
- Featured in the "100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining" in 2020.
She also holds prominent positions in industry organizations:
- Deputy Chairperson of the Energy Council of South Africa.
- Board member of the Hydrogen Council, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
- Served on advisory boards for chemical engineering faculties at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Queensland's Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre.
Viljoen is renowned for her holistic approach to leadership, integrating operational efficiency with a strong emphasis on ESG principles. Her tenure at Newmont is marked by efforts to enhance productivity while fostering a culture of safety and sustainability. She believes in the power of inclusive leadership and is committed to driving positive change within the mining sector.
In her own words, upon her promotion: "I am honoured and excited to have this opportunity to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Newmont, a company whose values I share and whose people I respect. I am looking forward to leading our efforts in this new capacity, and to ensure that all of our stakeholders—our teams, host communities, partners, customers, and shareholders—benefit from our world-class portfolio."
Viljoen's leadership continues to shape the future of mining, emphasizing responsible practices and stakeholder engagement at every level.
Newmont Corporation
Newmont Corporation is the world’s largest gold mining company and a significant producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA, Newmont is recognized for its operational excellence, sustainability leadership, and commitment to responsible mining practices. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the S&P 500 Index. Founded in 1921, Newmont has grown through strategic acquisitions, most notably its US$10 billion merger with Goldcorp in 2019 and its 2023 acquisition of Newcrest Mining, making it the undisputed leader in gold production.
Newmont’s global footprint spans five continents with a portfolio of tier-one assets. These assets are defined by their long mine lives, low costs, and potential for expansion. Major operations include:
North America: Carlin, Nevada Gold Mines JV, Cripple Creek & Victor (USA), Éléonore (Canada)
South America: Yanacocha (Peru), Merian (Suriname)
Australia: Boddington, Tanami
Africa: Ahafo and Akyem (Ghana)
Papua New Guinea: Lihir, Wafi-Golpu (joint venture)
The integration of Newcrest Mining in 2023 added world-class assets such as Cadia, Brucejack, and Red Chris to Newmont's portfolio.
Newmont's vision is to lead the world in sustainable gold mining. With a focus on climate resilience, operational excellence, and long-term shareholder value, the company is positioned to thrive as demand for gold and critical minerals like copper rises in the energy transition era.