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Natascha Viljoen, one of the most respected figures in the global mining industry, is poised to become the next Chief Executive Officer of Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer based in the United States.
With decades of experience across multiple commodities and continents, Viljoen has built a reputation for exceptional leadership and resilience under pressure. Her journey from a mining-town childhood to the top of one of the world’s largest resource companies is a testament to both her technical expertise and her unwavering determination.
Born into a mining family, Viljoen’s fascination with the industry began early. “Mining is in my blood,” she told the Dig Deep Mining Podcast. Her father worked as a winding engine driver at gold mines, and as a young girl, she often accompanied him on night shifts. Those experiences left a lasting impression — the smell of explosives, the calm shimmer of settling dams, and the hum of machinery all sparked a lifelong curiosity about mining.
Viljoen went on to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in extractive metallurgy from Potchefstroom University (now North-West University), followed by an executive MBA from the University of Cape Town. She began her career in 1991 as a trainee engineer at the state-owned steelmaker Iscor (now ArcelorMittal), later holding key roles at BHP, Anglo American, and Lonmin, where she managed concentrators, smelting, refining, and sustainability operations.
In 2014, Viljoen joined Anglo American as Group Head of Processing, and six years later became CEO of Anglo American Platinum (now Valterra), the world’s largest primary producer of platinum. Her appointment coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic — a period that tested her leadership from both personal and professional standpoints. Professionally, she had to steer the company through halted operations, disrupted supply chains, and the uncertainty of an unprecedented global crisis. Despite the challenges, she ensured that all 31,000 employees — including contractors — continued to receive their pay, while guiding a safe and measured return to production.
Adding to these difficulties, an explosion at the company’s Anglo Converter Plant in early 2020 forced a significant operational shutdown, temporarily affecting over half of global platinum group metals production. Yet, under Viljoen’s steady leadership, Anglo American Platinum rebounded strongly, achieving record financial results by 2022. In 2023, Viljoen announced her move to Newmont, joining as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Two years later, Newmont confirmed that she would succeed Tom Palmer as CEO effective January 1, 2026.
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Since joining Newmont, Viljoen has played a key role in integrating new assets, optimizing the company’s portfolio, and fostering leadership development. Looking ahead, she emphasized her commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth. “I am honored to serve as Newmont’s next CEO at this pivotal moment,” Viljoen said. “With respect for our legacy, we will manage our portfolio safely, efficiently, and with strong financial discipline. Together, we will shape a Newmont that is stronger, simpler, and more resilient.”
