July Ndlovu, a name synonymous with resilience and transformative leadership in the global mining sector, is set to conclude an extraordinary career in July 2025. Born in a rural Zimbabwean village in July 1965, Ndlovu’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Thungela Resources, South Africa’s leading coal producer, is nothing short of inspiring.
Ndlovu’s dedication and strategic acumen have paid off handsomely. In 2024 alone, he earned a staggering R59 million, averaging roughly R5 million per month – a testament to his decades of commitment and the profound impact of his leadership.
Career Timeline: July Ndlovu
- 1986–1989: Studied metallurgical engineering at the University of Zimbabwe.
- 1993: Began his mining career as a graduate trainee engineer, earning R1,500 per month (initial company not specified, but this predates his Anglo American formal joining date).
- 2001: Joined Anglo American.
- 2001: Transferred to Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) as Business Manager at the Polokwane Smelter.
- 2001–2004: Held senior managerial roles in metallurgical operations at Anglo American subsidiaries, including technical services roles in Zimbabwe.
- 2004: Promoted to Refinery Manager of Anglo American Platinum’s Rustenburg Base Metals Refineries.
- 2005: Appointed Head of Process Technology at Anglo American Platinum.
- 2007: Became Executive Head of Process Technology for Anglo American Platinum.
- 2007–2016: Continued as an Executive Head at Anglo American, overseeing coal and metallurgical operations; also served as Chairman of Unki Platinum Mine. (Note: He spent most of his career in leadership roles, close to 30 years).
- 2016: Appointed CEO of Anglo American’s Coal business in South Africa.
- July 2020: Appointed Chairman of the World Coal Association (WCA), later rebranded to FutureCoal.
- June 2021: Led the listing of Thungela Resources on both the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges, following its demerger from Anglo American.
- 2021: Officially became CEO of Thungela Resources.
- 2023: Led Thungela’s acquisition of the Ensham coal mine in Australia.
- 2024: Oversaw a 16% revenue increase to R35.6 billion for Thungela; personally earned R59.79 million.
- January 2025: Thungela announced his planned retirement.
- July 2025: Scheduled to retire upon reaching the company’s retirement age of 60.
A Foundation Forged in Education and Experience
Ndlovu’s path to the top began in a small Zimbabwean village, where he was raised by subsistence farming parents. He attended Gokomere High School before embarking on his academic pursuits. Initially drawn to medicine, he swiftly pivoted to metallurgical engineering at the University of Zimbabwe, laying the groundwork for his future in mining. His thirst for knowledge continued with a Master of Business Leadership from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and executive programs at prestigious institutions like Duke University and Columbia Business School.
His career at Anglo American began in 2001 as a graduate trainee engineer. Over the next two decades, Ndlovu climbed the ranks, holding senior managerial roles in metallurgical operations, leading Anglo American Platinum’s Polokwane Smelter, and overseeing coal and metallurgical operations as an Executive Head. His leadership capabilities were further recognized with his chairmanship of Unki Platinum Mine.
Steering Thungela to New Heights
The pinnacle of Ndlovu’s corporate journey arrived in 2021 when he was appointed CEO of Thungela Resources following its demerger from Anglo American. Under his astute stewardship, Thungela has not only navigated volatile market conditions but has thrived.
A key highlight of his tenure was leading Thungela’s strategic acquisition of the Ensham coal mine in Australia in 2023, a move that significantly expanded the company’s global footprint. In 2024, Ndlovu oversaw an impressive 16% increase in revenue for Thungela, reaching R35.6 billion. His leadership has delivered substantial returns for shareholders, with the company’s market capitalization growing considerably and R22 billion returned over four years. Ndlovu has also been a vocal advocate for coal’s vital role in global energy security, all while navigating the complex environmental demands facing the sector.
Thungela announced in January 2025 that Ndlovu would retire in July 2025, upon reaching the company’s retirement age of 60. His departure marks the end of a remarkable 35-year career in mining. Moses Madondo, former CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations, has been appointed CEO designate and is set to succeed him, ensuring a smooth transition.
Reflecting on his impending retirement, Ndlovu expressed excitement for the next chapter of his life. He looks forward to embracing spontaneity, spending quality time with his wife – whom he met at 17 – and indulging in personal interests like reading and travel. While he intends to remain active on select boards, his primary focus will shift to family and making a meaningful difference without the demands of full-time executive leadership. July Ndlovu leaves behind a legacy of integrity, strategic vision, and profound impact on the mining industry.
