Aurelia Metals has appointed Steve Badenhorst as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective 6 October 2026, aiming to leverage his 35 years of global mining experience to drive operational performance and strategic growth.
- Steve Badenhorst appointed CEO from October 2026
- Over 35 years of global mining operational leadership
- Experience spans Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo American and others
- Employment includes fixed pay of $732,500 plus incentives
- Long-term incentive subject to shareholder approval at 2026 AGM
Experienced Mining Executive to Lead Aurelia Metals
Aurelia Metals (ASX:AMI) has secured a heavyweight in mining leadership with the appointment of Steve Badenhorst as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, starting 6 October 2026. Badenhorst brings a formidable 35-year track record spanning underground and surface operations across multiple commodities including copper, zinc, coal, and aluminium.
His recent role as Group Head of Asset Management at Rio Tinto, coupled with operational leadership stints at Glencore’s technically complex Kidd underground zinc and copper mine in Canada, positions him uniquely to steer Aurelia through its next growth chapter. The board emphasised Badenhorst’s blend of operational credentials and strategic insight as key to driving both performance and long-term value creation.
Strategic Leadership Amid Growth Opportunities
Aurelia’s Chair, Graeme Hunt, highlighted the comprehensive search process that led to Badenhorst’s appointment, noting the company’s need for a leader who can balance disciplined execution with strategic foresight. Badenhorst’s extensive experience with global mining giants such as Anglo American, BHP, Vale, and De Beers underlines his capability to manage complex operations and high-performing teams.
His appointment follows a period of interim leadership by Martin Cummings, who stepped in as CEO while the company conducted its recruitment process. Badenhorst’s arrival comes at a time when Aurelia is advancing its high-grade copper development at the Great Cobar Project and managing three underground base metal mines in New South Wales’ Cobar Basin.
Compensation Package Reflects Performance Incentives
The employment terms include a total fixed remuneration of $732,500 per annum, inclusive of superannuation, complemented by a short-term incentive plan targeting 70% of fixed pay, with potential to stretch to 125%. The long-term incentive, capped at 100% of fixed pay, is contingent on performance metrics and requires shareholder approval at the upcoming 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Badenhorst expressed enthusiasm about returning to underground hard rock mining and leading Aurelia’s strategy execution to unlock value from its asset base and exploration portfolio. His leadership tenure will be closely watched as the company seeks to translate operational momentum into sustained shareholder returns.
This leadership change follows Aurelia’s recent strong operational performance, including surpassing FY26 gold production targets and securing a $150 million financing facility, underpinning its growth ambitions.
Bottom Line?
Badenhorst’s appointment signals a strategic shift towards operational excellence and growth execution, with market eyes on how his leadership will translate into value amid Aurelia’s active project pipeline.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Badenhorst’s underground mining expertise influence Aurelia’s operational priorities?
- What impact will the pending shareholder vote on the long-term incentive plan have on executive alignment?
- Can Aurelia sustain its recent production momentum under new leadership?