• Natascha Viljoen will succeed Tom Palmer as Newmont CEO on Jan. 1, 2026.
• She becomes the first woman to lead the world’s largest gold producer.
• Newmont expects attributable production of 5.9 million ounces in 2025, supported by new Ghana projects.

Newmont Corp, the world’s top gold producer, appointed Natascha Viljoen as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. She will succeed Tom Palmer, who has led the company since 2019 and plans to retire.

The announcement on September 29 makes Viljoen the first woman to hold the CEO role in Newmont’s history.

Viljoen, who joined Newmont in 2023 as President and Chief Operating Officer, brings more than 30 years of mining experience. She previously held senior roles at Anglo American’s platinum division, Valterra Platinum, and at BHP.

Her appointment comes as Newmont seeks to streamline its portfolio and strengthen its copper exposure, while maintaining leadership in gold production.

Newmont continues to expand its African footprint. Last week, the company inaugurated Ahafo North in Ghana, complementing its existing Ahafo South mine. Together, the two assets are expected to produce up to 850,000 ounces of gold annually.

This year, Ahafo South should deliver 670,000 ounces, while Ahafo North adds 50,000 ounces. Globally, Newmont forecasts attributable production of 5.9 million ounces in 2025.

The miner operates a diversified portfolio across several continents. Its projects include Brucejack and Red Chris in Canada, and Boddington and Cadia in Australia.

The company continues to consolidate its leadership in gold while advancing a pipeline of copper opportunities.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum