By A Correspondent – Global mining and metals producer South32 Limited has announced the appointment of Sinead Kaufman as an independent Non-Executive Director to its Board, effective 1 April 2026.

Kaufman will formally join the Board at the beginning of April and will seek election by shareholders at the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.

The appointment brings to the Board a seasoned executive with three decades of international experience in the resources sector. Kaufman has worked across a broad range of commodities, including copper, aluminium, bauxite, diamonds, coal and iron ore, with expertise spanning both underground and open-pit operations.

She joined Rio Tinto in 1997 as a geologist and rose through the ranks to hold several senior leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Minerals from 2021, where she led a diverse portfolio of global operations.

Prior to that, she held key Managing Director roles within Rio Tinto’s copper operations in North America and coal operations in Australia. She also served as Managing Director – Copper and Diamonds, and Managing Director – Coal, Salt & Uranium, overseeing the divestment of the company’s Hunter Valley and Queensland coal operations in Australia.

South32 Chair Karen Wood welcomed the appointment, stating: “Sinead is an accomplished senior executive with a strong operational background and track record in leading complex operations. Her vast international experience will bring significant value to our Board as we focus on strengthening operating performance and advancing our base metal growth options.”
Born in Ireland, Kaufman holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Science in Mineral Exploration from the University of Leicester.

In a statement outlining its broader mission, South32 said: “Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources.”

The company added that it produces minerals and metals critical to the world’s energy transition from operations across the Americas, Australia and Southern Africa, while also focusing on discovering and responsibly developing its next generation of mines.

South32 expressed its ambition to leave a positive legacy through building meaningful relationships with partners and communities, with the aim of creating brighter futures together.