This week, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has brought talent and experience to the forefront while the company is expected to cut as much as 20% of its white-collar workforce in Perth — though it has so far declined to comment on either the scale or timing of these job cuts.
This news comes as CEO Simon Trott continues to unveil new streamlining measures for the mining giant, which is working towards greater efficiencies and cost savings.
As Rio Tinto sharpens its focus on efficiency, the spotlight on people and leadership is widening across the sector, with miners both large and small recalibrating their teams to meet shifting market priorities.
This week’s talent changes underscore how companies are positioning not only to streamline operations but also to capture growth opportunities across exploration, critical minerals, and gold.
Perseus Mining: Seasoned COO to drive African growth strategy
Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) has appointed Wade Bickley as Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 June 2026, to be based in the company’s Dubai office.
Bickley brings over 25 years of industry experience to the role, having run both gold and base metals operations across Australia, West Africa, and Southern Africa. More recently, Bickley has held senior management and executive roles, leading mining operations, production systems, major capital projects, and operational turnarounds.
Previously held positions include General Manager at Obuasi Mine, part of AngloGold Ashanti, Head of Mining at Khoemacau for Cupric Canyon Capital, as well as other senior roles at Anglo American.
Most recently, Bickley has served as Chief Operating Officer at Appian Capital Base Metals.
Managing Director Craig Jones says that Bickley’s appointment will enhance the company’s leadership team.
“Wade will lead our operations across Africa at this pivotal time, as we ramp up our underground operations at Yaouré and bring Nyanzaga into production — one of Africa’s most significant new gold development projects,” Jones says.
“Wade has deep experience across mining, processing, and production optimisation and major capital project execution in complex, multi-jurisdictional African environments.”
American Tungsten & Antimony: Strategic board for US critical minerals push
American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) has likewise announced a strategic appointment, appointing former US Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt as Chairman of the company’s advisory board.
Managing Director Andre Booyzen says that the appointment is “highly strategic” for American Tungsten & Antimony.
“His experience sits at the intersection of federal land access, permitting, and critical minerals policy — all of which are central to advancing our projects in the United States,” Booyzen says.
“Importantly, David brings not just policy knowledge but long-standing relationships across federal agencies and decision-makers. As the US accelerates efforts to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, the ability to engage effectively within that framework is increasingly important.”
Bernhardt served as the 53rd Secretary of the Interior of the US, providing oversight over around 500 million acres of federal land through permitting, resource development, and environmental management frameworks.
Bernhard has maintained active relationships across the US government, which will help American Tungsten & Antimony as it advances its projects in Utah and Nevada.
With antimony and tungsten currently key critical minerals for US national security, defence, and advanced manufacturing, the company is looking to advance its projects.
Within his role, Bernhardt will be providing strategic advice on policy, permitting, and regulation, supporting engagement with state and federal stakeholders, and positioning the company within the US critical minerals ecosystem.
With Secretary Bernhardt’s appointment, the company now plans to expand the board with additional strategic appointments and advance its work with the US government and local stakeholders.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Perseus Mining, American Tungsten & Antimony
