Senior Management

Mr. Lin was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Norton Gold Fields effective July 2024. Previously, Mr. Lin has served as General Manager (Projects) and Chief Operating Officer of Norton Gold Fields and played key roles at Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine and other subsidiaries of the Zijin Mining Group. His 16-year career spans operational, technical and leadership roles in mine operations and construction projects.

Mr. Lin holds a Bachelor’s degree from China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), a Master’s degree in Metallurgy from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, and a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering from the WA School of Mines of Curtin University.

Mr Lai joined Zijin Mining Group in 2009 and has held various senior financial management positions in various Zijin subsidiaries including Zijinshan Gold and Copper Mine, COMMUS SAS in DRC and Kamoa Copper SA. Over-10-year working experience in the mining industry. His recent position was the head of Finance of Kamoa Copper, the third biggest Copper Mine in the world between 2018 and 2022. He was appointed as the CFO of Norton in November 2022.

With fluent English communication skills and solid finance and taxation experience, Mr Lai is a valuable addition to Norton’s senior executive team.

Mr Chen Joined Norton Goldfields in 2018. Throughout his career, he has obtained extensive experience in Mine Planning, Ming Design and Mineral Processing.

Mr. Chen completed his undergraduate studies at Beijing University of Technology from 2000 to 2004, earning a bachelor’s degree in Measurement and Control Technology. He then graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Curtin University, Western Australia, and obtained a postgraduate degree in Exploration Geology in 2018.

Following his education, Yanjing began his career in the mining industry in 2009. He has worked in various roles at several mining companies, including UG manager, Principal Mining engineer, and COO.

Mr. Weifeng Jian graduated from Central South University with a bachelor’s degree in Mineral Processing & Engineering, completing his studies from 2005 to 2009. Since beginning his career in 2009, Mr. Jian has held key roles at Zijin Shan Gold Copper Mine, Jin Zhong Mining Co. Ltd., and Zijin Mining Group’s Headquarters, where he served as Metallurgical Superintendent, Processing Plant Manager, and Project Manager. His over a decade of experience in these positions reflects his deep expertise and long-standing dedication to the mining industry.

In 2016, Mr. Jian joined Norton Goldfields, where he has steadily advanced from Senior Project Engineer to General Manager. His contributions have been instrumental in driving the company’s ongoing operational success.

Mr. Zhang holds a master’s degree in Ore Dressing and has been working in the mining industry since 2011.Mr. Zhang completed his undergraduate studies in Metallurgy Engineering at Central South University from 2005 to 2009. He then pursued a master’s degree in Mineral Processing in the Curtin University from 2010 to 2012.

Following his education, Mr. Zhang began his career in the mining industry in 2011. He has worked in various roles at Norton Goldfields Limited and Zijin Mining Group, including project manager, engineer, and general manager. His experience spans over a decade, demonstrating his commitment to the mining industry.

Throughout his career, Mr. Zhang has consistently held positions of increasing responsibility. This progression reflects his professional growth, expertise, and dedication to his work.

Mr Chen holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has been working in the mining industry since 2010.

Chen Wangyuan completed his undergraduate studies at Jimei University from 2006 to 2010, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Following his education, Chen Wangyuan began his career in the mining industry in 2010. He has worked in various roles at Zijin Mining Group, Serbia Zijin Copper DOO Bor, and other zijin’s mining & smelting subsidiary companies, including purchasing officer, Commercial department manager, and General Manager-Commercial. Whilst working in the mining industry for more than 13 years Mr. Chen have obtained extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management, especially in mining and smelting project’s construction and operation management.

Mr David Muller BSc Chemistry and MBA Technology Management has been working for Norton Gold Fields since May 2024 in the role of General Manager HSEC. 

Prior to this role, Mr Muller held the role of Regional Team Leader for DEMIRS and WorkSafe WA Mine Inspectorate and was part of the role out of the updated WA WHS Act 2020 and WA WHS Regulations 2022.

He has previously held roles in various Open Pit and UG mining operations, as well as significant experience in Processing operations throughout Australia.  He is also an experience Continuous Improvement specialist with a track record of sustained improvements in Industry.

Throughout his career, Mr. Muller has consistently held positions of increasing responsibility. This progression reflects his professional growth, expertise, and dedication to his work. 

Mr. Yu commenced in the role of General Manager- Exploration and Geology on 1 July 2023. With 20 years’ international experience working in gold and base metals, he brings a breadth of knowledge in Exploration Geology, Mineral Resource Development, Mine Geology and project evaluation to the role.

Mr. Yu studied at Jinlin University in China, achieving a Bachelor of Science (Geology) and a Master of Science (Petrology, Mineralogy, and Mineral Deposit Geology).

Following his education, Mr. Yu began his career in the mining industry in 2005.  His most recently held position of Mine Geology manager at Norton Gold Fields. Prior to his 12 years at Norton Gold Fields, Neng has worked in various roles at several mining project in China at Zijin Group.

Mr James Clarke acts in an advisory capacity, providing management and strategic advice to the CEO and the board on strategies related to internal and external communications; liaising with internal and external stakeholders, local government agencies, media as well as local communities to promote the company’s reputation, interests and positive image within the industry and the local community.

Currently, James is also the independent director of Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, President (WA) and national director of the Australia China Business Council, and board member of the not-for-profit organisation MongoliaCare. Previously James held the roles of International CEO and Director for an international consultancy firm LH Global and national treasurer and board member for the Migration Institute of Australia. Mr Clarke has rich experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and government / key stakeholder relations. Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, he is an accomplished Australia-China cross-cultural expert.