Leadership Team
board of directors
Guo Xian Jian Chairman / Director
Dr. Guo Xian Jian is the Chairman and Director of Norton Gold Fields, as well as the chief executive officer of the Zijin Gold International Group.
Dr. Guo joined Zijin Mining as chief engineer in August 2017, and has been the senior advisor of Zijin Mining since December 2019, guiding the company’s engineering and technology, as well as the development and operation of overseas projects. During his tenure with Zijin Mining, he was deeply involved in several key projects comprising our Group, including the commissioning and technical renovation of the Colombia Buriticá Gold Mine the operation resumption and technical renovation of the Guyana Aurora Gold Mine, the implementation of the pressure pre-oxidation project for the Tajikistan Jilau/Taror Gold Mines, the commissioning and ram-up of the heap leaching project at Australia Norton Gold Mine, the transfer and production upgrade of the Suriname Rosebel Gold Mine.
Dr. Guo has been engaged in research and development, engineering, project management, and plant operation optimization in the metal and mining field for over forty years. He began his career in July 1982 and has held several prominent positions in research institutions and metal and mining enterprises, including as deputy director, among other positions, of the Beijing General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals from April 1989 to February 1995, senior researcher at the Technology Center of Noranda Inc. from January 1997 to December 2001, and as the director (non-ferrous metals — China region) and technical director (China region) at Hatch Ltd respectively from 2002 to 2005, and 2011 to 2017. He also served as the vice president at Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited from January 2006 to August 2011 and technical advisor for CGN Mining Company Ltd’s Husab Uranium Project in Namibia from September 2013 to November 2016. Dr. Guo had his residency at the University of Science and Technology Beijing as visiting professor in 2017. In his career, he led the completion of dozens of research and engineering and metallurgical projects, including several large-scale mining and mineral processing (metallurgy) projects with investments exceeding billion dollars.
Dr. Guo is a registered engineer in Ontario, Canada and possesses great industry knowledge and expertise in Non-ferrous Metal industry. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Non-ferrous Metallurgy from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, the PRC, in July 1982, followed by a master’s degree in Non-ferrous Metallurgy from Kunming University of Science and Technology, the PRC, in June 1986, and a doctorate degree in same field in March 1989. Subsequent to his academic studies, he furthered his academic pursuits with research collaboration with the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering (formerly Mackay School of Mines), University of Nevada, USA and McGill University, Canada. Dr. Guo has published over 40 papers in renowned domestic and international journals and international academic conferences and is the writer of the books ‘‘Chemistry and Application of Copper Pyro-metallurgical Slag’’ published in 2023 and ‘‘Theory and Practice of Comprehensive Utilization of Low-grade Gold Resources’’ to be published.
Zhihua Huang Director
Dr. Huang Zhihua is an Director of Norton Gold Fields and the chief operating officer of the Zijin Gold International Group.
Dr. Huang joined Zijin Mining in August 2007, and he served as the executive deputy general manager of Hunan Zijin Lithium Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zijin Mining, from August 2022 to October 2024 before serving as their executive director and general manager from October 2024 to June 2025. During his tenure with Zijin Mining, he was involved in several key projects comprising the Group, including the plant manager of Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine, the concentrator manager at Kamoa Copper S.A., and the executive deputy general manager of Hunan Zijin Lithium Co., Ltd.
Dr. Huang is a registered senior engineer in the PRC. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mineral processing engineering from Central South University in June 2004, followed by a master’s degree in May 2007, and a doctorate degree in June 2021 in mineral engineering from Central South University, the PRC.
Yuanguang Huang Director
Mr. Huang joined Zijin Mining Group in 2016 and has since been the Zijin Mining Group’s first HR Director and HR General Manager of the HR Department of Zijin headquarters. At the same time, he is also a director of Tibet Zijin Industrial Co., Ltd and a member of the management committee of Zijinshan Copper-Gold Mine. On the 13th of February 2023. Mr. Huang was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Norton Gold Fields by the Zijin Mining Group and is now the Managing Director of the HR Department of Zijin headquarters.
Before joining Zijin, Mr. Huang held many senior executive positions in various listed companies in China, including Nine Dragons Paper and Midea Group Company Ltd.
With more than 15 years of executive experience, Mr. Huang brings unique skills, perspectives, and relationships to lead Norton Gold Fields into the future.
Wei Lin Director
Mr. Lin has more than 17 years of mining industry experience, encompassing operational, technical, and managerial roles. Appointed CEO of Norton Gold Fields in July 2024, he is entrusted with directing the company’s strategic growth, overseeing operational efficiency, and guiding key projects to completion.
Before taking on his current role, Mr. Lin served as General Manager (Projects) and COO at Norton Gold Fields, where he led major initiatives, streamlined production processes, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Prior to that, he contributed to the Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine and other Zijin Mining Group subsidiaries, focusing on safe, timely, and cost-effective project execution.
Mr. Lin holds a Bachelor’s degree from the 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 at Curtin University.
Yuguang Lai Director
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 Gold Fields in November 2022.
With excellent English communication skills and solid finance and taxation experience, Mr Lai is a valuable addition to Norton’s senior executive team.
Weifeng Jian Director
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 Gold Fields, 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.
Senior Management
Wei Lin Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Lin has more than 17 years of mining industry experience, encompassing operational, technical, and managerial roles. Appointed CEO of Norton Gold Fields in July 2024, he is entrusted with directing the company’s strategic growth, overseeing operational efficiency, and guiding key projects to completion.
Before taking on his current role, Mr. Lin served as General Manager (Projects) and COO at Norton Gold Fields, where he led major initiatives, streamlined production processes, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Prior to that, he contributed to the Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine and other Zijin Mining Group subsidiaries, focusing on safe, timely, and cost-effective project execution.
Mr. Lin holds a Bachelor’s degree from the 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 at Curtin University.
Yuguang Lai Chief Financial Officer
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 Gold Fields in November 2022.
With excellent communication skills and solid finance and taxation experience, Mr. Lai is a valuable addition to Norton’s senior executive team.
Behnam KianpourChief Operating Officer
Mr. Kianpour has more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, spanning operational, technical, and strategic leadership roles across some of the world’s leading resource companies. Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Norton Gold Fields in September 2025, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s mining, processing, and operational performance across the Kalgoorlie region, ensuring alignment with Norton’s vision of sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Before taking on his current role, Mr. Kianpour held several senior leadership positions with Northern Star Resources, Gold Fields, and Barrick Gold. He also gained extensive experience at global mining majors such as BHP, Rio Tinto, CITIC Pacific Mining, and MMG Limited, where he was instrumental in driving productivity improvements, safety leadership, and strategic mine planning.
Mr. Kianpour holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Mining Engineering from Curtin University, where he graduated with distinction. He is recognized for his analytical acumen, collaborative leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement. His broad international experience and proven track record in open pit operations, business planning, and team development bring strong operational capability and strategic insight to Norton Gold Fields’ executive team.
Weifeng Jian General Manager - Project Developments
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 Gold Fields, 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.
Yutao Zhang General Manager - Processing
Mr. Zhang holds a bachelor degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Central South University and a master degree in Metallurgy from Curtin University, he has been working in the mining industry since 2011.
He has worked in various roles at Norton Gold Fields and Zijin Mining Group in Australia, China, PNG, including metallurgy specialist, processing manager, and general manager – processing. He brings extensive experience in managing and optimising the performance of processing operations across gold and copper.
Wangyuan ChenGeneral Manager - Commercial
Mr Wangyuan Chen holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has been working in the mining industry since 2010.
Mr. Chen completed his undergraduate studies at Jimei University from 2006 to 2010, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Following his education, 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.
Yaohuang Chen General Manager-Mine Geology
Dr. Yaohuang Chen is the General Manager of Mine Geology at Norton Gold Fields, bringing over 15 years of international mining leadership experience across Australia, Serbia, and China. He holds a PhD. in Mineral Deposits from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), along with dual bachelor’s degrees in Resource Exploration Engineering and Business Administration. He is also a certified First-Class Constructor in Mining Engineering, a Senior Mining Engineer, and a PMP. Dr. Chen has a strong track record in geological exploration, resource estimation, and operational optimization, achieving excellent mine exploration results. His commitment to safety have achieved solid safety performance in high-risk environments, aligning with Australian WHS Act and regulations.
Neng Yu General Manager - Exploration
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.
Doug StewartGeneral Manager - HSEC
Doug Stewart is a Certified OHS Professional with over 20 years of experience in the Mining, Contracting and Defence sectors. As General Manager HSEC, he leads the development and implementation of health, safety, environment, and community strategies that drive sustainable outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance across diverse operations.
Throughout his career, Doug has received multiple industry recognitions for innovation and leadership in safety. He was nominated for the Defence Safety Award for his contributions to Military Working Dog operations, and for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) Safety Award for his work on fatigue management as well as the implementation of a heat monitoring process in conjunction with Edith Cowan University. At AngloGold Ashanti, Doug received several awards for initiatives including wastewater drug testing, the development of an emergency services app, and enhancements to the alertness processes.
Doug is widely respected for his ability to align HSEC strategies with operational goals, foster safety-focused cultures, and deliver practical, high-impact solutions. He holds qualifications in occupational health and safety, risk management, and business leadership, and is committed to building safer, more resilient organisations.
James William ClarkeCorporate Relations
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.