ZIJIN MINING (02899.HK)

ZIJIN GOLD INTL (02259.HK)

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Leadership Team

board of directors

Dr. Guo Xian Jian is Chairman and Director of Norton Gold Fields and Chief Executive Officer of Zijin Gold International Group.

Dr. Guo joined Zijin Mining as Chief Engineer in August 2017 and has served as Senior Advisor since December 2019, providing technical leadership across engineering, technology, and the development and operation of overseas projects. He has played a key role in major projects across the Group, including the Colombia Buriticá Gold Mine, Guyana Aurora Gold Mine, Tajikistan Jilau/Taror Gold Mines, Australia Norton Gold Mine, and Suriname Rosebel Gold Mine.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the global mining and metals industry, Dr. Guo has specialised in research and development, engineering, project management, and plant optimisation. His career has included senior leadership and technical roles with the Beijing General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals, Noranda Inc., Hatch Ltd., Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited, and CGN Mining Company Ltd.’s Husab Uranium Project in Namibia. In 2017, he was a Visiting Professor at the University of Science and Technology Beijing. Throughout his career, he has led dozens of major research, engineering and metallurgical projects, including several large-scale mining and mineral processing developments valued at more than US$1 billion.

A registered professional engineer in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Guo holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in Non-ferrous Metallurgy from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology and Kunming University of Science and Technology. He has also undertaken research collaboration with the University of Nevada’s Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering and McGill University. Dr. Guo has published more than 40 technical papers and is the author of Chemistry and Application of Copper Pyro-metallurgical Slag (2023) and Theory and Practice of Comprehensive Utilization of Low-grade Gold Resources (forthcoming).

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. 

Mr. Lin has more than 19 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.

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.

Senior Management

Mr. Lin has more than 19 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.

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Chen has worked in the mining industry since 2010, with experience in procurement, supply chain management and commercial operations across mining and mineral processing projects.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Chen held various positions within Zijin Mining Group and its subsidiaries, including Serbia Zijin Copper DOO Bor, progressing from procurement roles to commercial management. His experience covers procurement and supply chain management during the construction and operation of mining and smelting projects.

Mr. Chen holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jimei University, China.

Dr. Chen is the General Manager – Mine Geology at Norton Gold Fields, with over 15 years of mining industry experience across Australia, Serbia and China. His professional experience covers geological exploration, resource estimation and operational optimisation.

Dr. Chen holds a PhD in Mineral Deposits from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), along with 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 Project Management Professional (PMP).

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. Xiao has more than 17 years of experience in the Australian mining industry across underground and surface mining operations. As General Manager – Underground Mining at Norton Gold Fields, he leads the company’s underground operations, overseeing production, technical services, safety, and operational performance across multiple underground mines.

Prior to joining Norton Gold Fields, Mr. Xiao held senior operational leadership roles with Westgold Resources, CMOC Group, Emeco Group and Barto Gold. He has extensive experience in mine development, operational management, contractor management, and operational improvement.

Mr. Xiao holds a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, an MBA, and is a certified Underground Mine Manager in Western Australia and New South Wales.

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 holds several other positions including as 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. Mr Clarke brings 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. James is a recipient of the eminent Business News 40under40 Awards, and in 2022 James was recognised by the Chinese embassy in Canberra as one of the 50 most influential people in the Australia China relationship over 50 years of Australia-China bilateral relations (50 years, 50 stories).

Mrs Phillips is an accomplished executive with extensive experience driving strategic engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and regional development. Recognised for her ability to navigate complex issues and build trusted relationships, she has a proven track record of delivering positive social and economic outcomes for regional communities.

Holly leads the development and delivery of engagement strategies that support Norton’s operations and growth projects. Working closely with employees, local communities, government agencies, industry partners, and other key stakeholders, she helps strengthen the company’s social licence to operate while creating opportunities for shared value.

Prior to joining the Norton team, Holly operated a successful consulting firm and held senior leadership roles across government and the mining industry. She holds a Degree in Community Relations from the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute and is an alumnus of the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales Business School.

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