Giyani Metals Corp., a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company developing the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana, has announced key leadership changes, including the appointment of Nigel Robinson as Chairperson and Martin Botha as a new member of the Board of Directors.
Robinson succeeds Mark Burnett, who served as interim chairperson. The company expressed its gratitude to Burnett for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.
Robinson brings over 35 years of experience in accounting and commercial business operations. He notably spent more than 17 years at Central Asia Metals, including nine years as Chief Financial Officer and six-and-a-half years as Chief Executive Officer.
During his time there, he helped develop the company into a well-established, London-listed mining firm with a market capitalization approaching £300 million.
Robinson holds a degree in engineering from Lancaster University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
Botha joins the Board as the nominee of ARCH Sustainable Resources Funds, replacing Alex Azpitarte following ARCH’s $10-million investment in Giyani in February 2024. Giyani thanked Azpitarte for his service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
Botha brings over 30 years of international investment banking experience, having been a founding director of Standard Bank’s London and international operations.
His career includes leadership roles in global natural resources trading and financing. Most recently, he served as non-executive chairperson of ASX-listed Resolute Mining and non-executive director of Zeta Resources.
He holds a BSc in Engineering (Survey) from the University of Cape Town.
In addition to the board changes, Elisa Kgomotso Modikwa, Giyani’s Country Manager for Botswana, has been promoted to Vice President and Country Executive.
She has led the company’s in-country portfolio and stakeholder engagement for the past three years.
With over 15 years of experience in geology, geotechnical consulting, and mining operations across Botswana and the Middle East, Modikwa brings significant expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and stakeholder relations.
Her expanded role will include broader strategic initiatives and leadership of larger teams as Giyani continues to grow its presence in Botswana.
