Aurelia Metals Limited has appointed Steve Badenhorst as its permanent Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 6 October 2026.

Badenhorst brings over 35 years of global operational leadership experience, including extensive underground hard rock mining expertise. His career spans senior roles across base metals, coal, iron ore, diamonds, and bauxite and aluminium processing. Most recently, he served as Group Head of Asset Management at Rio Tinto, following roles as Chief Operating Officer at Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations and leadership of Glencore’s Kidd Operations in Canada.

“Following a comprehensive search and selection process, the Board is pleased to appoint Steve Badenhorst as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Steve brings more than 35 years of operational leadership experience across global mining and processing businesses, including extensive underground hard rock mining expertise.”

— Graeme Hunt, Chair

The appointment fills the permanent leadership role following a transition period led by Chief Financial Officer Martin Cummings, who stepped in as Interim CEO.

Aurelia operates three underground base metal mines across its Peak and Federation operations within New South Wales' Cobar Basin. Badenhorst’s employment agreement carries an ongoing term with no fixed end date, backed by an annual total fixed remuneration of $732,500. His remuneration includes a target short-term incentive of 70% of fixed pay, reaching up to 125% at stretch, alongside a maximum long-term incentive of 100%. The issuance of the FY27 long-term incentive remains subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

Read the full announcement: Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Appointed