Zimplats Holdings Limited has announced that long-serving chief executive Mr Alexander Mhembere will retire tomorrow.
Mr Mhembere’s departure comes after a 19-year tenure, having steered the company since October 2007.
Under his leadership, Zimplats transformed from an early open-pit mining operation into a major, integrated underground mining and processing power.
Mr Mhembere spearheaded a US$1,8 billion strategic investment programme encompassing mine replacement and expansion, concentrator development, and upgrading the Selous smelter to triple its smelting capacity — substantially boosting Zimbabwe’s domestic platinum group metals (PGM) beneficiation capability.
Beyond core operations, Mr Mhembere advanced sustainable technology by commissioning a 35MW solar power plant at Selous, the first phase of a planned 185MW renewable energy programme.
He championed local procurement, enterprise participation, skills training and community development across the country.
Mr Mhembere will retain institutional continuity by remaining the chairman of Zimplats’ operating subsidiary, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Private) Limited. Dr Stanley John Segula has been appointed the new CEO, effective November 1, 2026.
Dr Segula brings over 30 years of leadership experience across the mining value chain.
A veteran within the group, he has served as managing director of Zimbabwe Platinum Mines since May 2015 and previously held senior leadership roles, including chief operating officer and senior general manager/group executive-mining.
He holds a PhD in Strategic Management and Leadership, an MBA, a BSc (Honours) in Mining Engineering, a Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency and is a Certified Professional Engineer.
His extensive operational background will ensure an orderly transition.
Zimplats is the flagship and largest producer in Zimbabwe’s PGM sector, the world’s third-largest platinum producer after South Africa and Russia.
Anchored along the Great Dyke — one of the world’s richest PGM deposits — Zimplats serves as the anchor engine driving national mineral exports and local industrial beneficiation.
Its integrated infrastructure plays a crucial role in maintaining Zimbabwe’s global standing as a top-three platinum producer.
