Nick joined Anglo American Gold Division in 1987 as a learner official and was awarded an in-service bursary to pursue his studies in BSc Mining Engineering at Wits University from 1991 to 1994. Upon completion of his studies Nick rejoined Anglo Gold’s operations and continued his progression through the ranks in various production and line management positions until 1999.

In 2001, Nick joined the Corporate Finance Division of Standard Bank where he was involved in numerous resources related corporate finance transactions in South Africa and the rest of Africa. His clients have included Mvelaphanda Holdings, the Government of the Republic of South Africa, Assore Limited, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Anglo Platinum, Incwala Resources, Wesizwe Platinum, Western Areas and Royal Bafokeng Holdings.

In 2007, Nick left Standard Bank to join QuestCo, an independent corporate finance advisory company.

A selection of the transactions Nick has been involved in during his career is set out below:

STRATEGIC ADVISORY WORK

• Western Areas Limited (2006/7):
• during the cash flow crisis brought about by the shaft accident, underground fire and underwater hedge book
• on the implications of the sale by Barrick Gold Corporation of its 50% interest in the South Deep Joint Venture
• on the takeover by Gold Fields Limited
• The Government of the Republic of Zambia and ZCCM Investment Holdings plc (2002/3):
• on the restructuring of Konkola Copper Mines plc during the exit of Anglo American plc in order to minimise the negative impact on the Zambian economy of the withdrawal of its anchor investor from its largest copper mine
• preparing the assets of Konkola Copper Mines plc for sale to a new strategic partner
• Assore Limited on valuation and strategic issues relating to its iron ore, manganese and chrome interests held in Assmang Limited (2001/2)

INDEPENDENT EXPERT’S OPINIONS

• Royal Bafokeng Holdings on the Impala Platinum royalty transaction (2006)
• Incwala Resources Limited in respect of the purchase of an interest in Southern Platinum from Lonmin plc (2005)
• The Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Richtersveld Community providing an independent valuation of the mining assets of Alexkor Limited (2004/5)

DISPOSAL PROCESSES

• The Government of the Republic of Zambia and ZCCM Investment Holdings plc on the sale of a 51% interest in Konkola Copper Mines plc to Vedanta Resources plc (2003/4)
• Anglo Platinum Limited in relation to the Rooderand and Elandsfontein select tender processes (2003/4)
• The Government of the Republic of South Africa on the restructuring and privatisation of Alexkor Limited (2002)

CAPITAL RAISING AND STRUCTURING

• The acquisition by East Daggafontein Mines of R152 million convertible debentures in Trans Hex (2002)

LISTINGS

• Listing and strategic adviser to Wesizwe Platinum Limited (2005)
• The reverse listing of the assets of Mvelaphanda Holdings into East Daggafontein (2001)