About Us
Traditional values with
innovative commodity solutions
Chief Resources is a multifaceted and culturally diverse mining and commodity trading enterprise, primarily engaged in mining, processing ores, and distributing the resultant product to a vast international consumer base.
The company was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2014, with Chief Resources Hong Kong Limited serving as the holding company. Both entities were founded by Donovan Clifford, and Chi Zhang.
Founded with the ambition to revolutionise Africa’s mining landscape, we aim to introduce pioneering solutions and establish ourselves as market intermediaries. Acknowledging an opportunity and the industry’s need for evolution, we have positioned ourselves as the youngest decision-driving, end-to-end mining company in Africa. By filling this gap in the marketplace, we are confident of adding value for our customers and making a significant influence in the global mining industry.
We target customers interested in cultivating enduring collaborations with us. We value customers who mirror our enthusiasm for innovation and prefer a concerted approach to addressing challenges.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be acclaimed as a frontrunner in the mining sector, known for our dedication to environmentally friendly and sustainable procedures, innovative solutions, and unparalleled customer service.
Projecting a decade into the future, we envision our company spreading our wings into untapped territories, diversifying our mining product portfolio, and solidifying our alliances with crucial stakeholders within our sphere of operations.
OUR MISSION
Our purpose is to generate sustainable worth for our stakeholders through conscientious mining, beneficiation, trading, and provision of superior commodities to cater to the dynamic demands of our worldwide customers.
Our motivation to persistently enhance our operations and adapt to the swift alterations in the industry is propelled by our pledge to produce sustained value for everyone we cater to.
OUR VALUES
We maintain the utmost levels of integrity and ethical behaviour, extending courtesy and respect towards our employees, customers and partners, and strictly adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental conservation standards.
WHY CHOOSE US?
At Chief Resources, we are steadfast in assembling an elite team of industry professionals, who are passionate and committed to making a significant contribution. We take immense pride in our African roots and aspire to globally highlight the finest of African talent and ingenuity.
The benefits of working with our team are:
Highly Skilled and Experienced Team:
Our belief in the significance of a skilled and experienced workforce leads us to invest substantially in employee training and development programs. This allows us to both attract and retain top talent.
State-of-the-art Technology and Techniques:
Chief Resources exploits innovative technology and techniques to streamline mining operations, improving efficiency and reducing costs, to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Robust Environmental and Social Responsibility:
With growing expectations for high environmental and social responsibility standards, Chief Resources is committed to sustainability and ethical business conduct, practices that effectively draw and retain customers and investors.
Ethical and Transparent Business Conduct:
Ethical conduct in mining is a rare commodity in our industry. By making ethical and transparent business operations our priority, Chief Resources distinguishes itself from our competitors, fostering a reputation of trustworthiness.
SERVICES WE OFFER
Chief Resources provides a comprehensive range of mining, beneficiation, and commodity trading solutions. Our comprehensive approach caters to every phase of the mining process, from initial geological explorations and resource assessments to ensuring regulatory compliance, mine planning, processing, market analytics, and ultimately, marketing the final product.
We hold a specialisation in mining commodities across the value spectrum, and we offer customised services to cater to the specific requirements of our customers. Our portfolio encompasses a diverse array of commodities, not limited to chrome ore, coal, alloying metals, base metals, and industrial minerals.
We take pride in our demonstrated success in assisting our customers to meet their production objectives, optimise their operations, and boost their profitability.
Although we refrain from investing in the gemstone or diamond sector, we possess the expertise and resources required to furnish tailor-made solutions for all other mining commodities.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVES
Donovan Michael Clifford – Co-Founder
Boasting a 15-year career in the mining sector, Donovan Clifford brings profound industry knowledge and a consistent record of success. His multifaceted experience spans across mining asset management and commodity trading, having served major mining groups and a significant London capital fund.
He specialised in commodity trade finance, corporate finance, and innovative mining investment structures. Donovan’s tenure also included an executive role with an international mining company and a Switzerland-based venture capital firm, focusing on mining technology investments.
In his executive role, he oversaw mining explorations, compliance, development projects, and market analytics, forging a robust network in Africa.
Donovan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economicsfrom the University ofJohannesburg, an Honours degree in Business Economics from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and an MBA from Henley Business School. He’s currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Mineral Economics at the Wits Mining Institute.
Chi (Dominic) Zhang – Co-Founder
Dominic Zhang, with his extensive experience in mining, trading, and supply chain management, brings a deep understanding of the mining industry and a proven record of success. Over his 12-year career in logistics and supply chain management, he has worked for leading logistics companies across Africa and state-owned enterprises in China, managing procurement of high-value mineral products.
Dominic’s extensive networks in Asia and Europe and his robust trading background have significantly contributed to Chief Resources’ industry stature. A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, and currently completing his MBA at Henley Business School, Dominic’s expertise and business acumen have been pivotal to Chief Resources’substantial growth and success.
Peter Harrison
A geologist boasting a remarkable 40-year career, Peter has vast experience in exploration, mine geology, and management across Southern Africa and internationally. Hisfocus has been primarily on commodities like gold, manganese, iron ore, platinum group elements, chromite, vanadium, and various base metals, including copper, lead, zinc, and nickel.
Peter has served in major mining companies like Anglo-American, Phelps Dodge, Billiton, Samancor, and Impala Platinum, as well as smaller entities like Tsumeb Corporation and Eurasia Mining. His roles have varied from Geologist and Chief Geologist to Exploration Manager.
Peter earned his B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. in Geology and Mineral Exploration, respectively, from Rhodes University, South Africa. He’s a registered Professional Geologist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and a member of both the Society of Economic Geologists and the Geological Society of South Africa.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS & NON–EXECUTIVES
Ambroses Sekotlo
Ambroses Sekotlo, with his substantial 20-year tenure in the mining sector, has worked with the South African Government and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on numerous mining acquisitions. Notably, Ambroses founded the Great Rustenburg Community Foundation, illustrating his commitment to community development.
His involvement extends to politics as well as mining and community upliftment. As Managing Director of MWB Group, he has brokered significant transactions between Mmakue and Impala Platinum Mine, influenced BEE participation in Impala Platinum Mines Projects, and restructured AB Labour Services to accommodate BEE.
Ambroses earned a degree in Mining Executive Development from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. He’s also completed courses in Mine Health and Safety Management and Environmental Management from NOSA, and holds an advanced diploma in Human Resources from Tshwane University of Technology.
Patrick Khethani
Patrick launched his career in mining at De Beers Consolidated Mines, transitioning from a junior mechanical engineer role to a management trainee position at SABMiller and then a plant mechanical engineer at SASOL Secunda. In 2003, he shifted into finance, joining the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa as a Business Analyst, eventually rising to Senior Account Manager/Deal Maker in the mining department.
Boasting over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, deal making, project funding, and finance training, Patrick has honed his skills in business finance structuring, financial analysis, and risk analysis. After a year at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as a Senior Investment Officer in Project Finance, he established Pfunzo Consulting in 2011, a firm dedicated to consulting on corporate and project finance as well as finance training.
Christiaan Corne Boshoff
As the co-founder of Gravmax, Christiaan brings over two decades of experience in mineral processing to the table, specialising in technology development utilised by industry leaders such as Xstrata Alloys, De Beers Marine, and Kumba Resources. His expertise extends to private operations across South Africa, the USA, and Europe.
Before establishing Gravmax, he sharpened his mineral processing skills at Mintek, Bateman Titaco, and Vipro. He earned a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pretoria.
Michael John Clifford
Mike Clifford brings over 40 years of extensive experience in Mining Financials and General Management from various mining environments and operations worldwide. He has accrued valuable financial expertise in several jurisdictions, working with prominent mining companies such as Goldfields, Mining Company Katanga (MCK), and Kiodu Limited. His skills include setting up financial systems and procedures, risk management, staff training, and cost control for large projects in remote mining locations.
His general management skills have been honed through serving as the acting General Manager or GM at three operations: a Tantalum and Gemstone mine in Mozambique, a Gold CIL open cast mine in Tanzania, and MCK Heavy Mining equipment in the DR Congo.
Mike holds a B.Com degree in Financial Accounting, and his additional skills include leadership & management, IFRS accounting, business analysis, taxation, and the development of new ERPs at the mine level. He also has an understanding of local taxation principles and GAAP accounting standards in the various African countries he has worked in.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES
Chief Resources, as a socially committed mining company, actively undertakes numerous initiatives to uplift local communities. Our community projects are designed to positively impact the lives of those residing around our mining sites.
Education is one of our main priorities. We sponsor bursaries for disadvantaged children to access school and university education. Additionally, we have initiated feeding schemes at local schools.
We also focus on economic development to empower local communities. This includes wash-plants and brick plants to build skills and create income sources.
Furthermore, recognising the significance of community infrastructure, we have invested in providing potable running water and developing access roads.
