| Thu 22 Dec 2005, 17:01 | | Simmers - Press Release |
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Simmers - Press Release
Simmer And Jack Mines Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
(Registration number 1924/007778/06)
Share code SIM ISIN ZAE000006722
MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Simmer & Jack Mines, Limited
22 December 2005
Roger Kebble steps down as chairman of Simmers
Veteran mining industry personality Roger Kebble today announced his resignation
from the board of Simmer & Jack Mines. He will be replaced by Nigel Brunette who
takes over as independent non-executive chairman.
Kebble, who was largely responsible for the resuscitation of Simmers" fortunes,
said his decision had been prompted by the need to spend more time with his
family following the tragic death of his son, Brett.
"The impact of Brett"s death on his children, wife, mother and immediate family
has been immense," said Kebble. "With the advent of the festive season, it has
become increasingly clear that my grandchildren need my time and attention and
that I need to be more available to them. In addition, the manner of his death,
which remains unexplained, and its timing have left many matters unanswered and
which may have unintended consequences. In the circumstances, and given that my
first obligation is to my family, I have concluded that Simmers" interests will
be best served by an individual better able to give the time and attention
necessary."
Kebble rose to prominence in the early 1990"s when he played an instrumental
role in the successful takeover of Randgold & Exploration and later was involved
in the development and listing of Randgold Resources on the London Stock
Exchange.
Among many other contributions to the industry, which included the emergence in
South Africa of independent mining companies, and the removal of burdensome
management contracts from these companies, was Kebble"s introduction of a social
contract between labour, owners and the state. It was this philosophy that
enabled many marginal mines to survive two decades of an increasingly hostile
economic environment.
"Many of Brett"s initiatives need to be explored," said Kebble, "and my
assistance in these areas will be required. Fortunately Simmers has progressed
to the point at which this is as good a time as any to step aside. My passion
for this company and what I see as the unparalleled opportunities that lie ahead
remains undiminished, and I have agreed to play a continuing consultancy and
advisory role."
Simmers chief executive, Gordon Miller, said that Simmers" owed its continued
existence to Kebble"s vision: "Roger played a key role in getting the company to
this point. He gathered the team and offered the vision and guidance necessary
to make it a success. I am delighted that he has agreed to stay on as a
consultant so that we may continue to benefit from his vast experience and
expertise in turning around marginal gold mines."
Kebble"s successor, Nigel Brunette said that he was looking forward to the
prospect of chairing South Africa"s oldest listed mining company "This is an
exciting time for marginal mines in South Africa and given the turn around that
has taken place over the last 12 months, Simmers is uniquely poised to take
advantage of the upswing in the gold price".
Brunette, who has law degrees from both the University of Cambridge and the
University of Zimbabwe, joined the Simmers board in October 2005. He was
formerly a merchant banker with RMB, who became involved with the takeover of
Randgold in 1994 and subsequently served on its board of directors for several
years. He moved to the Eastern Cape in 1997, where he now farms.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RUBEN ELS AT 083 302 6602
Ends
Date: 22/12/2005 05:01:09 PM Produced by the JSE SENS Department
