Top 10: Leaders in Mining

The mining industry is valued at approximately US$2.17tn, with the 40 largest companies generating a combined revenue of US$909bn in 2025.

Mining companies across the world are working to provide the materials for many products we use on a daily basis, including technology and vehicles.

The pace of technological change within the sector, as well as the challenges of exploiting deeper ore bodies, while reducing operational costs is affecting mining companies from copper to bauxite and iron ore.

These companies need strong leadership to ensure they succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.

Mining Digital takes a look at the top 10 leaders in the mining sector, ranked by their company’s market capitalisation.

10. Duncan Wanblad

Title: CEO
Company: Anglo American
Market Cap: US$60bn
Founded: 1917

Duncan was appointed as CEO in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of global mining experience to the role.

He also has a deep understanding of Anglo American as a company, as well as its culture.

He has received degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Duncan first joined Anglo American in 2004 as an Executive Director for Projects and Engineering.

9. Gary Nagle

Title: CEO
Company: Glencore
Market Cap: US$94bn
Founded: 1974

Glasenberg after a 19-year tenure.

He first joined Glencore in 2000, working across the marketing and industrial businesses on a global scale in Australia, Colombia, South Africa and Switzerland.

He has degrees in Commerce and Accounting from the University of Witwatersrand and he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa in 1999.

As CEO, he has overseen Glencore’s takeover of Teck’s former metallurgical coal assets in 2023.

8. Ammar Al-Joundi

Title: President and CEO
Company: Agnico Eagle Mines
Market Cap: US$110bn
Founded: 1953

Ammar was appointed President and CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines in February 2022. 

Prior to this, he was also President from 2015 to 2022.

At the company, he has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, building up more than 20 years of experience in finance and business strategy.

Ammar has extensive experience in mining, capital markets and banking.

He has also held roles at Barrick Gold Corporation, Barrick South America and Citibank Canada.

7. Kathleen Quirk

Title: President and CEO
Company: Freeport-McMoRan
Market Cap: US$113bn
Founded: 1987

In addition to her role as President and CEO, Kathleen is a member of the Board of Directors at Freeport-McMoRan.

She first joined the company in 1989, having responsibility for a broad range of corporate functions, including Tax, Investor Relations, Corporate Development and Treasury.

She has been a senior member of the company’s executive team for more than 20 years, becoming instrumental in its strategic planning and goal execution.

She was appointed CEO in 2024.

6. Lin Hongfu

Title: President
Company: Zijin Mining Group
Market Cap: US$131bn
Founded: 1986

Lin joined Zijin Mining Group in 1997 and has held the positions of Plant Manager of Gold Refinery Plant, Deputy Chief of the Zijinshan Gold Mine, General Manager and Chairman of Bayannur Zijin Non-ferrous Metals. 

He holds an executive master of business administration (EMBA) degree from the Tsinghua University and a doctorate degree from the Central South University.

Zijin is a leading global metals and mining company, with more than 30 large-scale mining operations and projects across 19 countries.

5. Zhang Changyan

Title: CEO and Director
Company: China Shenhua Energy
Market Cap: US$135bn
Founded: 2004

Zhang has been the CEO and Director of China Shenhua Energy since 2024. 

Previously, he served as the Chairman and Secretary of the Party Committee of China Energy Group Media Center.

China Shenhua Energy is the largest state-owned coal mining enterprise in mainland China.

It operates coal mines as well as an integrated railway network and a seaport primarily used to transport its coal.

The company mines, refines and sells coal, as well as generating and selling electric power.

4. Natascha Viljoen

Title: President and CEO
Company: Newmont Corporation
Market Cap: US$142bn
Founded: 1921

Natascha brings more than 30 years of international mining experience to her role at Newmont Corporation.

She has held senior leadership roles across multiple commodities and continents.

She first joined Newmont in 2023 as its Chief Operating Officer.

Before this, Natascha served as CEO of Anglo American Platinum, which is now known as Valterra.

Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for safety leadership, operational discipline, portfolio optimisation, sustainability and developing high-performance teams.

3. Simon Trott

Title: Chief Executive
Company: Rio Tinto
Market Cap: US$173bn
Founded: 1873

Simon took on the role of CEO at Rio Tinto in August 2025. 

He has been on the company’s executive committee since 2018, helping reshape its Iron Ore division through financial discipline and improvements in operational and safety performance.

He previously served as Rio Tinto’s first Chief Commercial Officer.

Simon brings more than 25 years of experience to his role, with skills from operating, commercial and business development roles.

His work focuses on delivering growth and sector-leading operational performance.

2. Leonardo Contreras Lerdo de Tejada

Title: CEO
Company: Southern Copper Corporation
Market Cap: US$185bn
Founded: 1952

Leonardo Contreras Lerdo de Tejada became the Chief Executive Officer of Southern Copper Corporation in April 2026, assuming the leadership role following the unexpected passing of long-time CEO Oscar González Rocha. 

Leonardo, who has served on the company’s Board of Directors since May 2021, continues to maintain his board seat alongside his executive responsibilities.

Before taking the helm as CEO, Leonardo accumulated extensive operational and strategic experience across the natural resources sector. 

He joined Americas Mining Corporation in 2018, served as President of copper producer ASARCO beginning in 2019 and held key executive leadership roles overseeing commercial and supply chain operations.

As CEO of Southern Copper, Leonardo focuses on providing executive continuity, preserving operational excellence and guiding the major global copper producer through its next phase of growth across key assets in Mexico and Peru.

1. Brandon Craig

Title: CEO
Company: BHP Group
Market Cap: US$246bn
Founded: 1885

Brandon Craig took on his current role at BHP Group in July 2026, succeeding Mike Henry after 27 years with the company.

Brandon has built his career across senior operational, marketing and leadership roles within BHP Group.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as President Americas from March 2024, driving growth in future-facing commodities across South America, the US and Canada.

Under his leadership in that role, BHP expanded its copper portfolio and advanced key potash initiatives.

Earlier, Brandon led Western Australia Iron Ore, solidifying its standing as a low-cost, high-margin asset while managing operations through the COVID-19 pandemic.

He brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, spanning maintenance, engineering, marketing, human resources and operational management in copper, iron ore and coal assets.