Victoria Falls and London Stock Exchange–listed Kavango Resources PLC has announced the sudden resignation of Chief Executive Officer Ben Turney, marking a major leadership shift for the Southern Africa–focused metals exploration company, Mine and Mineral Resources can report.
Turney has also stepped down from the company’s board, prompting several interim appointments aimed at ensuring continuity during the transition. Executive Chairman Peter Wynter Bee has assumed the role of interim CEO while the search for a permanent successor begins. Meanwhile, Non-Executive Director Donald McAlister has been appointed interim Chief Financial Officer, and Gautam Dalal will now serve as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Ben Turney, who led the company for three and a half years, played a key role in Kavango’s regional expansion, particularly in Zimbabwe. His tenure saw the establishment of a significant operational footprint in the country and the successful Referral Listing of Kavango Resources on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).
In a statement, Wynter Bee expressed appreciation for Turney’s contribution, saying: “I thank Ben for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.” The company did not disclose the reasons behind Turney’s sudden departure.
The interim leadership team brings considerable Southern African mining experience, especially within Zimbabwe. Wynter Bee, along with Directors Donald McAlister and Hillary Gumbo, previously worked together at Reunion Mining PLC, a company that developed Zimbabwean and Zambian mining assets before being acquired by Anglo American PLC in 1999.
McAlister, now serving as interim CFO, has extensive financial experience in the region. He previously held the position of Finance Director at both Reunion Mining and Mwana Africa PLC, and has served on the boards of Freda Rebecca Gold Mine—Zimbabwe’s largest gold producer—and Bindura Nickel Corporation.
The market responded negatively to the CEO’s resignation. Kavango’s share price on the London Stock Exchange fell 15% to 0.85 pence following the announcement, extending a difficult period for the company. Over the past year, its stock has declined by 11%, mirroring broader challenges in the global mining and exploration sector.
Kavango Resources focuses on gold production and metals exploration across Zimbabwe and Botswana. In Zimbabwe, the company is advancing development at its 100%-owned and fully permitted Hillside Gold Project, which includes the Nightshift and Bill’s Luck prospects. At the same time, Kavango is pursuing the discovery of major copper deposits within Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt.
Despite the leadership shake-up, the board expressed strong confidence in the interim management team. Wynter Bee remarked, “We have a strong team with the expertise and knowledge to help realise the full potential of our assets for the benefit of all stakeholders.”