Executive Directors

Shirley is a mining entrepreneur by profession and has built the SHIP mining Company over the past 15 years from a start-up company to a mining company with a Net Asset Value more than ZAR3bn. Her key strengths are being practical and pragmatic with a strong focus on strategic and systems thinking underpinned by a deep appreciation of ethics. She is a qualified miner with a blasting certificate. She holds 32 years of hands-on experience in ideating and developing entrepreneurial ventures.

Shirley Hayes

Chief Executive Officer
Ferdinand is a seasoned financial leader with over two decades of expertise in driving success across both listed companies and SMEs. With a strong foundation in manufacturing, FMCG, and services, his commercial acumen goes beyond numbers, creating value across diverse functions including Finance, Procurement, Logistics, HR, Legal, IT, and Operations. Whether navigating complex challenges or steering strategic growth, Ferdinand brings a holistic approach that turns potential into performance.

Ferdinand Nel

Chief Financial Officer
Jan is a geologist by profession and holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Earth Sciences. Jan has over 28 years of practical experience in management, mine production, exploration and team building. Jan has been the CEO of companies listed on the JSC, London’s AIM market and the Canadian TSX-V. Jan has been instrumental in building several junior companies most notably Pan African Resources which he started with a market capitalization of less than ZAR250m and grew it to a company with a market capitalization in excess of ZAR5 billion with over 5,000 employees. Jan was also instrumental in listing Pan African Resources on the JSE Alt-X and later Main Board with it being the first dual primary AIM listing. Jan’s key strengths being goal driven, an opportunity spotter and driver and motivator of people.

Jan Nelson

Executive Director: Mines & Mineral Resource Development
He is an engineering focused mining executive with 30 years of hands-on operational experience in both major and junior categories, holding both senior leadership and CEO positions. Successful experience in large project engineering design, definitive study, project development and operations. International experience in mechanised surface (open cut) and shallow to ultra-deep underground mining operations expertise developed in Western Australia, West Africa, Mali, DRC, Brazil and Southern Africa. He is a proven results driven leader with direct technical and commercial work experience in the international mining industry.

Gordon Thompson

Chief Operations Officer
Stephan has 33 years of practical experience and holds a M Com (Management Accounting) degree and is a Chartered Accountant (SA). He has, inter alia, served as the head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Deutsche Bank and Bank of America Merryll Lynch in South Africa and has extensive international corporate advisory experience. He has a particularly strong background in the mining sector, having advised several global mining corporations. Stephan has been involved in the listing, building and structuring of several companies on local and international exchanges. Over the last 8 years, he has been acting both as investor principal and advisor in the mineral resources field. Stephan’s key strengths are being logical, solution driven, practical and having an aptitude for working with numbers.

Stephan Du Plessis

Commercial Director
Quinton has over 25 years of experience and is in the process of completing a P.HD, is a psychologist and ethnographic researcher. Quinton has been a lecturer at the university of Stellenbosch, and is also known as the shack builder delivering on building houses in his personal capacity for the poor in the townships. Quinton is responsible for driving strategic planning for several large international companies. His strengths are his social network knowledge, compassion for people, strategic thinking and pragmatic approach.

Quinton Adams

Director of Human Capital

Executives

Pierre began his mining career in 1981 and has dedicated 44 years to the industry. His path from Miner to General Manager reflects a deep commitment and extensive senior management experience. Pierre earned qualifications as a Mine Overseer in 1988, followed by Mine Manager in 1994, pivotal to his managerial roles. His leadership journey was enriched by a Management Development Diploma from Stellenbosch University in 1997. Pierre is passionate about both mining and people. He values teamwork, enjoys leading by example, and feels privileged to have worked alongside many respected professionals in the industry.

Pierre Human

Director of Mining
Jacolien Wyethe is a Chemical Engineer with 30 years of experience in the metallurgical industry. Key experience areas include Research and Development, Operations Management, Process Development, Process Design and Plant Commissioning. Jacolien published numerous papers specific to hydrometallurgical processing.

Jacolien Wyethe

Chief Technical Officer
Dr. Deon Vermaakt is an Executive Exploration Consultant at Copper 360, bringing over three decades of experience in the mining and exploration industry. He has held various leadership roles including Exploration Manager at reputable mining/exploration companies. Deon's expertise encompasses a wide range of commodities across Africa, including gold, diamonds, nickel, coal, and copper. He holds a Ph.D. in Structural Geology from the University of Johannesburg and has been instrumental in managing and advising on mining and exploration projects, ore reserve estimation, and geological feasibility assessments.

Dr. Deon Vermaakt

Consulting Geologist
Paula is a results-driven Human Resource Executive currently serving as the HR Executive at Copper 360 Ltd. With over two decades of experience, she has successfully led HR strategy development, workforce planning, and talent management. Her expertise includes recruitment, education, training, personnel administration, payroll systems, employee benefits, and performance management. Paula holds an MBA from Potchefstroom University Business School, a BCom Honours from the University of Johannesburg, and a BCom degree from Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. She is dedicated to driving impactful HR strategies that enhance organizational efficiency and empower employees while ensuring confidentiality and excellence.

Paula Schoeman

HR Executive
Jaco Olivier is the Group Head of Legal and Compliance at Copper 360 Ltd, overseeing legal strategy, compliance, and regulatory affairs. As a key member of EXCO, he manages legal policies, negotiates agreements, and provides counsel to internal stakeholders. He leads the legal and compliance team, ensuring adherence to mining regulations, liaising with the DMR, and overseeing critical reporting, including SLP, MWP, and environmental audits. Jaco also drives engagement with mining communities through Regulation 45 meetings, ensuring responsible and compliant operations.

Jaco Olivier

Chief Legal Officer
Paul Hayes, Chief Technical Advisor with over 12 years in Project Management, specialising in Mining & Processing Development and Operational Projects. Formerly Chief Project Officer at Copper 360, he also serves a non-executive director of SHiP Copper Mines since 2020, he focuses on technical and operational optimisation, providing strategic guidance to senior management.

Paul Hayes

Chief Technical Advisor