Dr Mark Cutifani

Mark Cutifani is currently the Chief Executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies. With operations in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America, Anglo American employs more than 100,000 people mining copper, diamonds, iron ore, nickel, platinum and coal. Mark’s journey to this esteemed position began when he commenced his education in mining engineering on a part time basis at the University of Wollongong while working at the Coalcliff colliery.

 

Mark graduated from the University of Wollongong in 1982 with a first class honours degree in mining engineering. During the course of his study at Wollongong, Mark won numerous awards; including the Western Mining Corporation award for best second year student in a mining engineering course in 1980, and an award for best thesis in 1982. He was also a recipient of the Atlas Copco Travelling Bursary, an honour bestowed on only one student in Australasia per year.

 

Following his graduation, Mark pursued a career with many of Australia’s largest and most innovative mining companies. Mark was recognised by his employers as having a particular talent for problem solving. To this end, he was quick to harness the University’s capabilities by engaging mining engineering academics in short term research projects. Mark also kept up his association with the science and study of mining by assisting and training University of Wollongong students during the summer vacation training program of mining engineering students.

 

In 2003, Mark embarked on an international career with Vale, AngloGold Ashanti and, most recently, Anglo American. Nationally and internationally, Mark has had a powerful impact on mine education through his involvement with numerous international education programs and institutions in Brazil, South Africa, the US and Canada. Mark is currently the Chairperson of the World Mining Congress. He has published several scholarly papers and is a strong global advocate for the mining industry.

 

Mark also has a particular interest in workplace safety and a passion for the safety of his work mates, which has remained with him throughout his career. He is renowned for the priority he places on mine safety, noting in 2012 that zero fatalities was the only acceptable number. Indeed, at AngloGold the safety record improved by seventy percent under his leadership, an astounding achievement.

 

Mark has won widespread respect throughout the mining industry, governments and communities not only for his business acumen but for his approach to the political and social issues facing communities where mining operations are located. Mark has a commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of the miners and mining industry in Australia and worldwide.

 

Chancellor, for his outstanding contribution to the mining industry and, in particular, for his abiding commitment to community engagement and workplace safety it is my pleasure to present Mark Cutifani for the award Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa.