Barrick Mining lead director Ben van Beurden steps down from board of directors

TORONTO – Barrick Mining Corp. says that Ben van Beurden, the company’s lead independent director, has stepped down from its board of directors.

Van Beurden, a former chief executive of Shell, joined the Barrick board in May and was named lead independent director in August.

The company says Loreto Silva, a current non-executive director, will become Barrick’s lead independent director.

Barrick chairman John Thornton thanked van Beurden and said the board remains focused on delivering long-term value for shareholders.

The change on the board comes after the departure of chief executive Mark Bristow earlier this year.

On Monday, Barrick announced a deal with the government of Mali to resolve their dispute over the company’s Loulo and Gounkoto mines.

This report by The Canadian Press w