What began as a platinum-mine focused strike, which also involved Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (SJ:AMS), the global leader in platinum production, has now spilled over into the gold mining industry in South Africa.

FORBES: South African Mine Strikes To Have Limited Impact On Gold Prices: Analysts

Streamlining and incentives have made Harmony the most productive gold-mining firm in South Africa.

ECONOMIST: South African gold mining

Analysts said Anglo American was likely impressed by his five-year stewardship of South African gold miner AngloGold at a time when both companies have been affected by widespread strike action in South Africa's mining sector in recent years.

BBC: Anglo American names its next chief executive