MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82
The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Brian Patrick Gilbertson, the South African dealmaker who helped build BHP Billiton and co-founded the company known today as Gemfields Group Limited, has died.
Plettenburg Bay, South Africa—Brian Patrick Gilbertson, former chairman of Gemfields, died surrounded by family at his home in South Africa on Dec. 17 following a long period of illness.
He was 82.
Gilbertson was born on Aug. 15, 1943, in George, a city in South Africa’s Western Cape, and he attended school in Bothaville in the Free State province.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) awarded him a bursary to study at Rhodes University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in mathematics and physics.
He also earned a specialized degree in physics, followed by a Master of Science in physics in 1969 and a Master of Business Leadership by the University of South Africa in 1973, reported Mining Weekly.
He worked with CSIR to repay his bursary before joining South African mining group Johannesburg Consolidated Investment (JCI) company, which hired him to find new mineral deposits, according to his obituary, written by Peter Thompson, co-author of “The Big Fella: The Rise and Rise of BHP Billiton.”
Gilbertson’s work at JCI led to his 1973 appointment as an investigator for NASA on the Earth Resources Technology Satellite No. 1 project, according to the Mining Weekly article.
After more than a decade with JCI, Gilbertson went to work at the now-unbundled South African mining company Gencor (parts of that company are now owned by Gold Fields, South 32, and BHP) in the late 1980s. There, he was tasked with turning around the company’s then-ailing coal arm, Trans-Natal Limited.
Gencor formed Genmin to house its mining interests, and Gilbertson was soon named chairman.
After observing operations at the Carajás iron ore mine in Para, Brazil, in 1990, Gilbertson realized Gencor would have to diversify into base metals like iron ore, nickel, and bauxite if it were to join the major league of miners.
Throughout the ‘90s, producers of natural resources came together in voluntary alliances or were acquired by bigger companies, leading to the formation of mega-miners like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American.
Gilbertson led Gencor through South Africa's post-apartheid economic transition; the company broke into the international space with the 1994 purchase of Billiton from Royal Dutch Shell.
Related stories will be right here …
He was 82.
Gilbertson was born on Aug. 15, 1943, in George, a city in South Africa’s Western Cape, and he attended school in Bothaville in the Free State province.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) awarded him a bursary to study at Rhodes University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in mathematics and physics.
He also earned a specialized degree in physics, followed by a Master of Science in physics in 1969 and a Master of Business Leadership by the University of South Africa in 1973, reported Mining Weekly.
He worked with CSIR to repay his bursary before joining South African mining group Johannesburg Consolidated Investment (JCI) company, which hired him to find new mineral deposits, according to his obituary, written by Peter Thompson, co-author of “The Big Fella: The Rise and Rise of BHP Billiton.”
Gilbertson’s work at JCI led to his 1973 appointment as an investigator for NASA on the Earth Resources Technology Satellite No. 1 project, according to the Mining Weekly article.
After more than a decade with JCI, Gilbertson went to work at the now-unbundled South African mining company Gencor (parts of that company are now owned by Gold Fields, South 32, and BHP) in the late 1980s. There, he was tasked with turning around the company’s then-ailing coal arm, Trans-Natal Limited.
Gencor formed Genmin to house its mining interests, and Gilbertson was soon named chairman.
After observing operations at the Carajás iron ore mine in Para, Brazil, in 1990, Gilbertson realized Gencor would have to diversify into base metals like iron ore, nickel, and bauxite if it were to join the major league of miners.
Throughout the ‘90s, producers of natural resources came together in voluntary alliances or were acquired by bigger companies, leading to the formation of mega-miners like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American.
Gilbertson led Gencor through South Africa's post-apartheid economic transition; the company broke into the international space with the 1994 purchase of Billiton from Royal Dutch Shell.
In 2001, Gilbertson curated Billiton’s merger at a premium for its shareholders with BHP Ltd. of Australia to create the dual-listed global resources giant BHP Billiton, known today as BHP.
He was appointed chief executive in Melbourne in 2022 but resigned in a shocking move less than a year later.
In 2006, Gilbertson co-founded Pallinghurst Resources—a specialist investment vehicle in the natural resources sector named after a tree-lined street near his former home in Westcliff, Johannesburg—which invested in Gemfields.
In 2017, it restructured to acquire the company, taking it private and rebranding it to Gemfields Group Limited.
Gilbertson’s son Sean became CEO in 2018, and the following year, Gilbertson stepped down as chairman and director.
He stepped down as chairman of Pallinghurst in March 2021.
Gilbertson won many awards over the years, including the Brigadier Stokes Memorial Award of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, which he was awarded in 1998 for his history of contributions to the South African mining industry.
He was also awarded a gold medal from the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (London) for his service to the international minerals industry.
The mathematician, scientist and international industrialist also had a love of opera, squash, and cycling, and an encyclopedic knowledge of Greek and Roman classics, Thompson wrote.
Kevin Mutch, former legal director at Fabergé, wrote on the obituary website’s memory wall: “He had an eye for the theatrical too, as witnessed by his launching of the Fabergé website at a press ceremony with the go-live point timed for 9 minutes and 9 seconds past 9am on 9th September 2009 to the background of Beethoven's 9th Symphony (Ode to Joy movement).”
Gemfields’ Kartikeya Parikshya also wrote of Gilbertson: “Despite his stature and achievements, he was known for his humility and willingness to listen, ensuring that every voice was heard. He fostered a culture in which ideas were encouraged and respected. His wisdom and inclusive leadership will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.”
According to Mining Weekly, he is survived by his wife Rensche (nee Fouché), whom he married in 1970; sons Quinton and Sean; daughters-in-law Ruth and Daniella; and five grandchildren.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
