The world’s biggest gold miner Newmont Corporation has for the first time chosen a woman to be chief executive, the same day rival Barrick Mining’s CEO exited and the safe-haven asset broached another record. Newmont’s chief operating officer Natascha Viljoen will replace outgoing chief executive Tom Palmer on January 1. In WA, Newmont also runs the mammoth Boddington mine, the largest gold operation in Australia. Camera Icon Tom Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Newmont. “I am honoured to serve as the next CEO of Newmont at this pivotal moment,” she said.