Natural Resources >> CEO Interviews >> June 26, 2000
JOHN GORDON (ALGY) CLUFF is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Cluff Mining Group Plc. Mr. Cluff founded Cluff Oil in 1972, which
discovered Buchan Field, the UK North Sea's 14th commercial oil
discovery in 1974. He was the first British independent (i.e.: non-
major) to operate offshore exploration rigs in the North Sea in 1976.
Cluff Oil was also the first independent oil company of any nationality
to secure oil licenses from the Chinese Government in 1981. It was also
the first foreign oil company to list on the Australian Stock Exchange
in 1983. Cluff Resources became the first investor in Zimbabwe after
the country's independence in 1981. It subsequently discovered three
gold mines including the country's largest (now producing 120, 000 ozs
per annum) which was opened by Lady Thatcher in 1985. Mr. Cluff formed
Pro Zimbabwe to encourage investment in the country. He discovered the
Ayanfuri Gold Mine in Ghana in 1987, which was the first British mining
investment since independence. In 1990, he discovered the Geita Gold
Mine in Tanzania and in 1996 Cluff was taken over by Ashanti Gold Mines
for $120 million. Mr. Cluff formed Cluff Mining in 1996. In 1981, he
purchased The Spectator Magazine and invested GBP1 million to ensure its
survival. In 1981 it was losing GBP400, 000 per annum. In 1998 it was
forecast to make a profit of GBP1 million. He has been the Chairman of
The Spectator Magazine since 1981. He founded the Anglo-Hong Kong Trust
with Simon Murray and David Tang in 1986. The Trust has inter alia
funded the formation of Hong Kong's first business school, the
establishment of English language laboratories where children may learn
English free, together with numerous cultural exchanges. Last year, the
Trust funded a study by the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew of the genera
of Chinese bamboo. From 1983 to 1987, he owned the Apollo Magazine and
the Literary Review. Mr. Cluff sponsored Chevening Scholarships
throughout Africa with University of Hull. A Governor of The
Commonwealth Institute and member of the Executive Committee. Cluff
Foundation has made numerous grants in the UK and Africa primarily for
children. Mr. Cluff is the Chairman of Stowe House Preservation Trust
and A Governor of Stowe School. He has raised GBP6.6 million to restore
Stowe House. Profile
example, a bit of history about the company, your activities and also
where do you see yourselves in the marketplace?
Mr.
