The Toronto-listed company (TSX: PTM) said yesterday its board member Enoch Godongwana had resigned, after being appointed finance minister in South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa's reshuffle last week. 

His departure follows the resignation two weeks ago of PTM's CEO, president and director R Michael Jones.

Jones' resignation was "effective immediately" but he would continue as a consultant until year-end to provide transition assistance, PTM said.

CFO and co-founder Frank Hallam has agreed to act as interim CEO and president.

The company said yesterday it was evaluating alternatives regarding a possible appointment of a new independent director to replace Godongwana.

PTM is meanwhile facing renewed opposition to Waterberg, its proposed 45-year, low-cost mine which has a price tag of US$874 million.

PTM said last week it had received a notice from a purported community networking body which intended to apply for an order in the High Court to prevent the Waterberg JV from mining-related activities on parts of the Goedetrouw and Ketting farms, pending the finalisation of various appeals, a review and permitting.

Several appeals were lodged following the grant of the Waterberg mining right earlier this year and a separate High Court review has been requested, to set aside a decision which had dismissed an application to allow the late filing of an environmental appeal.

"Counsel acting for Waterberg JV Co has filed formal rebuttals to each appeal reported above, is opposing the review, and will file answering papers to the Application for Motion," PTM said last week.

"The company's near-term objectives are to continue working closely with established local community leadership to maximise the value of the Waterberg project for all stakeholders and to complete construction funding and concentrate offtake arrangements for the Waterberg project."

PTM manages Waterberg on behalf of JV partners Impala Platinum, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Hanwa and BEE partner Mnombo Wethu Consultants.

PTM reported a net loss of $8.8 million for the nine months to May 31.

Its shares have spanned C$2.26-$8 over the past year and closed up 2.4% yesterday to $3.85, valuing it at $286.7 million (US$228 million).