South Africa > Mining
Mining
Bell Dewar is closely associated with the mining industry, with many of its directors having a long record of servicing this sector. From employment issues to environmental law and mining finance, the firm provides a classic one-stop shop service to the industry, including having advised on a series of black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions in recent years. Mining giants such as Rio Tinto and Impala Platinum instruct the firm, thanks to its broad expertise in areas such as platinum, aluminium, nickel, cobalt, and other heavy minerals. The firm also represents a number of major lenders in this sector. Mining sector expert Matthew van der Want and mining finance specialist Andrew Mitchell have excellent reputations.
Bowman Gilfillan’s reputation in the mining sector continues to grow, with a number of international mining companies now instructing the firm. Of late, the firm has worked on a series of projects to develop new mines and handled several listings for mining companies. Lead partner Claire Tucker recently represented key client Coal of Africa on its development of a new opencast and underground coal mine in Limpopo. Mining-related M&A and finance remains central to the practice.
The mining sector is a core component of DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s domestic practice. The firm has a broad mining practice, which recently acted for International Gold Exploration on its $65m acquisition of Pangea Diamond Fields. The firm also represented Sentula Mining on its R670m sale of a 49.99% stake in Koornfontein Coal Mine. Ian Hayes and Allan Reid are highly regarded individuals.
Deneys Reitz Inc remains a formidable player in the mining environment, thanks in no small part to the reputation of Michael Dale (‘my first choice for mining law’), a recognised leader in this field, who has an unrivalled record and peerless knowledge of mining regulations. Clients include prestigious names such as De Beers and Anglo American. Otsile William Matlou is also recommended.
Tabacks has a prestigious record in the mining sector, with clients highlighting its ‘specific expertise’ in this industry. Chris Stevens is often highlighted as one of the best mining lawyers in South Africa. The firm has handled a series of headline M&A and BEE transactions over the years. The firm’s illustrious client base includes Anglo Platinum.
Webber Wentzel is widely recognised for its mining sector expertise, with senior names Manus Booysen, Peter Leon and Bruce Dickinson all having excellent reputations. The firm was further enhanced by the arrival of a mining team from the no longer operative Leppan Beech Inc, including Warren Beech. The firm has a particularly strong record in BEE transactions and recently represented OM Holdings Limited on its acquisition of a 26% stake in Ntsimbintle Mining.
ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs)’s team is ‘highly professional’, ‘well-rounded’, ‘practical’ and has ‘good knowledge of the industry’. The firm recently advised BHP Billiton on the corporate restructure and empowerment of Richards Bay Minerals, and represented it on its proposed headline joint venture with Rio Tinto. The firm represents many other major mining players.
Eversheds has made significant progress in the mining sector, thanks in part to the efforts of partners Debbie Ntombela and Adam Gunn. The firm has recently handled mining rights issues for clients such as Barrick Platinum, Tata Steel and Shanduka Coal.
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP hired the highly regarded Tanneke Heersche from White & Case LLP International Lawyers in February 2010, and in so doing substantially increased the firm’s credentials in South Africa’s mining sector. The Canadian firm is now regarded as a major player in the jurisdiction.
Glyn Marais is known principally for its representation of small to medium-sized mining companies. Even so, it still draws in many headline instructions such as advising Samancor on its landmark R1.5bn joint venture with China’s Sinosteel Corporation. Brian Frank and Willem de Villiers are recommended, the former in particular for his diamond industry work. ARM African Rainbow Minerals and Kermas are other key clients.
Werksmans Attorneys is commended for mining sector financings and M&A. The firm represents many North American and Australian companies, as well as South African empowerment mining houses. In 2010, the firm advised Shanduka Resources on its R2.8bn acquisition of a 50.03% stake in Incwala Resources. Corporate partner Morne van der Merwe (‘technically good’) is recommended for mining M&A and BEE deals. On the financing side, Wildu du Plessis is a ‘good negotiator’ and is applauded for quick ‘turn around times’ and his ‘business acumen’.