What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

Over the past two years, our company has faced significant operational and market challenges. Global economic uncertainty and shifting investment priorities towards traditional commodities have adversely impacted the precious stones sector, requiring careful strategic management of legal, commercial and stakeholder risks.

At the same time, our Colombian mining operations have been affected by increasing illegal mining activities, social unrest, community protests, road blockades and incidents involving damage to property.

As general counsel, I have led the legal strategy to protect the company’s operations while balancing the interests of government authorities, local communities, employees, investors and other key stakeholders. My role has extended well beyond traditional legal support. I have worked closely with executive leadership to develop and implement crisis-management and stakeholder-engagement strategies, coordinated interactions with national and local authorities, advised on regulatory and operational risks and supported initiatives aimed at maintaining the company’s social license to operate. I have also played a key role in safeguarding the company’s assets, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and supporting strategic discussions with current and prospective investors.

The legal team has helped the business navigate a highly complex operating environment, maintain continuity and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, despite challenging market and social conditions.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

One of the most significant examples involved our response to the increasing social unrest, illegal mining activities, and operational disruptions affecting our Colombian mining operations. The situation presented not only legal and regulatory risks, but also substantial business risks, including production interruptions, reputational damage and reduced investor confidence.

I’ve been leading the legal workstream supporting negotiations and coordination with public authorities, while also helping to structure engagement frameworks with local stakeholders.

The matter demonstrated how the legal function can serve as a strategic business partner, helping the company navigate complex external challenges while advancing its commercial and operational objectives.

How has the role of general counsel evolved, and what are the most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer?

The role of the GC has evolved significantly from that of a traditional legal adviser to that of a strategic business partner and trusted member of the leadership team. Today’s GC is expected not only to manage legal and regulatory risks, but also to contribute to business strategy, support growth initiatives, navigate complex stakeholder relationships and help organisations respond to rapidly changing economic, geopolitical, social and technological environments.

In industries such as mining, where operations are closely connected to governments, communities, employees, investors and environmental considerations, the GC plays a critical role in balancing legal compliance with long-term business objectives and sustainable value creation.

The most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer are commercial awareness, sound judgment, adaptability and strong communication skills. Legal expertise remains essential, but it is no longer sufficient on its own. In-house lawyers must understand the business, anticipate risks before they materialise and provide practical, solution-oriented advice that enables informed decision-making. Equally important is the ability to build trust across the organisation and with external stakeholders, particularly during periods of uncertainty or crisis.

Ultimately, the most effective GC is one who combines legal excellence with strategic vision, helping the business achieve its objectives while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, governance and corporate responsibility.

How can general counsel help drive responsible governance and ethical decision-making across an organisation?

GC help drive responsible governance by ensuring that legal compliance, ethical conduct and business objectives remain aligned. Beyond managing risk, we provide an independent perspective to management and the Board, helping guide decisions that consider legal, reputational, social and commercial implications.

We also play a key role in fostering a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across the organisation. In sectors such as mining, this includes building trust with communities, governments, employees and investors while supporting sustainable business growth. Ultimately, the GC serves as both a guardian of corporate integrity and a strategic business partner.