At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, the mining team leverages the expertise of the firm’s projects, energy and infrastructure group to assist prominent domestic and international mining companies, government departments and non-profit entities with a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious mining matters. Practice head Patrick Leyden has an excellent track record in handling cross-border and domestic M&A mining transactions, and Ernst Muller stands out for his expertise in advising mining companies on ESG issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team, very responsive and well connected to a variety of parties across a broad range of areas that has helped facilitate our critical negotiations.’

  • ‘Excellent African experience, with the ability to tap into the international arena through their other offices. Knowledge and insight into Africa and African governments was invaluable to us.’

  • ‘Stellar knowledge of, and experience in, Africa. Team provides end-to-end service, liaising with correspondent firms throughout Africa.’

  • 'Ernst Muller's expertise, commitment and dedication to the client makes him stand out.’

Key clients

  • Natal Portland Cement Company (Proprietary) Limited
  • Anglo American Plc
  • Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited
  • China Molybdenum Company Limited (CMOC)
  • CIMIC Group Limited
  • POSCO
  • Pala Investment Limited
  • Green Hydrogen Organisation |Green Hydrogen Legal Capacity Unit (GH2L)
  • Thiess (Proprietary) Limited
  • Lotus Resources

Work highlights

  • Advised Norilsk Nickel Africa Property on the sale of its interest in the Nkomati Nickel joint venture in South Africa to African Rainbow Minerals.
  • Advised South32 on an earn-in agreement and strategic alliance with Noronex to accelerate copper exploration in Namibia.

Lawyers

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Patrick Leyden

Other key lawyers

Ernst Muller