Recognised for its ability to build 'strong and long-standing relationships', Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP's mining team advises global mining companies, government bodies, industry associations, and non-profit organisations. Practice head Patrick Leyden is an influential mining lawyer with extensive experience in domestic and cross-border M&A, corporate and commercial agreements, and restructurings. Peter Leon specialises in resolving disputes in African mining projects, including regulatory, BEE, and investment matters. Ziyanda Ntshona, Ernst Muller, and Giorgia Silvaggi are also key contributors to the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They pay attention to detail and use technology in their work. They are always on hand to provide feedback and insights too.’
- ‘Ernst Muller is such a consummate professional. He is always analysing and offering well thought out solutions to problems.'
- 'Peter Leon is a wealth of experience and knowledge. He anchors the strategy, and is always a breath of fresh air when he comments.’
- ‘Patrick Leyden is an exceptional lawyer, always ready to assist and navigate in complex transactions.’
Key clients
- Anglo American Plc
- Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited
- Barrick Gold
- South32
- BHP
- China Molybdenum Company Limited
- POSCO
- Green Hydrogen Organisation
- Siyanda Resource Proprietary Limited
- Vedanta Base Metals
- Natal Portland Cement Company (Proprietary) Limited
- CIMIC Group Limited
Work highlights
Advised South32 on an earn-in agreement and strategic alliance with Noronex to accelerate copper exploration in Namibia.
Advised Exxaro on its Black Economic Empowerment Transaction and maintaining Eyesizwe (RF) Proprietary Limited's 30.81% shareholding in Exxaro until 2027
Advised the Environment Protection Agency (Sierra Leone) on new draft Environment Protection (Mines and Minerals) Regulations which will be published under the Environment Protection Agency Act, 2023
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
Peter Leon; Ziyanda Ntshona; Ernst Muller; Giorgia Silvaggi