Chief Legal Counsel - Mining & Resources

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level remuneration

Medical aid

Pension

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Legal Counsel to lead the legal function for a major mining and resources group in Rustenburg, North West. The role demands strategic oversight of governance, compliance, contracts, litigation and risk management in the mining sector.

The ideal candidate will have an LLM and 10–15 years of post-qualification experience, with a proven track record in mining law and cross-border matters, and will relocate or operate in a hybrid setup in Rustenburg.

Qualifications

• Admitted as an advocate or attorney in South Africa with an advanced degree (LLM).
• 10–15 years post-qualification experience in mining/resources law.
• Experience leading a legal department or function.
• Strong understanding of SA mining, environmental and corporate law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee legal strategies aligned with mining objectives.
• Manage governance, compliance, contracts, and litigation.
• Lead and mentor the in-house legal team; manage external counsel.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, dispositions and corporate transactions.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks for Rustenburg operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Legal leadership

Mining law

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Cross-border law

Team leadership

Education

LLM

Admitted SA attorney

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and resources sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Legal Counsel to lead their legal operations from their offices in Rustenburg, North West. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all legal affairs, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract management, litigation, and risk management within the mining and exploration domains. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in mining law, a proven track record in managing complex legal challenges, and the ability to provide robust strategic advice to the executive team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal landscape of a significant industry leader in the Rustenburg region, driving compliance and mitigating risks. We seek a visionary legal mind with exceptional leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the complexities of the resources industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategies aligned with the company's business objectives in the mining sector.
• Oversee all corporate governance matters, including board meetings, shareholder communications, and statutory compliance.
• Manage all significant litigation and dispute resolution processes, including arbitration and mediation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate high-value commercial agreements, joint venture agreements, and exploration licenses.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining, environmental, and safety legislation and regulations.
• Provide expert legal advice on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions.
• Lead and mentor the in-house legal team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage external legal counsel and service providers effectively.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks across the organization's operations in Rustenburg.
• Advise on intellectual property matters and ensure protection of company assets.

Requirements

• Admitted as an advocate or attorney in South Africa with a Master of Laws (LLM) or equivalent advanced degree.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion focused on mining and resources law.
• Proven experience in leading a legal department or significant legal function.
• Deep understanding of South African mining legislation, environmental law, and corporate law.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex commercial agreements and handling significant litigation.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to provide pragmatic and commercially sound legal advice.
• Experience in managing cross-border legal issues is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Rustenburg area or be open to a hybrid working model.

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package.
• Significant influence on legal strategy and corporate decision-making.
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the mining sector.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and pension.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment in Rustenburg.