In-House Counsel - Mining & Resources

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive salary package

Career growth in mining sector

Access to advanced legal resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel for a fully remote role based in Rustenburg, North West. You will provide comprehensive legal advice across mining, environmental, and land use matters, and draft and negotiate complex agreements essential to operations.

You will guide governance, compliance, risk management, and coordinate litigation with external counsel. The role requires autonomous, proactive leadership and strong negotiation skills to support strategic business

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in mining and resources law, environmental law, or corporate law relevant to the sector.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal advice in a complex operational environment.
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Excellent understanding of South African corporate and commercial law.
• Experience in managing litigation and dispute resolution.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a substantial workload effectively in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on mining law, environmental regulations, and land use rights.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including JV, off-take, and equipment leases.
• Advise on governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks in mining.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution with external counsel as required.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for mining operations in SA.
• Assist in development and implementation of legal policies and procedures.
• Conduct due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions.
• Support community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and industry best practices.

Skills

Mining law

Corporate law

Environmental law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal research

Remote collaboration

Litigation management

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admitted Attorney/Advocate

Tools

Legal research tools

Virtual collaboration platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining and resources sector, is seeking an experienced and adaptable In-House Counsel to join their esteemed legal team. This position is based in Rustenburg, North West , but offers a unique fully remote working arrangement, allowing exceptional candidates from anywhere to contribute. The role involves providing comprehensive legal advice across a spectrum of operational, regulatory, and commercial matters pertinent to the mining industry. You will be at the forefront of navigating complex legal challenges, ensuring the company's compliance and strategic objectives are met. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in a sector critical to the South African economy, contributing significantly to the company's legal framework from a remote setting. The role demands proactive engagement and a deep understanding of industry-specific legal nuances.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on matters relating to mining law, environmental regulations, and land use rights.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including joint venture agreements, off-take agreements, and equipment leases.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks specific to the mining sector.
• Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution processes, liaising with external counsel as required.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to mining operations in South Africa.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures.
• Conduct due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Provide legal support for community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and industry best practices relevant to mining and natural resources.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in mining and resources law, environmental law, or corporate law relevant to the sector.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal advice in a complex operational environment.
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Excellent understanding of South African corporate and commercial law.
• Experience in managing litigation and dispute resolution.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a substantial workload effectively in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, vital for remote collaboration.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Must be proactive, results-oriented, and possess strong ethical judgment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required.
• The significant advantage of a fully remote working arrangement.
• Opportunity to work within a critical and impactful industry.
• Engage in complex legal challenges with strategic business implications.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Contribute to a leading organization in the mining sector.
• Access to advanced legal technology and resources for remote work.
• Work-life balance enhanced by the remote nature of the position.