In-House Legal Advisor - Mining Law Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

top-tier medical aid plan

robust retirement fund

generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned In-House Legal Advisor (Mining) to be based near Rustenburg, North West. You will guide strategic legal matters across exploration to rehabilitation, ensuring full regulatory compliance and robust risk management.

The role demands extensive mining and environmental law experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to influence senior management in a dynamic mining portfolio.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with extensive mining and environmental experience.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex mining-related agreements.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication with government, communities, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal guidance on mining law, environmental regulations and compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate mining contracts including exploration rights, joint ventures and supply agreements.
• Advise on ESG compliance and regulatory obligations within SA.
• Manage legal risks, permits, licenses and litigation related to mining operations.
• Support regulatory proceedings and interactions with government authorities.

Skills

Mining law

Environmental law

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Independent work

Travel willingness

Legal risk management

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court of South Africa)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining industry, is seeking an exceptional In-House Legal Advisor with a specialization in mining law to join their team based in the vicinity of Rustenburg, North West . This senior legal position requires a candidate with extensive knowledge of mining legislation, environmental law, and regulatory compliance within the South African context. The role involves providing strategic legal guidance on all aspects of mining operations, from exploration and prospecting to extraction and rehabilitation. You will be instrumental in navigating complex legal frameworks, managing contractual relationships with suppliers and partners, and mitigating legal risks associated with mining activities. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding sector, contributing directly to the company's success and sustainability efforts. We are looking for a self-motivated individual with strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work autonomously. The successful candidate will be a key advisor to senior management, ensuring that all operations are conducted in full compliance with legal and ethical standards. The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to influence legal strategy in a dynamic industry, with a focus on the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all matters pertaining to the South African Mining and Mineral Act, environmental legislation, and related regulations.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts related to mining operations, including exploration rights, joint ventures, and supply agreements.
• Advise on compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards relevant to the mining sector.
• Manage legal risks associated with mining activities, including land access, community relations, and heritage resources.
• Assist in obtaining and maintaining mining licenses and permits.
• Support the company in regulatory proceedings and interactions with government authorities.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential acquisitions and investments.
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.
• Manage litigation related to mining operations.
• Stay abreast of changes in mining law and advise on their implications for the business.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-admission experience, with a significant focus on mining law and environmental law.
• Deep understanding of the Mine and Mineral Resources Development Act (MMRDA) and related legislation.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements within the mining sector.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and community representatives.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload.
• Experience in litigation or dispute resolution in the mining context is advantageous.
• Must be willing to travel to operational sites as required.
• Based in or prepared to relocate to the greater Rustenburg area.

Benefits

Our client is committed to offering a highly competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards, along with performance‑based incentives.

• top‑tier medical aid plan
• robust retirement fund
• generous leave provisions

The company invests in its employees' professional growth through ongoing training, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

A dynamic and challenging work environment awaits, with the chance to shape legal strategy in a critical industry.

This role offers substantial scope for impact and career progression within a forward‑thinking organization located in the resource‑rich province of North West.

Experience a leading career in mining law from the Rustenburg region.