Legal Advisor - Mining and Resources

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Annual leave

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Legal Advisor to join our client near Rustenburg, North West. You will provide strategic legal support across mining, environmental, and commercial contracts, guiding compliance and risk management in a highly regulated sector.

The role requires an LLB, admission as SA attorney or advocate, at least seven years in mining law, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and willingness to travel to operational sites; community engagement experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience, with a significant portion focused on mining and resources law.
• In-depth knowledge of South African mining legislation (MPRDA, NEMLA, etc.) and related regulations.
• Experience with environmental law as it pertains to mining operations.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills for commercial and mining-specific agreements.
• Ability to provide clear, concise legal advice in a complex and regulated environment.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as required.
• Experience in community relations and stakeholder engagement from a legal perspective is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on mining law, including prospecting rights, mining permits, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and advise on environmental impact assessments and related environmental legislation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to mining operations, such as exploration agreements, joint venture agreements, and supply contracts.
• Ensure compliance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and other relevant legislation.
• Manage legal aspects of land access and community engagement related to mining activities.
• Assist in managing litigation and dispute resolution related to mining operations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for acquisitions and partnerships in the mining sector.
• Advise on health and safety regulations applicable to mining environments.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures relevant to the mining industry.

Skills

Mining law

Environmental law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk management

Legal advisory

Travel willingness

Stakeholder engagement

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the mining and resources sector, is seeking a seasoned Legal Advisor to join their operations based near Rustenburg, North West. This role is crucial for providing comprehensive legal support, particularly concerning mining law, environmental regulations, and commercial contracts within this highly specialized industry. The successful candidate will navigate complex legal frameworks and provide strategic advice to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. This position requires a deep understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by the mining industry in South Africa. You will work closely with the exploration, operations, and compliance teams, offering guidance on a wide array of legal matters. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a vital sector in a region rich with natural resources. Our client is committed to responsible resource development and requires legal counsel who shares this vision. The strategic importance of Rustenburg makes it a key hub for this industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of mining law, including prospecting rights, mining permits, and regulatory compliance.
• Review and advise on environmental impact assessments and related environmental legislation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to mining operations, such as exploration agreements, joint venture agreements, and supply contracts.
• Ensure compliance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and other relevant legislation.
• Manage legal aspects of land access and community engagement related to mining activities.
• Assist in managing litigation and dispute resolution related to mining operations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for acquisitions and partnerships in the mining sector.
• Advise on health and safety regulations applicable to mining environments.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures relevant to the mining industry.

Requirements

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience, with a significant portion focused on mining and resources law.
• In-depth knowledge of South African mining legislation (MPRDA, NEMLA, etc.) and related regulations.
• Experience with environmental law as it pertains to mining operations.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills for commercial and mining-specific agreements.
• Ability to provide clear, concise legal advice in a complex and regulated environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and risk-management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as required.
• Experience in community relations and stakeholder engagement from a legal perspective is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with extensive experience in mining law.
• Contribution to medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a leading resource company.
• Dynamic work environment with exposure to significant industry projects.
• Annual leave and other standard employment benefits.
• Potential for travel to operational sites within South Africa.