Legal Consultant - Mining Law

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Legal Consultant specializing in Mining Law to join a global leader on a fully remote contract basis. You will advise on mining rights, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, and draft agreements for mining operations worldwide from Upington or any remote location.

The ideal candidate is an admitted SA attorney with 8+ years in mining law, deep knowledge of MPRDA and NEMA, and proven ability to manage complex matters independently while negotiating

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a focus on Mining Law.
• Strong knowledge of MPRDA, NEMA, and SA mining/environmental legislation.
• Experience with international mining law and cross-border transactions.
• Ability to work remotely and manage a substantial workload.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on mining applications, licenses, permits.
• Ensure compliance with MPRDA and related regulations.
• Draft, review and negotiate mining-related agreements.
• Advise on EMPs and environmental compliance.
• Assist with community consultation and social license to operate processes.
• Manage legal aspects of mine closures and rehabilitation plans.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings and negotiations with authorities.
• Conduct legal due diligence for mining acquisitions and exploration rights.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and industry best practices in mining law.

Skills

Mining Law

Contract Negotiation

Regulatory Compliance

Environmental Compliance

Legal Research

Remote Work

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mining exploration and operations, is seeking an experienced Legal Consultant specializing in Mining Law to join their team on a contract basis. This role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while providing critical legal support for the company's extensive mining interests in South Africa and internationally. The Legal Consultant will advise on mining rights, environmental compliance, community engagement, regulatory matters, and contract negotiations pertaining to the mining sector. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mining legislation (e.g., MPRDA, NEMA), international mining conventions, and the complexities of operating in diverse jurisdictions. This position requires strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation capabilities, and the ability to manage complex legal challenges autonomously in a remote setting. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned mining law expert to contribute to major projects and shape legal strategies for a prominent industry player, working from Upington, Northern Cape, or any remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on mining applications, prospecting rights, mining licenses, and permits.
• Ensure compliance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and related regulations.
• Advise on environmental management plans (EMPs) and compliance with environmental legislation (NEMA).
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements related to mining operations, including joint ventures, farm-in/farm-out agreements, and supply contracts.
• Assist with community consultation and social license to operate processes.
• Manage legal aspects of mine closures and rehabilitation plans.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings, administrative appeals, and negotiations with government authorities.
• Conduct legal due diligence for mining acquisitions and exploration rights.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and industry best practices in mining law.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, heavily focused on Mining Law.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of the MPRDA, NEMA, and other relevant South African mining and environmental legislation.
• Experience with international mining law and cross-border transactions is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex mining-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage a substantial workload remotely.
• A proactive approach to risk management and legal strategy.

Benefits

This fully remote contract role offers a highly competitive remuneration package, reflective of the extensive expertise required. Our client provides excellent support for remote consultants, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment. The position offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to work on impactful projects within the global mining industry. This is an ideal role for a legal professional seeking flexibility and the chance to leverage their specialized knowledge in mining law from Upington, Northern Cape, or any preferred remote location.