Legal Counsel - Mining Law & Compliance

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel with mining law specialization to advise on prospecting rights, environmental compliance, and industry contracts.

You will support regulatory adherence to MPRDA, manage risk, and guide community engagement. The role requires an Admitted Attorney and 6-8 years mining law experience; travel within regions is expected.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 6-8 years post-qualification experience with mining law and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of MPRDA, environmental and corporate law in mining.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex mining-related agreements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within operational regions.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on acquisition, renewal, and transfer of mining and prospecting rights.
• Ensure compliance with MPRDA and mining legislation.
• Advise on environmental impact assessments and regulatory approvals.
• Draft, review and negotiate mining contracts (JV, mining services, supply).
• Manage community engagement and social license to operate matters.
• Represent company in negotiations with government departments and regulators.
• Oversee disputes and litigation arising from mining operations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for acquisitions and new projects.
• Develop and implement legal risk management policies for mining ops.

Skills

Mining law experience

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Travel flexibility

Education

LLB degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity within the mining sector, is actively seeking an experienced Legal Counsel with specialized knowledge in mining law and regulatory compliance. This critical role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , a region central to the country's mining activities. The Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on all mining-related matters, including prospecting and mining rights, environmental regulations, community engagement, and contractual agreements specific to the industry. This is a unique opportunity to join a key player in the resources sector and contribute to the responsible and sustainable development of mining operations in Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal advice on the acquisition, renewal, and transfer of mining and prospecting rights.
• Ensure compliance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and other relevant mining legislation.
• Advise on environmental impact assessments and related regulatory approvals.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts pertinent to the mining industry, such as joint venture agreements, mining services agreements, and supply contracts.
• Manage and advise on legal aspects of community engagement and social license to operate.
• Represent the company in negotiations with government departments and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee and manage legal disputes and litigation arising from mining operations.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential acquisitions and new projects.
• Develop and implement legal policies and risk management strategies for mining operations.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• An LLB degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of post-qualification experience, with a substantial focus on mining law and regulatory compliance in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of the MPRDA, environmental laws, and corporate law relevant to the mining sector.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex mining-related agreements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical legal solutions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple high-priority matters effectively.
• Willingness to travel within the operational regions as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. This role presents a significant opportunity to shape legal strategy within a leading mining operation in the Northern Cape . The company is committed to professional development and provides access to industry-specific training. A hybrid work model is offered, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, supporting a healthy work-life integration.