longer-term changes affect strategy and decision-making around important elements such as life of mine, extension of current operations, and new projects. The amendments to the Mine Health and Safety Act (the most comprehensive amendments since 1997) will have significant impacts on the mining and natural resources industry, with its focus on significantly increased penalties for non-compliance, enhanced enforcement powers of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate, and increased responsibilities for health and safety, including training. It is anticipated that these amendments will come into force and effect later this year, or in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, there are significant proposed amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, the primary law which governs the mining and natural resources in South Africa. If these amendments come into force and effect as they are currently worded, this will have a significant impact on all aspects of South Africa’s mining and natural resources sector, including the small-scale mining sub-sector, beneficiation, requirements around stakeholder engagement and consultation, and enhanced consequences of non-compliance. It is anticipated that these changes may come into force and effect in the next 18 months to two years. With growing focus on sustainability and renewable energy, how is the mining sector adapting, and what role do lawyers play in that transformation? The South African mining and natural resources sector has had to embrace alternative energy sources, to remain viable and sustainable, primarily due to energy constraints which have impacted not only on primary extraction, but also, significantly, on beneficiation. As lawyers, we have focussed on adopting a holistic view in an attempt to balance current and immediate energy needs, with longer term sustainability. One of the key focus areas has been South Africa’s coal industry, which remains the most significant contributor to South Africa’s energy generation. At the same time, many of South Africa’s coal mines have or are in the process of establishing alternative energy sources including wind and solar. By focussing, holistically, on current and future needs, we continue to play an important role in balancing what are often regarded as competing interests. You’ve received numerous awards and recognitions throughout your career. How do these acknowledgements influence your approach to your work? Any accolades and awards are the result of a team effort, and they go a long way towards building the confidence of team members. Additionally, the recognition supports our core principles around responsiveness, practicality and relevance. It is an endorsement of these core principles, but the recognition only represents a snapshot in time, and we are constantly evolving to improve our service to our key clients and stakeholders. For young lawyers or professionals aspiring to specialise in mining and natural resources law, what advice would you give? The practice of law, in itself, is brutal, and being a practitioner in the mining and natural resources sector, adds to the pressure of being a legal practitioner. My general advice to young legal practitioners who want to enter the mining and natural resources sector is to develop deep sector knowledge, develop a passion for the mining and natural resources sector, and align with industry leaders that provide growth and development opportunities. Teamwork is vital — confidence across complex disciplines only comes from knowledge, and that knowledge comes from having a competent, experienced and professional team around me SOUTH AFRICA MINING LAWYER OF THE YEAR LAWYER MONTHLY LEGAL AWARDS 2025 77
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz