The African continent, including the Sub-Saharan region, boasts abundant natural resources such as minerals, oil, and gas. The mining, oil, and gas industries play a crucial role in driving economic growth in the region.
Mining: Africa boasts some of the world’s largest deposits of minerals like gold, copper, diamonds, and platinum, with several countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, having significant mining sectors. Additionally, Africa is rich in essential renewable minerals as the world moves towards a fairer and more sustainable economy.
Cobalt, platinum group metals (PGMs), copper graphite, titanium, and zirconium are vital components in the renewable energy sector. These critical renewable minerals ensure that mining continues to drive economic growth in Africa. As Africans, we will need to ensure that mining is sustainable and provides a boost to the respective countries where these renewable minerals and precious metals are mined.
Oil and Gas: Several significant oil and gas reserves are situated in Africa, with countries such as Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria being major producers. Other nations like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Ghana have recently discovered substantial offshore gas deposits, resulting in significant investment in the sector.
Partnering with local companies, acquiring existing mining or oil and gas assets, or exploring new opportunities through exploration and development projects are all means to invest in the sector.
The investment landscape in the region can be challenging due to political and regulatory risks, infrastructure deficiencies, and security concerns. Conducting a thorough due diligence and risk assessment before investing in the sector is crucial.
We understand the complex legal landscape of the natural resources industry, having worked in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and the DRC. Our team of skilled experts is well-versed in navigating this sector and is committed to ensuring our clients successfully overcome the inevitable legal and technical challenges.
We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and provide tailored legal advice to ensure their operations comply with local laws and regulations.
Our natural resources law services cover a wide range of legal areas, including:
Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that clients keep pace with the constantly evolving legal requirements of the natural resources sector. We assess compliance obligations and develop strategies for maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Commercial:
Our primary focus in drafting asset purchase agreements, share purchase agreements, off-take agreements, mining development agreements, gas sale agreements, and transportation agreements in the natural resources sector is to provide our clients with creative and effective solutions that align with their commercial and strategic goals.
Environmental Law: We recognize the importance of sustainable development and are committed to assisting clients in minimising their environmental impact. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the complex web of environmental laws and regulations and provide practical advice on environmental management, permitting, and compliance.
Dispute Resolution: We understand that disputes are an unfortunate reality of doing business in the natural resources sector. Our firm has a strong track record of successfully resolving disputes, including those related to land rights, environmental issues, and commercial disputes.
Finance: Our attorneys are experienced in structuring and negotiating complex transactions for natural resources projects. We work closely with clients to develop financing strategies that meet their unique needs and assist with all aspects of the financing process, from due diligence to closing.
Our natural resources law firm provides comprehensive legal services to clients in the sub-Saharan African region. With our deep understanding of the local legal landscape and industry-specific knowledge, we are well-equipped to help clients navigate the challenges of the natural resources sector.
Relevant experience
SA Provider of Modular Building Solutions
Acted for a leading South African provider of modular building solutions in a project dealing with the design, supply, and construction of modular buildings at a colliery. We provided construction and engineering advice, and dispute resolution services.
Opinion for Electricity Utility
Providing South Africa’s primary electricity utility with an opinion on whether it is legally permitted to make energy attributes certificates for its nuclear power station available to its customers.
Contract Review for SA Scaffolding Company
Representing a major South African scaffolding company in a project with its subcontractor in the oil and gas sector. We provided comprehensive contract review and risk assessment.
20MW Solar Facility
Acting for a leading distributor of renewable energy solutions in a ZAR2bn project in the CSP sector, providing construction and engineering services for 20MW solar facility.
Employer in Energy Sector
Successfully representing an employer in the energy sector in an adjudication claim for loss of revenue due to encroachment in the Contractor’s Scope of Work under the NEC3 Term Service Contract for pollution control at one of its power stations.