Energy & Natural Resources: Mining | Global

Webber Wentzel is known as a mining and minerals powerhouse with market-leading expertise in M&A, investments and projects, as well as operational agreements. The firm is also well equipped to advise on prospecting and mining rights. The group's clients, including financiers, suppliers and service providers, also benefit from the firm's respected health and safety practice, as well as from its alliance with Linklaters.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr houses a widely respected group known for its prowess in complex transactional mining matters. The team applies its skill in black economic empowerment (BEE) and mineral and mining regulations to high-value M&A and asset transactions, as well as advising on mining rights. The group is equally well placed to advise on funding matters, as well as coal supply agreements. The team's client roster includes regional and international mining companies and private equity firms.

ENS houses a prominent mining department, particularly renowned for its health and safety practice. The firm is recognised for its handling of diverse transactional mandates, including mining right acquisitions, for key industry players. The practice frequently advises local and overseas mining clients on regulatory compliance. The team is equally well versed in contentious work.

Norton Rose Fulbright enjoys a stellar reputation for its regulatory and appellate work in the mining space. The team assists clients with innovative financing mandates and commercial transactions, and possesses further notable experience in greenfield mining projects. Its enviable client roster features high-profile domestic and international mining companies.

Werksmans offers a strong mining and natural resources department that is frequently instructed by leading South African mining houses on major M&A deals. The group's recent work includes a large number of disposal transactions. The firm is also well versed in dispute resolution and business rescue. The team is well placed to assist with prospecting and mining rights, water use licences and environmental matters.

Beech Veltman joins the rankings due to its strong expertise in the mining sector. The law firm is well placed to advise on regulatory mining matters, including water use licences and environmental issues. The team is also particularly well regarded for its practice in health and safety mandates. It further demonstrates additional experience in transactional and development matters, acting for international and domestic clients.

Bowmans is a prominent South African law firm advising global and regional mining houses on a range of mining projects and legal issues. The team frequently works with lenders and investors on large asset transactions, loan facilities and M&A, as well as acting on high-profile disputes in the mining sector. The practice is equally well versed in regulatory issues and mining-related environmental law issues.

Fasken is an international law firm with a South African office well versed in M&A and finance transactions, as well as related litigation and employment matters. The department handles capital markets transactions in the mining sector, including delistings, and assists clients with the commissioning of new mines. The team services an array of industry players, including investors, mining houses and community trusts.