Key Client Relationships
JOGMEC
South African legal advisor to Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (listed on the Japanese Stock Exchange), a Japanese government institution created to ensure a stable supply of metal and mineral resources for Japan’s use, in relation to the restructuring and incorporation of its US$160m joint venture with Platinum Group Metals Limited for the development and funding of the Waterberg Project (platinum, palladium and gold).
IVANHOE MINES
South African legal adviser to Ivanhoe Mines Limited (listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange) in relation to the establishment of its US$1bn Platreef underground platinum mine being constructed near Mokopane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Our legal assistance has included advising on and implementing its US$270m Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”) transaction, one of the largest BEE transactions in the South African mining sector in recent years, preparing and finalising mine-related construction contracts, assisting with local stakeholder interaction and implementation of various social development initiatives, dispute resolution and general corporate and commercial assistance.
ORION MINERALS
South African legal advisor to the Australian based Orion Minerals Ltd (listed on the ASX and JSE), a minerals exploration and development company focusing on zinc, copper, nickel, gold and platinum-group elements in South Africa and Australia, including advising on and implementing its R142.78m Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment transaction, dispute resolution and general corporate and commercial assistance.
Notable Litigation
Representing Ivanhoe Mines Limited in on-going litigation with a private individual over certain historical tax liabilities of approximately R40 million, which matter is the subject of a previous reported judgment.
Advising Ivanhoe Mines Limited on an on-going basis in relation to various matters connected with the establishment of its Platreef underground platinum mine. The advice includes advice on community relations, legal challenges by a handful of detractors against licences and permits granted to Ivanhoe, regulatory matters and general commercial litigation.
Representing Adcorp Staffing Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Fortress Administration in on-going litigation against one of the major South African construction companies.
Representing two minority shareholders in Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited in litigation based on minority oppression by ACSA and its main shareholder, the Government of South Africa.
Representing Rockwell Diamonds Inc on an on-going basis in relation to various matters arising from its diamond operations.
Advising Actom (Pty) Ltd on an on–going basis in relation to a number of commercial litigation matters, including recovery of outstanding debts.
Advising Evraz plc on an on-going basis in relation to certain matters connected with the business rescue of Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium Limited and its subsidiaries.
Acting for Grindrod Bank Limited in litigation against the South African Social Security Agency concerning the effect, interpretation and legality of recently promulgated regulations dealing with deductions made from social grants payments in terms of the Social Assistance Act, 2004