Owing to recently receiving several accolades, such as the Energy and Natural Resources Team of the Year and the African Law Firm of the Year awards at the 2014 African Legal Awards ceremony, in Johannesburg, in October 2014, law firm Webber Wentzel partner Sipho Methula believes the firm is well placed to represent the interests of mineral resource companies in Africa.

He tells Mining Weekly that the firm was also awarded the sub-Saharan Africa Legal Adviser of the Year at the Financial Times and Mergermarket European mergers and acquisitions awards ceremony, in London, in 2013.

Methula says that these awards reflect Webber Wentzel’s significant experience in assisting clients to execute transactions and implement projects in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa.

Further, he stresses that the African mining sector faces challenges that require innovative solutions, particularly from a legal perspective.

“Our dedicated mining team is well positioned to assist the mining industry in navigating these challenges,” Methula asserts.
He points out that Webber Wentzel has advised on some of the most significant mining transactions in Southern, Eastern, Central and Western Africa.

“We are also ranked as a Band 1 law firm by independent legal directory Mining in Chambers Global.”

Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands, from 1, which is the highest, to 6, which is the lowest, by Mining in Chambers Global.

Rankings are based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment, as well as other qualities most valued by the client.

Moreover, Methula states that Webber Wentzel’s mining sector group brings together lawyers with an expert understanding of the mining industry and the various factors impacting on it on a macro and micro level.

“A commercial mind set and a comprehensive – nonetheless specialised – offering address all strategic challenges of our clients’ business,” he says.

Methula avers that the firm’s commitment to international standards of best practice informs the manner in which it renders its services throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and is the foundation of the firm’s expertise and “proven commercially minded outcomes”.

“We are able to cost effectively manage teams throughout Africa, comprising leading lawyers from Webber Wentzel, our alliance partner, multinational law firm Linklaters, and from our association with the alliance of independent top-tier African law firms within the Africa Legal Network,” he emphasises.

“Our team includes lawyers who have lived and worked in various African countries; enhancing our Lusophone and Francophone capabilities. These capabilities are further enhanced through our alliance with Linklaters, which has offices globally, including in Paris and Lisbon,” he points out.

Mining Indaba

Webber Wentzel is a regular participant in the Investing in African Mining Indaba and has actively participated in this event for the past 15 years. This year’s indaba takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 9 to 12.

“Our team sponsored, exhibited and presented at the Mining Indaba last year,” notes Methula.

He points out that, as Webber Wentzel operates in several African jurisdictions, the firm will attend presentations by participants from key African mining jurisdictions, as well as from other major commodities importing and exporting jurisdictions, such as China, India, Australia, Japan, the European Union and Canada, during the Mining Indaba.

Moreover, Methula says the indaba has always provided local companies with an opportunity to network with international industry players.

He adds that it also provides opportunities for companies to meet with existing and prospective clients; network with other professionals in the mining industry; keep abreast of global, regional and national trends in the mining industry; identify and further understand additional opportunities and related challenges in the industry; and obtain further insight from governments across key mining jurisdictions worldwide.

“The Mining Indaba has consistently assisted us in securing new business, directly and indirectly, through contacts made at the event; it has become a regular feature on our calendar. Our experience of the conference is also complemented by the presentations we offer at the event, which participants seem to find beneficial,” he concludes.