Mining and resources laws in South Africa are frequently evolving and have become complex. The mining sector was once dominated by a handful of private mining companies, however, that has changed in recent years. Private ownership of mineral rights has been converted to state custodianship, there is a new licensing regime and Black Economic Empowerment obligations apply to local and foreign players. In addition, the demand for Africa’s mineral and natural resources is growing, which means there is an increasing need for highly competent and experienced legal counsel.
Mining and Resources Attorneys
MINING AND MINERAL ATTORNEYS
Cranko Karp offers our esteemed clients a broad understanding of the mining industry, mining law and all related matters. The firm is renowned as one of the country’s leading mining law specialists. With a reputation built on more than 100 years of experience, Cranko Karp is strategically positioned to provide due diligence and counsel before, during and after the purchase of resources.
PRACTICAL LEGAL ADVICE
Our core commercial mining attorneys and other qualified professionals within the law firm provide extensive legal services covering a broad knowledge base. We provide comprehensive, practical legal advice on day-to-day issues, as well as counsel on corporate transactions, no matter how complex.
Mining and Resources Law Service Offering
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We are positioned to offer extensive advice in the following areas:,
- Mergers and acquisitions within the mining industry
- Joint ventures
- Mineral rights and titles, including licensing, prospecting, mining, royalty and development agreements
- Liaising with the Department of Mineral Resources
- Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) structuring and transactions
- Leases
- Counsel on The Mining Charter
- Statutory claims arising from mining activities
- Regulation, including Occupational Health and Safety, Competition and Employment Law
- Commercial disputes, including dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration
- Financing, including corporate asset, commodity and leveraged finance
- Tax, including corporate tax, commercial projects and Exchange Control
- Negotiating specific agreements, including purchase, contractors, operating and maintenance agreements for new rights.
- Due diligence investigations
- Property rights and titles
Why Work With Us
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- We are specialists in mining and mineral laws
- Cranko Karp has structured several Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transactions in South Africa through the specialised application of the South African Mining Charter.
- The law firm has acquired a speciality in Mining Law and Environmental Law, and today represents many junior miners and many of the De Beers Sight Holders both local and internationally.
- Michael Karp, the Senior Partner at Cranko Karp, has represented major large-scale miners and diamond traders before the Portfolio Committee of the South African Parliament regarding the Diamond Bill which was passed in 2005.
- Eli Karp, one of the partners at Cranko Karp is a specialist in advising and implementing regulatory and statutory requirements to maintain and obtain mining prospecting licences and permits on behalf of local and international clients. This includes commercial advice and due diligence on corporate entities where necessary.
The mining industry is key to South Africa’s economic development, thus a keen eye for detail as well as thorough knowledge of the various forms of legislation is critical in any mining-related matter.