Headed up by Mihlali Sitefane, the team at Sitefane Inc t/a Sitef & Co  has a deep specialism in mining and energy matters. Of recent note, it has advised a leading gold mining company on over USD100m in renewable energy projects, covering land-use, energy and environmental law, risk assessment, and project viability.

At boutique firm Warburton Attorneys Inc, the team regularly advises mining companies on environmental regulatory and compliance issues, and is equally adept at handling contentious mandates. Firm managing director Catherine Warburton heads up the practice.

The powerhouse mining department at Webber Wentzel is recognised for its 'deep understanding of the industry'. The practice advises a range of investors, multinational corporations, and mining companies on high-value corporate and investment transactions across the sector, including strategic investments, disposals, and acquisitions across Africa. Co-leaders Jonathan Veeran and Rita Spalding shape the firm’s mining strategy, while Bruce Dickinson has extensive experience across a broad range of mining matters. Kate Collier advises on health and safety, Giada Masina is recognised for high-profile transactions, and Nomsa Mbere focuses on ESG-related commercial matters.

Beech Veltman Inc has 'unsurpassed' experience in mining-related matters, advising mining companies and independent power producers across the full mining lifecycle. Department lead Warren Beech focuses on commercial, health and safety, environmental, regulatory, and governance matters, and also advises on renewable energy projects and the energy transition. Chantal Murdock specialises in mining regulatory compliance, High Court litigation, and commercial law, while Eben van Zyl boasts extensive experience in mining disputes, drafting and reviewing sector-specific agreements, and auditing health and safety compliance. Also notable members of the team are Bryan White and Jason Hunter.

Bowmans boasts deep experience in mining transactions, including joint ventures, offtake, royalty, supply, and other commercial agreements, and routinely advises mining companies and banks on asset, project, and acquisition financing matters. Practice head Charles Young represents a diverse range of domestic and international mining clients, and he is ably supported by Jason Wilkinson, who is experienced in complex financing transactions with major African mining companies. Wandisile Mandlana  focuses on mining titles, mineral rights, and environmental matters, while Claire Tucker advises on commercial and regulatory issues. Mike Benetello specialises in mining taxation and restructuring mandates.

Spearheaded by Vivien Chaplin, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's 'knowledgeable' mining and minerals team often represents key industry players, as well as mid-tier and junior miners. Chaplin continues to secure major clients, providing global support across the mining and energy sectors. Allan Reid advises on compliance and mineral-related matters across several African jurisdictions, Ian Hayes retains his blue-chip mining clients, and Burton Meyer assists multinational corporations with mining disputes. Rachel Kelly is active in aviation, retail, and technology-related mandates surrounding the mining industry, and Fiona Leppan specialises in health and safety.

Jointly led by Ntsiki Adonisi and Pieter Colyn, the 'well experienced' mining group at ENSafrica handles large, complex, high-profile mining transactions, often representing major mining companies and global banks. Adonisi leads on natural resources and environmental matters, while Colyn is recognised for his expertise in mining-related occupational health and safety. Otsile Matlou covers the full spectrum of mining activities, Willem le Roux specialises in deep-level operations, Celeste Coles handles accident inquiries, Warren Hendricks focuses on health and safety, and Zinzi Lawrence and Dorencia Pillay further strengthen the team.

Recognised for its ability to build 'strong and long-standing relationships', Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP's mining team advises global mining companies, government bodies, industry associations, and non-profit organisations. Practice head Patrick Leyden is an influential mining lawyer with extensive experience in domestic and cross-border M&A, corporate and commercial agreements, and restructurings. Peter Leon specialises in resolving disputes in African mining projects, including regulatory, BEE, and investment matters. Ziyanda Ntshona, Ernst Muller, and Giorgia Silvaggi are also key contributors to the group.

With expertise in mineral and upstream petroleum law, environmental law, land reform, and risk advisory, Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc advises leading mining houses, lenders, borrowers, and industry associations. Co-leader of the group Christina Pretorius focuses on commercial matters and M&A transactions, while co-leader Anneke Higgs specialises in mining, minerals, natural resources, and environmental law. Andre Vos handles mining disputes, Jackie Midlane focuses on project finance, Matthew Ash is skilled in power purchase agreements, and Jeffrey Kron boasts expertise in complex mining litigation.

Werksmans Attorneys provides expert mining and energy advice across regulation, commercial agreements, transactions, disputes, and land reform issues. Practice head Chris Stevens is 'a valuable resource', recognised for due diligence, opinions, appeals, mining title, and MPRDA matters, and for advising on major mining transactions and BEE projects. Bulelwa Mabasa focuses on dispute resolution, mining and administrative law, procurement, and litigation, Danielle Magidson advises on M&A, and Jones Antunes and David Gewer are key contacts.

White & Case LLP advises across all aspects of mining deals, from transactions and financing matters to regulatory issues, disputes, and project development. Co-leader of the group Gary Felthun has extensive experience handling major mining transactions across Africa, advising leading global mining and resources companies, while co-head Lloyd Christie specialises in regulatory advice, natural resource disputes, transactions, BEE, and environmental matters. Sandile Mathebula has experience in representing prominent mining clients, while Nonhlakanipho Mchunu focuses on M&A and private equity deals in the mining space.