Local content requirements in the Zambian mining sector
Zambia has recently joined the trend of implementing local content regulations in the mining sector, becoming the latest African country to do so. On 14 October 2025, the Ministry of…
Key legal and regulatory insights shaping South Africa’s mining future
At the eighth edition of Webber Wentzel’s annual Mining Round-Up, the firm’s leading practitioners unpacked the regulatory, policy and compliance developments shaping South Africa’s mining sector. From evolving employment frameworks…
The role of mediation in energy-related investor-state dispute resolution
Mediation plays a growing and increasingly important role in resolving energy-related investor–state disputes (ISDS), as part of a broader shift towards dispute prevention and early dispute resolution. These disputes often…
Big changes to employment of foreign nationals on the horison
The South African Cabinet has officially approved the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) 2025 White Paper and the Employment Services Amendment Bill, 2021 (ESAB) for implementation and submission to Parliament,…
All is fair in love and petroleum?
Certainty is a bedrock principle of South African contract law. Once parties have entered into a contract, they are bound by its terms. Courts have consistently upheld this principle, reminding…
Why business and human rights must be at the heart of Africa’s energy future
As Africa enters a critical decade of energy development and industrialisation, the demand for reliable power, sustainable infrastructure and clean energy sources is reshaping the investment landscape. At the same…
Proposed amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002
On 20 May 2025, Minister Gwede Mantashe gazetted the Draft Mineral Resources Development Bill, 2025 (Bill) for public comments by 18 August 2025. The Bill has not yet been introduced…
Mining industry can play key role in addressing scourge of gender-based violence
In an industry that can reach, and positively impact, large numbers of people through its engagement with direct employees, contractors, stakeholders and community members, mining companies have a unique ability…
Unleashing Africa’s next big play: Namibia’s emerging oil & gas sector
Namibia, a nation renowned for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, is becoming more and more well-known for its booming oil & gas industry. Namibia is quickly rising to the…
To stem investment elsewhere, Nigeria’s oil sector requires change
Nigeria, a previous bright spot on big oil and gas investors’ radar screens, has dimmed substantially as investor attention is increasingly drawn to new and emerging developments in Namibia, Ivory…
How newcomers like Namibia and Guyana are surpassing African legacy producers in energy investment
The major players on the world energy production stage are well known, and particularly in the field of oil and gas, where most of them have been in the game…
Proposed amendments in National Water Amendment Bill – mining company directors take heat
With the Mining Indaba fast approaching, mining companies should prioritise understanding the new director liability provision proposed in the National Water Amendment Bill, published on 17 November 2023. Potential director…
Mining’s green shift – partnering for sustainable transitions
The move away from fossil fuels toward clean energy sources was described by the International Energy Agency as “unstoppable” in its latest edition of the World Energy Outlook. At COP28…
Minister Mantashe needs to go back to basics to fix mining issues
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (the MPRDA), the keystone legislation governing mining in South Africa. Despite the…
Strategic considerations for critical minerals projects
Critical minerals are at the heart of the digital transition and the energy transition. Increased automation, processing and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) mean more smart phone batteries, computer…
Tax deductibility of ESG-related expenses
The sustainability of economies and, in turn, society, largely hinges on how well we adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG). Given that naturally this comes at some cost, the tax…