Mining the value of GCs at Mining Indaba 2024

Leading in-house lawyers, compliance heads and executives will gather en-masse in Cape Town on Thursday 8 February for the annual General Counsel Forum 2024, held as part of the Investing in African Mining Indaba.

The confirmed delegate list – more diverse across corporate leadership functions than any previous year – is a testament to the further evolution of the in-house legal function within the natural resources sector, as well as its relevance and importance to all aspects of the corporate activities of mining companies.

This year we welcome a new co-chair for the conference proceedings, with Nomfundo Ngcobo, Group Head: Legal Services at Implats, joining conference regular Daniel Driscoll in overseeing the event.

Three Crowns, a leading international arbitration law firm, will host a session looking at the full lifecycle of dispute resolution in the resources sector, from contracting to proceedings and enforcement. Partner Kathryn Khamsi will moderate the panel of experts which includes Hermien Uys of Verdanta, Michael Schlotter of Anglo American, and long-time co-chair of the GC Forum, Daniel Driscoll, now CEO of Lilium Mining.

Our delegation will also be treated to a series of three “quick fire” updates on some of the most pressing issues facing them. These will be led by notable practitioners such as Anglo American Deputy GC, Kate Southwell, who will turn our audience’s attention to issues around sustainability.

In an age of increased geopolitical risk, another noteworthy panel discussion of the event will seek to answer the question “Coup you gonna call?” in the face of regime change and uncontrollable risks which have become all too common in recent years. Puns aside, this session will grapple with deadly serious issues around the GC’s role when it comes to both prevention of, and preparedness for, geopolitical risk, and the immediate and essential value the role can bring as part of an emergency response effort. The discussion will be facilitated by GC Forum veteran Andrew Irvine, with leading experts including Dr Abdoul Karim Camara of Endeavour Mining and Martijn Bosboom of Perseus Mining sitting as panellists.

Prior to the ever-popular post-event drinks reception, the event will conclude with an insightful interview between our conference co-chairs, Nomfundo Ngcobo of Implats and Daniel Driscoll, where Daniel will share some of the key lessons he has learned from transitioning from in-house legal leader to CEO.

Entry to the GC Forum is limited to currently employed in-house legal/risk/compliance staff within the mining sector. If this aligns with your current role, please apply to join us here.

For more information on the GC Forum 2024 please visit the event website here.

To join Africa Legal's mailing list please click here