The primary goals of law firm Hogan Lovells, formerly known as Routledge Modise, in South Africa, at this year’s Mining Indaba include establishing its merged brand and reconfirming Hogan Lovells’ position as a dominant service provider to the African mining industry, says Hogan Lovells South Africa director and mining head Warren Beech.

“On December 1, 2013, Routledge Modise officially merged with international law firm Hogan Lovells and is rebranding and relaunching itself,” he explains.

Beech tells Mining Weekly that the company has organised a client function on February 5, to coincide with the Investing in African Mining Indaba, to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 3 to 6.

He says the company is looking forward to hosting visitors, particularly overseas visitors, at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, in Cape Town, to showcase what South Africa has to offer.

Beech adds that the firm also aims to interact with existing clients and engage with potential new clients.

“The Mining Indaba is an opportunity for us to interact with our colleagues in the industry, address the various issues that have developed and discuss the future of the industry,” he states, adding that it provides a unique opportunity for existing and new entrants into the mining sector to promote their projects, including exploration opportunities and participation in existing operations.

“With so many people in one venue simultaneously, role-players in the mining industry cannot ask for more,” Beech enthuses.

He notes that the company has a stand at the Mining Indaba, which will be staffed by senior representatives of the mining team.

Further, Beech says the Mining Indaba provides the firm with a platform to interact with a broad spectrum of mining industry- focused stakeholders, including investors, operators and service providers.

“It is vital for any role-player in the mining industry to attend the Mining Indaba, which is, in effect, the single biggest mining-focused event of its kind in Africa.”

Beech tells Mining Weekly that Hogan Lovells is a service provider to the mining industry and to related industries, with its mining and regulatory team providing multidisciplinary services.

“Under normal circumstances, it will be virtually impossible to get this number and range of clients in one venue at any time,” he highlights.

Beech notes that Hogan Lovells does not formally present at the Mining Indaba, as this firm prefers to participate in the smaller forums, which it believes are more efficient and effective.

He adds that, with the broad representation of industry players at the Mining Indaba, South African and African mining industries can benefit primarily through interacting with investors, operators and service providers.

Possible Highlights

Beech believes that the most critical session to attend at the indaba is Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu’s keynote address. “It sets the tone for the Mining Indaba and generally sends a clear message regarding the position of the Department of Mineral Resources on key aspects affecting the mining industry.

“Other important sessions include keynote addresses by private venture capital and project finance firm Ivanhoe Capital Corporation founder and CEO Robert Friedland, JSE-listed gold miner Harmony Gold CEO Graham Briggs and former South Africa Chamber of Mines president and current Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani. These speakers are expected to give a state-of-the-nation type of address with regard to the mining industry,” he points out.

Beech says this year’s Mining Indaba also serves to reaffirm that South Africa and Africa remain important mining destinations with opportunities, regardless of the challenges facing the industry.

“The Mining Indaba is a super event and the experience of attending the event is something incredibly special,” he concludes.