Philip Botha joined BCLR as a consultant with effect from 1 January 2008. He is an experienced and respected commercial lawyer of many years' standing who will assist BCLR on an ad hoc basis in relation to mining, commercial and general commercial law activities.
Matthews Dikane was appointed as a senior associate of BCLR from 3 December 2007 and practises in labour law and mine, health and safety law.
Brink Cohen le Roux was listed as a leading firm in "Chambers Global 2008 : The World's Leading Lawyers" in the banking & finance and corporate/m&a categories. The following individual practitioners were also listed as leading lawyers in their individual areas of practice :
- banking & finance : Johan Brink;
- competition / anti-trust : Paul Coetser;
- corporate / m&a : Johan Brink and Paul Coetser;
- energy & natural resources / mining : Willem le Roux
Paul Coetser and
Anne Daniel have acted for independent airline, 1 time Holdings Limited, in its acquisition of control over Naturelink Aviation (Pty) Ltd in a transaction worth R60 million.
We reported earlier that an action has been instituted against AngloGold Ashanti Limited, represented by Willem le Roux, for damages for alleged silicosis. The case is probably the most important one in recent history concerning liability for damages resulting from occupational diseases in mining. AngloGold Ashanti excepted to the claim of the plaintiff on the basis that the company is protected against such claims by virtue of certain provisions of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. Judgment has been reserved. If the exception is upheld it would mean that mining companies may not be sued by employees or former employees for common law damages resulting from lung diseases.
Pieter Colyn, Celeste Coyne and Kim Wyness represented Northam Platinum Limited, Kloof Gold Mine and Brikor Limited in various accident inquiry / investigation proceedings in terms of health and safety legislation.
