Where do I start? What a rollercoaster of emotions! From the initial fear of change – our first time hosting outside of the CTICC, and on going challenge of navigating Cape Town traffic – to the sheer joy of seeing a packed room buzzing with dynamic discussions, meaningful connections, and new friendships.
Our revamped GC Forum | Extractives kicked off with a keynote address from the incredibly engaging Dr Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She set the perfect tone with her deep insights into global minerals: the challenges surrounding them, the race to acquire them, and the geopolitical tensions driving the sector. Dr Baskaran’s energy and professional yet relaxed delivery marked, in my eyes, a great beginning of the new era for the GC Forum.
The first panel, moderated by a composed Matthew Johnson, Partner at A&O Shearman, featured an elite lineup: Kate Southwell of Anglo American PLC; Narjess Naouar of Moxico Resources PLC; Kweku Awotwi of Cenpower Holdings Limited and Mohamed Stevens of African Legal Support Facility. They discussed the critical intersections between mining and energy, underscoring the need for innovative partnerships to address energy challenges while upholding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Case studies illuminated successful collaborations, the legal sector’s role in navigating complex issues, and strategies for ensuring compliance and long-term sustainability.
With a full house, Warren Beech, CEO and founder of Beech Veltman, delivered a high-energy quick fire session on "Growing Focus on Duty of Care: Enhanced Criminal Liability and Turnover-Based Penalties for Violating Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards." Attendees commented that “it was pleasing to see such a prominent issue being addressed in this forum and hoped for further discussion and action”.
A quick coffee and networking break gave the team a moment to take it all in. Seeing attendees engrossed in discussions, catching up with old friends and connecting with new over branded cupcakes gave me a warm feeling. We were well on our way to delivering the best GC Forum yet!
Next up on our bountiful agenda was a heavyweight panel discussion on “Closing the deal: Strategies for successful mining agreements in 2025", moderated by Richard Blunt, Co-Global Chair of Mining, Energy, Infrastructure, and Projects at Baker McKenzie.
Richard was joined onstage by Lombe Mbalashi, formerly of ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC, Helen Brume of African Export-Import Bank, Dr. Martyn Davies of the Royal Commission, Riyadh, and Giles Douglas of Rothschild & Co in South Africa. This session tackled the complexities of mining deals amid macroeconomic shifts, financing obstacles, contract restrictions, and resource nationalism. The expert panellists explored strategies for bridging the financing gap, overcoming barriers to foreign investment, and developing sustainable infrastructure projects. The energy in the room was palpable, and we could have easily continued for hours with lots of audience engagement and participation.
The brilliant duo of Sandra Bates of Predictive Discovery Limited and Hermien Uys of NextGenOpX then delivered an insightful fireside chat on the evolving roles of general counsel in corporate boards. This candid conversation shed light on the core skills they have learnt to adapt to board positions, including financial literacy and understanding the personal value you can bring. This continued the development of our GC Forum series of fireside chats over the years, as we watch members of the community grow and evolve. Sandra and Hermien’s, and all our panelists, willingness to share their experiences to assist others is at the core of the mining and energy GC community, and is a topic we will further expand on.
The final panel discussion of the day, “Managing Host Government Relations and Achieving Success Through Strategic Collaboration,” was moderated by Kathryn Khamsi of Three Crowns LLP and featured Richard Morgan of Anglo American, Claude de Baissac of Eunomix, and Ludo Tema of Debswana Diamond Company. They shared invaluable insights into navigating geopolitical challenges, building strong government relations, and ensuring operational success while maintaining compliance. Kathryn masterfully pushed the panel to delve deeper, making for an enlightening and engaging session.
Another quick fire session followed, featuring Norton Rose Fulbright’s Jackie Midlane and Matthew Ash, who explored the intricate roles of financiers, developers, and offtakers in delivering energy to mines. Their natural chemistry and insightful discussion provided the perfect wrap-up to an exceptional day.
Dan Driscoll, CFO Marampa Mines, Gerald Group, closed proceedings with a swift but impactful recap, ensuring everyone left the new GC Forum | Extractives with several key takeaways to reflect on throughout the year. The ever increasing geopolitical risks and growing role of the US is no doubt set to shape change over the coming months and years yet collaboration remains key. Let’s keep talking, and not just once a year!
The day ended on a high note, with drinks and canapés shared under the watchful gaze of Table Mountain. As we moved to the rooftop terrace Paul Cliff of Grant Thornton UK LLP warmly welcomed attendees, their hospitality was the perfect end to the day.
It was at that moment that Wendy and I finally had a brief chance to reflect, exhausted but happy to see so many smiling faces and already full of ideas to evolve the conversation and connections even further.
For now, a heartfelt thank you to all our attendees, partners, and supporters – and a special thank you to my wife for curating an exceptional agenda, and simply being her amazing self.
A truly unforgettable experience. Until next time......GC Forum Extractives!
If you are interested in hearing more about Africa Legal Events during 2025 or supporting GC Forum Extractives 2026 as a speaker or sponsor please email scott@africa-legal.com
