Team
The team brings an in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of mining, natural resources, and infrastructure. We have a long-term partnership with key stakeholders such as the South32 Group (coal and manganese), Anglo American Group (iron ore, diamonds, platinum and coal), Glencore Group (coal and alloys), AngloGold Ashanti, Sibanye Stillwater (including previous group companies), Sasol Mining, Bisichi PLC/Black Wattle, Village Main Reef Group, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, Ford Motor Company, Exxaro Resources, ArcelorMittal and various other mid to large scale natural resources and infrastructure companies.
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Health & safety
- Environmental
- Energy and renewables
- Project and Infrastructure finance
- Regulatory Investigation & enforcement
Warren Beech
Chief executive officer
Warren, the Chief Executive Officer, is a highly accomplished and recognised mining, energy, natural resources and infrastructure specialist. Warren provides multi-disciplinary services with a particular focus on health, safety environment, regulatory and criminal, but has also been involved in a large number of significant mining and energy transactions, as lead commercial lawyer.
Warren has been recognised in the Hall of Fame by The Legal 500 for mining law and consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners for his expertise in mining, energy and natural resources, and health and safety. Who’s Who Legal has repeatedly named him a Global Leader in both environmental and mining law. He is also a recipient of the Lawyer Monthly Legal Award for mining in South Africa. He has been acknowledged as a highly regarded lawyer in South Africa by IFLR1000 and recognised by Best Lawyers for his leadership in mining law.
Warren is a well-known and passionate public speaker and is frequently quoted in print and digital media. He has been recognised by many leading directories and awards as a leading expert in his field.
Qualifications
BA (Law)(University of the Witwatersrand)
LLB (University of the Witwatersrand),
LLM (UNISA), Diploma in Employee Benefits (Mandela Institute), Accredited Health, Safety & Environmental Auditor
Language
English, Afrikaans and German
Biography
Warren Beech is the Chief Executive Officer of Beech Veltman Incorporated and a highly accomplished, recognised specialist in mining, energy, natural resources, infrastructure, and environmental law. With over 30 years of experience, Warren has built a widely respected, multi-disciplinary practice, providing strategic legal and advisory services across these complex sectors. His expertise spans regulatory, criminal, and health and safety matters, with a strong track record as lead commercial lawyer on numerous significant mining and energy transactions.
Warren advises clients both locally and internationally, regularly representing major mining and non-mining companies in fatal inquiries, inquests, and investigations arising from workplace incidents. His broad practice encompasses legal and compliance issues related to health, safety and the environment, anti-bribery and corruption, human rights, fair labour practices, community and social matters, Black Economic Empowerment and transformation, interactions with regulators, corporate and commercial matters, and criminal and employment law.
Warren acts for leading global companies across a range of industries, including mining, renewable energy, agriculture, fast-moving consumer goods, and telecommunications. He is frequently consulted by government and industry bodies on legislative developments and regulatory reform, having contributed to key policy discussions at the request of various regulators.
Widely recognised for his contributions to the sector, Warren has earned numerous accolades from top legal directories. He is ranked in the Hall of Fame by The Legal 500 for mining law, consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners for mining, energy and natural resources, and health and safety, and named a Global Leader in environmental and mining law by Who’s Who Legal. He is also a recipient of the Lawyer Monthly Legal Award for mining and has been recognised by IFLR1000 and Best Lawyers for his leadership in the field.
A passionate and engaging public speaker, Warren is frequently invited to speak at both local and international conferences, webinars, and seminars. He is also often quoted in leading print and digital media for his insights into industry trends and legal developments.
Contact details
Practice area
- Employment Law and employment litigation
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Strike management
- Collective agreements
- Dispute resolution
- Data protection and privacy
Melanie Hart
Director
Melanie Hart is a highly experienced employment law specialist, with a strong focus on the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. She has also represented employers across a range of industries including aviation, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods. Known for her strategic insight and commercial approach, Melanie delivers clear, pragmatic advice across the full spectrum of employment law issues.
A persuasive and accomplished litigator, Melanie regularly appears before labour forums and is recognised for her ability to resolve complex disputes effectively. Her work has earned the respect of industry leaders, with Ian Jacobs, Vice President of Human Resources and COO Support at AngloGold Ashanti, describing her as “no doubt a prolific litigator, adviser and strategic practitioner.”
Melanie has been recognised by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers and the Legal 500, as a Leading Partner in both employment and mining law, acknowledgements that reflect her depth of experience, legal acumen, and trusted client relationships.
Biography
Melanie Hart is widely recognised as a leading practitioner in labour and employment law in South Africa. She advises employers across a broad range of sectors, including mining, engineering, construction, financial services, aviation, and healthcare, with particular expertise in collective bargaining disputes within the mining industry.
Melanie has been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers and the Legal 500 as a leading partner in both employment and mining law. She brings deep experience across the full spectrum of employment law, including the drafting of employment contracts, collective agreements, and related policies; conducting compliance audits and corporate due diligence investigations; advising on restructurings, retrenchments, and business transfers; and representing corporates in employment disputes before various forums, including the Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court.
Her litigation experience spans a wide range of disputes, including unfair dismissals, discrimination, unfair labour practices, strike management, and statutory interpretation. Several of her cases have been reported for their impact on the development of employment law jurisprudence in South Africa.
In addition to her labour expertise, Melanie advises clients on data protection and privacy compliance, assisting businesses in navigating the evolving regulatory environment and implementing practical solutions to align with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Clients have commended Melanie as “a consummate professional with substantial experience, addressing all industrial relations issues with equanimity and thoroughness to provide clear, succinct direction.” She is also praised for her responsiveness: “always reverting to the company’s requests timeously, which is especially valuable in high-pressure business contexts.” Her strategic insight and leadership in complex labour litigation matters have earned her recognition as “a prolific litigator, adviser, and strategic practitioner, instrumental in shaping employee and labour relations during a time of transformation in the mining sector.”
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Health and safety
- Commercial litigation
- Corporate
- Natural resources
- Environment
Eben van Zyl
Director
Eben has developed a strong multidisciplinary practice, underpinned by the invaluable experience gained during a lengthy secondment to a major mining company. This experience has given him a unique perspective, enabling him to effectively integrate his deep understanding of the applicable legal frameworks with the practical realities faced by companies operating in the mining sector.
His time in-house also provided valuable insight into the pressures placed on internal legal advisors and the dynamics of their relationship with external counsel. Eben is known for working closely with clients and taking the time to understand all aspects of their business, allowing him to deliver practical, commercially sound, and implementable legal advice.
Eben is internationally recognised as a Global Leader in the mining sector by the Lexology Index 2025 and Who’s Who Legal 2024, and has also been acknowledged by The Legal 500 as a leading mining lawyer.
Qualifications
BA(Law)
LLB
LLM
Language
English and Afrikaans
Biography
Eben provides multidisciplinary legal and related services, primarily to clients in the mining and construction industries. His focus areas include mining health and safety law, occupational health and safety law, environmental law, litigation, and criminal law. He has significant experience in resolving mining-related disputes, preparing and reviewing agreements specific to the sector, and conducting legal compliance audits of health and safety systems implemented by various mining houses and operations.
He is also a recognised authority on health and safety training in the mining sector and regularly conducts training and audits for leading mining operations. His thought leadership is reflected in numerous articles he has authored for industry publications, focusing on key legal and regulatory issues affecting the mining industry.
Eben has developed a substantial multidisciplinary practice, strengthened by invaluable insights gained during a lengthy secondment to a major mining company. This experience enables him to effectively balance the application of legal principles with the practical demands faced by clients. He also has a strong appreciation of the pressures internal legal advisors face and the dynamics of their interaction with external counsel.
Eben is committed to working closely with his clients and gaining a deep understanding of their operations, allowing him to deliver pragmatic, commercially viable, and implementable legal solutions.
He is internationally recognised as a Global Leader in the mining sector by the Lexology Index 2025 and Who’s Who Legal 2024, and has been acknowledged by The Legal 500 as a leading mining lawyer.
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Mediation
- Environment
- Health and safety
- Commercial
- Employment Law
Stephen Nthite
Director
Stephen Nthite brings over 27 years of experience in the legal sector, with a specialist focus on occupational health and safety, environmental law including Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance and reporting, commercial law, and community engagement initiatives. He is particularly passionate about ESG and is committed to building an environment that promotes mutually beneficial and harmonious relationships across the mining ecosystem.
Stephen also has extensive experience in employment law, including the drafting of employment contracts, collective agreements, and employment-related policies and procedures. He has conducted numerous risk assessments, compliance audits, and corporate due diligence investigations, and has represented corporate clients in employment disputes before various courts and forums. A seasoned dispute resolution specialist, Stephen served for many years as the Independent Chairman of the Bargaining Forum of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, where he played a key role in maintaining strong and constructive relationships among all stakeholders.
With a strong foundation in constitutional law, Stephen began his legal career as a Senior Researcher to Justice Madala at the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He has since expanded his expertise to include corporate governance and regularly advises clients on a broad range of commercial and corporate law matters. Stephen has held various board positions and currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of African Equity Empowerment Investments Limited.
He is a member of several professional bodies including the Black Lawyers Association, Black Management Forum, Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals, and the Institute of Directors in South Africa. Stephen has been recognised by The Legal 500 as a key lawyer in mining and by Best Lawyers for his work in employment law.
Qualifications
Finance for Non-Financial Managers, 2009
Certificate in Corporate Governance, 2005
Constitutional Litigation Practice, 1995
LLB University of North West, 1994 (USAID Scholar) with Distinction in Traditional Customary Law
B JURIS University of North West, 1992 (USAID Scholar)
Language
English and Tswana
Biography
Stephen Nthite has over 27 years of experience in the legal sector, with specialist expertise in occupational health and safety, environmental law including Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance and reporting, commercial law, and community engagement initiatives. He is particularly passionate about ESG and is committed to creating environments that support mutually beneficial and harmonious relationships among all stakeholders within the mining ecosystem.
Stephen has extensive experience in employment law, including the drafting of employment contracts, collective agreements, and related policies and procedures. He has conducted numerous risk assessments, compliance audits, and corporate due diligence investigations, and has represented corporate clients in employment disputes across various courts and forums. A seasoned dispute resolution specialist, he served for several years as the Independent Chairman of the Bargaining Forum of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, where he played a key role in preserving constructive and collaborative relationships among all parties.
Stephen has a strong grounding in constitutional law, having begun his legal career as a Senior Researcher to Justice Madala at the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He has since expanded his areas of practice to include corporate governance and regularly advises clients on a wide range of general commercial and corporate law matters.
Board memberships and appointments:
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Independent Non-Executive Director, African Equity Empowerment Investments Limited (2021 – present)
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Director, Kopano Ke Matla Investment Company (Pty) Ltd and its subsidiaries, achieving three successive clean external audits (2017 – 2020)
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Independent Chairman, Bargaining Forum of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (2012 – 2017)
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Director, Constantia Insurance Company Limited (2007 – 2009)
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Director, Constantia Life and Health Insurance Company Limited (2007 – 2009)
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Director, Goodall and Bourne Assurance Company (Pty) Ltd (2007 – 2009)
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Director, Anthony Richards and Associates Debt Collection Call Centre Group (Pty) Ltd (2007 – 2009)
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Director, Call Centre Nucleus (Pty) Ltd (CCN) (2005 – 2013)
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Director, Velvet Sky (Pty) Ltd (2011 – company later liquidated)
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Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bellingham ICT Platform (Pty) Ltd and subsidiaries (2010 – 2014), a reseller of BankServe (Pty) Ltd products
Professional affiliations:
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Member, Black Management Forum
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Member, Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals
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Member, Black Lawyers Association
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Member, Institute of Directors in South Africa
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Member, Law Society of South Africa
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Natural Resources
- Environment
- Commercial
- Corporate
- Real estate
Chantal Murdock
Director
Chantal has over a decade of experience in the mining, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors. Her practice focuses on mining regulatory compliance, High Court litigation, and commercial law. Over the years, she has advised many of the major players in the mining industry and is particularly passionate about matters relating to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
She has advised clients extensively on regulatory compliance, including responding to notices and directives issued in terms of sections 47 and 93 of the MPRDA. She has also guided clients through the processes involved in various applications under the MPRDA, including applications in terms of sections 11, 53, and 102. Chantal has conducted numerous legal due diligence investigations on mining operations and assets and has drafted a wide range of commercial agreements relating to the disposal and acquisition of such assets. Her experience also includes assisting clients with the submission and successful processing of internal appeals to various regulatory authorities.
A keen litigator, Chantal has acted in High Court proceedings on behalf of a number of mining houses, dealing with complex commercial disputes, shareholders’ disputes, and interdictory relief to protect operations from unlawful disruptions by community members. As a qualified notary and conveyancer, she has also assisted clients with the execution, lodgement, and registration of various deeds under the MPRDA and the Mining Titles Registration Act.
Chantal’s secondment to a major mining company provided her with valuable insight into the practical challenges faced by industry participants. Her advisory approach is grounded in delivering legally sound, commercially pragmatic solutions that align with her clients’ operational realities.
Chantal has been recognised by Best Lawyers as a leading lawyer in Mining: Projects for both 2024 and 2025.
Qualifications
Certificate in Environmental Liabilities, University of South Africa, 2018
LLM in Corporate Law, University of Johannesburg, 2016
Certificate in Mining and Prospecting Rights Law, Wits Mandela Institute, 2014
LLB, University of Johannesburg, 2011
Language
English
Biography
Chantal has 10 years of experience in the mining, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors. Her practice focuses on mining regulatory compliance, High Court litigation, and commercial law. Over the years, she has advised many of the key role players in the mining industry and is particularly passionate about regulatory matters relating to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). She has advised numerous clients on compliance with the MPRDA, including the preparation of submissions in response to notices and directives issued in terms of sections 47 and 93, as well as on applications made under sections 11, 53, and 102 of the Act.
Chantal also has extensive experience in conducting legal due diligence investigations on mining operations and assets, and in drafting a wide range of commercial agreements relating to the disposal and acquisition of such assets.
She has successfully assisted clients with the submission and processing of internal appeals before various regulatory authorities, including the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Energy (DMPR), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and the Water Tribunal.
An accomplished litigator, Chantal has initiated and conducted High Court proceedings for several mining houses in a variety of matters, including shareholders’ disputes, claims arising from complex commercial agreements, and securing interdictory relief against community members unlawfully disrupting mining operations.
As a qualified notary and conveyancer, she has also assisted clients with the execution, lodgement, and registration of deeds in terms of the MPRDA and the Mining Titles Registration Act.
Chantal’s secondment to a major mining company provided her with first-hand insight into the operational and regulatory challenges faced by clients. Her approach is grounded in offering commercially focused legal advice that strikes a practical balance between compliance and the realities of the mining environment.
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Health and safety
- Commercial litigation
- Corporate
- Natural resources
- Environment
Bryan White
Director
Qualifications
BComm majoring in Economics and Legal Theory
LLB Bachelor of Laws
Bryan holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Legal Theory, and a Bachelor of Laws from Rhodes University. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a certification in Advanced Business Risk Management through the University of Cape Town and is a member of the Institute of Risk Management of South Africa.
Since joining Beech Veltman at its inception in 2020, Bryan has developed a strong and nuanced understanding of the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors. His close engagement with clients across diverse operations and his extensive involvement in health and safety, environmental, regulatory, employment, and litigious matters have significantly shaped his practical legal skillset.
Bryan began his legal career with a focus on employment law. His work includes drafting employment contracts, collective agreements, and related legal documentation, as well as developing bespoke workplace policies, procedures, and practices. He regularly advises clients on employment disputes before various courts and forums, and provides strategic guidance on restructurings, retrenchments, and transfers of undertakings. His expertise spans a wide range of labour-related matters, including unfair dismissals, unfair labour practices, strike management, unfair discrimination, and the interpretation and application of employment legislation.
In addition to his employment law practice, Bryan has significant experience in dispute resolution, acting for multinational clients in complex matters including urgent applications, class actions, regulatory compliance disputes, and criminal proceedings. His background in business risk management underpins the practical and commercially focused advice he provides. Bryan also has experience in conducting investigations and inquiries arising from fatalities and regulatory breaches in the mining, petroleum, energy, and automotive sectors.
Bryan has also advised on the sale and disposal of mining assets across jurisdictions, which has required meticulous contractual management and coordination of associated litigation and compliance issues. His ability to manage such multifaceted matters has made him a valuable advisor to clients operating in high-risk and heavily regulated industries.
With a strong academic foundation and practical insight, Bryan is recognised as an emerging leader in the legal profession. His achievements have been acknowledged by The Legal 500, which named him a Rising Star in Mining for South Africa in the EMEA region in both 2023 and 2024, and a Next Generation Partner for 2025.
Language
English
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Health and safety
- Employment
- Commercial
- Litigation
- Environment
Mbuyi Katumba
Associate
Mbuyi holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and an LLB from the University of Witwatersrand, as well as a Post-Graduate Diploma in Corporate Law. Since completing his studies, he has been an integral part of Beech Veltman, where he has amassed considerable experience within the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors.
Mbuyi has developed a comprehensive skill set, with active involvement in health and safety, environmental, regulatory, commercial, and litigious matters. His expertise extends to assisting in investigations and inquiries related to fatalities in the mining industry and workplace incidents. Additionally, Mbuyi has played a key role in advising clients across jurisdictions, particularly in the regulatory sphere. This diverse experience has honed his ability to manage complex, sensitive, and high-pressure situations with the utmost professionalism and diligence.
Mbuyi’s familiarity with the South African legal system, including his more recent involvement with matters in the Supreme Court of Appeal, illustrates his critical role within the team. He plays an instrumental role in various litigious matters across the Labour Courts, Magistrates Courts, and High Courts.
Mbuyi has completed a secondment with Samancor Chrome Limited, where he gained hands-on experience assisting the General Counsel in litigation and negotiating settlements, ensuring compliance with corporate governance principles and mining sector legislation, managing health and safety legal adherence and conducting risk assessments for operational processes, as well as advising on procurement processes, contract vetting and dispute resolution. Mbuyi is currently serving a secondment with Anglo Gold Ashanti.
With a strong foundation of academic credentials and practical experience, Mbuyi is recognised as an emerging professional of distinction in the mining, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors, and has been acknowledged by The Legal 500 as a key member of the team.
Qualifications
BComm specialising in Law
LLB Bachelor of Laws
Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (Corporate Law)
Language
English and French
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Natural Resources
- Environment
- Commercial
- Corporate
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Dispute Resolution
Jason Hunter
Associate
Jason Hunter holds an LLB and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Pretoria. He has also completed a course in Commercial and Contract Law from the University of Cape Town and attended the Law Society of South Africa’s course on Construction Law and the Fundamentals of Construction Agreements. Additionally, he participated in the 2024 SARIPA Northern Regions Hybrid Conference.
Jason specialises in commercial law, particularly in the mining sector, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and corporate governance. He has provided legal counsel on complex mining-related transactions and regulatory matters, including recent work involving mining permits, environmental compliance, and dispute resolution within the sector. Jason has been actively involved in managing large-scale due diligence processes for clients, including advising on call-option rights for BEE partners, monitoring conditions precedent, and drafting representations and warranties for these transactions.
One of his notable mining projects involved assisting in an appeal under Section 96 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), as well as an urgent interdict where a land developer contested a client’s mining operations. Jason has also advised clients on environmental authorisations, assisting in a NEMA appeal related to mining activities. His experience covers drafting mining-specific contracts, including Contract Mining Agreements and Off-Take Agreements, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
In addition to his work in the mining industry, Jason has extensive experience in contract management, drafting and negotiating Sale of Share Agreements, Licensing Agreements, and Service Agreements. He has played a key role in negotiating agreements for South Africa’s largest Cash-in-Transit company, focusing on cyber security, anti-money laundering, and regulatory compliance.
Jason’s expertise in dispute resolution has seen him represent clients in mining-related litigation, mediation, and arbitration. He has been involved in numerous urgent court proceedings, including spoliations and insolvency disputes in the context of mining operations, as well as handling commercial disputes for multinational clients.
A dedicated professional, Jason actively participates in business development and client management, attending industry events such as the Cape Town Mining Indaba. He is committed to mentoring junior associates and driving the firm’s corporate and commercial growth, particularly within the mining sector.
Qualifications
Commercial and Contract Law Course, University of Cape Town 2023
The Fundamentals of Construction Agreements, Law Society of South Africa 2024
LLB, University of Pretoria, 2020
BSc (Environmental Science), University of Pretoria, 2015
Language
English
Contact details
Practice area
- Mining
- Health and safety
- Employment
- Commercial
- Litigation
- Environment
Vusumuzi Ndhlovu
Candidate Attorney
Vusumuzi has been a part of the team as a trainee with the firm since its incorporation whilst attending to his studies. He has obtained his LLB Degree and entered his first-year as a candidate attorney. Over the years, Vusumuzi has gained not only a good understanding of the general requirements of legal procedure but also an insight into the mining, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.
Vusumuzi provides legal assistance in a range of matters, including attending fatal inquiries conducted under the Mine Health and Safety Act. He is involved in litigation and assists in representing clients in proceedings before the Magistrates’ Court, the High Court and relevant tribunals. Vusi also supports investigations conducted by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Qualifications
LLB Unisa
Language
English, Zulu, Sepedi and Xhosa