Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Gold/Mining/Energy : Mining News of Note -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: LoneClone who wrote (42559)	9/4/2009 9:35:46 AM
From: LoneClone	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 193686

Pack a lawyer not just a geologist A senior lawyer who specialises in mining and mining corporate law in Australia and Africa told a Perth conference Friday that any Australian companies travelling to Africa to look at possible projects should pack their lawyer Author: Ross Louthean Posted: Friday , 04 Sep 2009 PERTH - mineweb.com A senior lawyer who specialises in mining and mining corporate law in Australia and Africa told a Perth conference Friday that any Australian companies travelling to Africa to look at possible projects should pack their lawyer Michael Blakiston of the Perth company Blakiston & Crabb told the Paydirt Africa Downunder Conference that lawyers often were not included in such trips and left back home to contribute their inputs into mining-focused transactions. "In our experience, you should have your lawyer visit on site regardless of the African state, as you need to collect and clear as much information as possible - and that includes talking directly with those involved on the ground," Blakiston said. "In dealing with African mining, Australian participants need to explore every source of information as many mining projects are seen as the golden goose and that puts a lot of pressure on government, private sector and NGOs - many of whom make decisions based on tribal relationships. "We would recommend Australian stake holders source the bulk of their information from private intelligence groups - it comes at a cost but it can be very insightful and can bring background information together in a manner that we, as Australians, may not understand, as we are not African and may not be aware how local issues can manifest." Blakiston advised Australians venturing into African projects to also "find a champion" in government as this level of help was needed if a project was to be fostered and not derailed. Blakiston has been visiting Africa for several years, both as a corporate adviser and as a director of Perth-based companies, including Platinum Australia Ltd (ASX: PLA & AIM: PLAA) which has moved into platinum mining in South Africa. His other directorships include Aurora Oil & Gas Ltd, Vulcan Resources and Rox Resources.