Legal Counsel - Mining, Environment & Tenure

Join a resources business and play a key role in advising on mining, environmental, land access and tenure matters that support operational success and future opportunities in Australia.

Thungela Australia is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Mining & Environment to provide practical, commercially focused legal advice across our Australian operations and growth portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of Legal – Australia, you will work closely with operational, technical and commercial teams on complex matters involving mining tenure, environmental approvals, land access, native title, cultural heritage and climate change regulation.

This is an opportunity to apply your specialist legal expertise in a commercially focused role where your advice will directly support safe, compliant and sustainable mining operations.

Thungela Australia is part of the Thungela Group and operates within the Australian resources sector. Our people work across operational, technical, commercial and corporate functions to support responsible mining, strong business performance and sustainable growth in Australia.

We value safety, collaboration, accountability and commercially grounded decision-making.

• Provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice on mining and environmental regulatory matters
• Advise on mining and exploration tenements, environmental approvals, climate change regulation, land access, native title and cultural heritage matters
• Support the acquisition, maintenance and compliance of mining tenure, and coordinate legal input for regulatory approvals
• Draft, review and negotiate land access, environmental, native title, cultural heritage and other related agreements
• Provide guidance on regulatory compliance activities, audits, investigations, objections and associated litigation
• Build effective relationships with operational teams, regulators, landholders, Traditional Owners and specialist advisers

• Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or an equivalent recognised Australian legal qualification.
• Admission as an Australian legal practitioner, with eligibility to hold and maintain a practising certificate in Queensland
• Post-admission experience in mining, resources, environmental or related areas of law.
• Strong knowledge of Queensland mining and environmental legislation and associated permitting requirements
• Proven capability in drafting and negotiating agreements within complex regulatory environments
• Sound commercial judgement, with strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

What We Offer

• A high-impact in-house legal role supporting operational performance and future growth.
• Exposure to complex and commercially significant matters across the Australian resources sector
• The opportunity to partner with experienced operational, technical, commercial and legal professionals
• A collaborative environment where practical advice, sound judgement and constructive challenge are valued
• Meaningful work that supports safe, compliant and sustainable mining operations

About Thungela Australia

Thungela, which means ‘to ignite’ in isiZulu, is one of the largest producers and exporters of thermal coal, with operations in South Africa and Australia. Our quality coal reserves and marketable production position us as a key player in the global energy market as we deliver coal through world-class ports, powering nations.

The Group owns interests in and produces its thermal coal from five mining operations located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, which consist of both underground and opencast mines, including Greenside, Khwezela, Zibulo, Mafube and Annea, and the Ensham Mine in Queensland, Australia. Thungela Marketing International in Dubai underscores the Company’s commitment to capture the full margin on our products and engage with the international commodities market as a global coal producer.

In other parts of the value chain, Thungela holds a 50% interest in Phola Coal Processing Plant, and a 23.56% direct interest in Richard’s Bay Coal Terminal. The terminal is one of the world’s leading coal export terminals, with an advanced 24-hour operation and a design capacity of 91Mtpa.

Thungela is committed to operating in a responsible way to ignite value for a shared future. We want to ensure that our mining activities positively impact our employees, shareholders and the communities where we operate.

Who We Are

We strive to create a workplace where each individual feels valued, respected and free to be their whole, authentic selves regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation or identity. We invest in our people through focused leadership programmes, ongoing training initiatives, and the strengthening of future-focused skills.

What We Offer

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But people want more out of their jobs than financial benefit alone. Being able to work with thought leaders, opportunities for development, strong values and a sound organisational culture all contribute significantly to a compelling employee value proposition.

Inclusion and Diversity

Inclusion and diversity for us is about everyone. From how we recruit employees, to the suppliers and vendors we partner with the members of our board that steer our organisation. We believe that by nurturing diversity, respect and inclusivity, we can create a culture where anything is possible.

 

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process. Thungela Australia welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Appointments are based on role requirements, experience and capability.