Allens continues to receive instructions from many of the most prominent players in the oil and gas and mining industries, leveraging its comprehensive offering spanning M&A, project development, taxation and disputes. Richard Malcolmson leads the firm’s Sydney office, focusing primarily on the mining sector, where he supports clients with significant M&A transactions, divestments, joint ventures and commercial agreements. Igor Bogdanich, who leads the team in Perth, handles major transactions in the oil and gas sector, however he is also closely involved in several major mining projects. Jodi Reinmuth (Perth) stands out for her ongoing work for Rio Tinto; and Mark McAleer is noted for his strong corporate practice across the natural resources industry. Tracey Greenaway departed to Corrs Chambers Westgarth in January 2022.

Ashurst’s practice supports clients in the natural resources sector throughout the project value chain, focusing predominantly on the mining industry. Alongside its strong transactional and regulatory work, the firm handles litigation arising in the sector, including various fore majeure and frustration claims brought following disruption caused by COVID-19. Gaelan Cooney leads the practice from Perth, focusing primarily on assisting lenders and borrowers with financing transactions, including project finance, acquisition finance and asset finance.  Antonella Pacitti (Perth) has an exceptional transactional practice, having led on several of the largest M&A deals in 2020, including Galaxy Resources $4bn merger with Orocobre Limited. Associate Marina Tinning is also a core member of the group. Lorenzo Pacitti departed to King & Wood Mallesons in October 2021.

Herbert Smith Freehills is known for its work in innovative projects related to the transition to clean energy, its deep expertise across the full life cycle of mining, oil and gas and power projects, and its strong regulatory practice. The team handles numerous divestments and acquisitions driven by the industry-wide move towards low carbon and green initiatives, leveraging the strength of the firm’s environment, employment, health and safety teams to provide a seamless service. Jay Leary, based in Brisbane, handles a wide range of work across the natural resources industry, including private M&A, joint ventures, operating agreements, marketing agreements and development agreements. Nick Baker, based in Melbourne, serves a varied roster of clients on resources-related investments, joint ventures, and acquisitions. Stuart Barrymore is well-respected for his comprehensive work for major oil and gas companies, spanning such areas as project structuring, financing, divestment and regulatory compliance. Robert Merrick is another well rated energy expert; Sian Newnham's practice spans the mining and energy sectors and Adam Strauss also handles M&A transactions in the mining sector.

King & Wood Mallesons has taken a leading role in emerging areas of work, reflecting its depth of expertise. The team has advised a varied roster of clients, including private equity sponsors and investment banks, in relation to capital raising initiatives; furthermore, the team has advised numerous companies on ESG considerations in light of the recent destruction of the Juukan Gorge site. Robert Edel, based in Perth, focuses on cross-border mandates, advising foreign governments and major corporations on project structuring and financing, among various other areas. Melbourne partner Scott Langford is highly respected in the mining and natural resources industry, having worked on numerous major transactions and projects for prominent companies such as BHP and Newmont. Paul Schroder‘s broad practice includes advising on cross-border resources M&A transactions. The team has been boosted with the hire of Lorenzo Pacitti from Ashurst.

Known for its strong multijurisdictional practice, Allen & Overy LLP’s Perth team focuses predominantly on corporate transactions in the mining sector. Geoff Simpson has over two decades of experience handling cross-border and domestic M&A, joint ventures, capital markets deals and project development in the natural resources space. Meredith Campion stands out for her expertise in commercial agreements underpinning major international mining ventures. Peter Wilkes is highly regarded for assisting clients with debt finance transactions, including project finance, acquisition finance and trade finance arrangements. Another key partner is Goran Galic, who regularly counsels mining clients on project development, operation and maintenance.

Headquartered in Brisbane, Clayton Utz is highly active in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, advising clients on thermal coal, minerals and iron ore projects. Its range of work is equally varied, encompassing regulatory advice, project development and operation, and significant M&A. In a standout matter, the team advised Tianqi Lithium Corporation on its agreement to create a global lithium joint venture with IGO Limited, valued at AUD1.9bn. Stuart MacGregor, based in Brisbane, provides comprehensive transactional and regulatory support to energy and natural resources clients. In Perth, Brett Cohen is heavily invested in the mining sector, acting for numerous large corporates operating in Australia and overseas. Liz Humphry, who is also based in Perth, handles a broad portfolio of corporate deals and financing arrangements across the natural resources sector.

Gilbert + Tobin’s team, divided between Sydney and Perth, utilises the firm’s corporate, regulatory and project development experience to provide advice on all aspects of mining ventures. It is particularly well-known, however, for handling complex transactions in the natural resources sector. Michael Blakiston, based in Perth, specialises in mining joint ventures, strategic alliances, and development agreements, with a particular focus on projects in Africa. Perth partner Claire Boyd has a comprehensive practice in the natural resources sector, encompassing acquisition, structuring, development, operation, and divestment of projects.

With offices in Brisbane and New South Wales, McCullough Robertson’s team has significant experience in mining and minerals exploration projects, illustrated by its varied portfolio of renewable energy, oil and gas and utilities clients. It combines strength in corporate and commercial matters, such as joint ventures and M&A, with a strong working knowledge of regulatory compliance and the approvals process, particularly when projects involve environmental issues, native title and cultural heritage considerations. Damien Clarke who leads the team in Brisbane, predominantly handles M&A transactions, tax structuring and commercial arrangements in the natural resources sector. Over in New South Wales, Kate Swain stands out for her expertise in environment and planning law, with a particular focus on the mining sector.

Dentons has considerable strength in mining, oil and gas and renewable energy transactions, leveraging its multijurisdictional expertise to assist clients with cross-border projects. Sydney partner Kym Livesley has over thirty years’ experience in corporate law, with a particular focus on handling issues arising in the mining sector. In Perth, David Perks frequently advises clients on large, complex transactions, whereas John Mollard in Melbourne is well-regarded for his expertise in foreign direct investment and M&A involving mining companies.

Headquartered in Brisbane, Jones Day advises government bodies, major oil companies, developers and financial institutions in connection with M&A, financing transactions, foreign investment laws and commercial agreements, particularly in the mining and oil and gas sectors. Andrew Smith (Brisbane) focuses primarily on downstream issues, project financing, acquisitions, and disposals, primarily in the context of coal, oil and gas and electricity projects. Tony Wassaf (Sydney) is very invested in the mining industry, having advised numerous clients on legislative and policy issues, joint ventures and corporate transactions.