Baker McKenzie offers clients ‘a wealth of experience and insight and provides the required services and solutions in a timely, efficient and affordable manner’. Utilising and working in tandem with its global network, the firm handles cross-border matters for large domestic and international clients. It advises on a broad range of work, including M&A, projects, project finance, regulatory matters and disputes. Richard Blunt heads the team and has a broad experience of the European, African and Middle Eastern markets, focusing on corporate work, private equity and project development. Mike Webster is another key practitioner, who has over 30 years’ experience in transactional work; Andrew Hedges joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in November 2021.
Mining and minerals in London
Baker McKenzie
Practice head(s):
Richard Blunt
Other key lawyers:
Mike Webster; Susannah Davies; Rhiannon Williams; Andrew Hedges
Testimonials
‘Great team with Mike Webster and Rhiannon Williams as the key focal points who hold encyclopedic knowledge of projects work worldwide which is of great assistance to us practically’.
‘They have shown a willingness to proactively sort out issues for us as a client in relation to cross-departmental billing issues’.
‘Mike and Rhiannon are always available and extremely dilligent in the work that they carry out for us’.
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)
Rio Tinto
Nyrstar
Anglo Pacific Group
Alliance Altyn LLC
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited
National Titanium Dioxide Company (AMIC)
Audley Capital
Arcelormittal
Anglo American
Vale
Talis Capital
Graymont
Muntajat / Qatar Petroleum
ZCCM Investment Holdings
Chaarat Gold Holdings
Mantos Copper
Work highlights
- Advising the management team of Mantos Copper (the owner of the Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde mines in Chile) on the company’s merger with Canada’s Capstone Mining, to create Capstone Copper, a new business listed on the Toronto stock exchange.
- Advised Rio Tinto International Holdings Ltd in relation to its participation in an auction process run by Credit Suisse and the preparation of all transaction documents for the sale of the Rincon Lithium Project in Salta, Argentina and its associated businesses.
- Advised Anglo Pacific Group PLC (“APG”) on the acquisition of a 2.1% equity stake in Brazilian Nickel PLC (“BRN”) for a subscription price of $2m, as part of a wider funding round which included funds provided by the US Government’s International Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”).
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP acts for top international mining clients on a range of transactional and contentious matters, and has particular experience of emerging markets. It has recently been providing crisis management advice to businesses affected by the war in Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions. Other key areas of focus for the practice include governance, compliance, fraud and corporate crime, M&A, and equity capital markets. Practice head Greg Mulley has considerable experience of public takeovers, and private M&A, and acts for boardrooms on a range of issues. Laura Hulett is a name to note for cross-border M&A, energy transition and ESG matters, while Helen Beatty is recommended for the financing of major projects across the mining sector.
Practice head(s):
Greg Mulley
Other key lawyers:
David Walton; Paula Hodges KC; Laura Hulett; Helen Beatty; Shaun Williamson
Testimonials
‘Good sector knowledge, but much of it focussed in the transactional M&A team but also in disputes’.
‘Deep industry coverage across multiple jurisdictions relevant to the mining sector’.
‘Greg Mulley is very client focussed with years of experience in the industry and useful industry insights’.
Key clients
Ferrexpo plc
Neometals Ltd
Keliber Oy
Orion Mine Finance
KEFI Gold and Copper Plc (“KEFI”)
Adriatic Metals plc
Joint Stock Company Uzhuralzoloto Group of Companies
Greatland Gold Plc
De Beers
Dynamic Mining
Rock Tech Lithium Inc
Aloft Holdings
Norilsk Nickel
Anglo American
BHP
Petrogal, S.A.
Mercuria Energy Trading SA
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Galp Energea
ArcelorMittal Temirtau
Kinross Gold Corporation
Anglo Pacific Group plc
Ma’aden
Work highlights
Linklaters LLP
Linklaters LLP acts for some of the world’s largest mining companies on a broad range of matters, with a focus on corporate M&A, financing, regulatory and compliance. It also draws on related practice groups, such as antitrust, taxation, IP and environmental, to provide a holistic service to clients. The team is jointly led by Toby Grimstone
, James Inglis and Robert Cleaver, while Ian Hunter, Aisling Zarraga and Andrew Jones are key practitioners; Zarraga is a key name for public and private M&A, joint ventures, equity issues and general corporate matters; Hunter also handles corporate matters and is the managing relationship partner for key client Glencore; and Jones has considerable experience in mining transactions in Africa. Charlie Jacobs left for an in-house role at JP Morgan in the summer of 2021.
Practice head(s):
Toby Grimstone; James Inglis; Rob Cleaver
Other key lawyers:
Ian Hunter; Aisling Zarraga; Andrew Jones
Testimonials
‘Very strong all rounder corporate practice’.
‘Aisling Zarraga is influential and has a calm demeanour’.
‘Much more human than some corporate teams at other firms’.
‘They are better than other firms at feedback – constructive or otherwise – so that we work as a team to get the best and most fit-for-purpose output’.
‘Aisling Zarraga is very user friendly’.
‘There is a good strong team and they have the language skills that we require as well and a lot of diversity’.
‘Ian Hunter is very knowledgeable in this space, is quick to understand the issues and attuned to any sensitivities’.
‘Ian Hunter knows our team well and gives good clear commercial advice’.
Key clients
Glencore
Anglo American
Rio Tinto
KAZ Minerals
Endeavour Mining
EVRAZ
Gold Fields
Jingye Group
Sibanye Stillwater
Anglo Gold Ashanti
Work highlights
- Advised Endeavour Mining in connection with its redomiciliation from the Cayman Islands to the UK and its dual-listing on the LSE (premium listing) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
- Advised Anglo American plc in relation to the demerger of its South African thermal coal operations to Thungela Resources, as part of its strategy to transition away from thermal coal.
- Advised Glencore on its acquisition of the remaining stake in the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia from its joint venture partners, Anglo American and BHP.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright
is well known in the market for its top-tier financing expertise and offers clients ‘very deep project finance experience for metals and mining development in Africa'. The practice has recently been handling matters relating to the energy transition, including the mining of copper, cobalt, nickel, magnesium and lithium for use in electric vehicles and the clean energy sector. Martin McCann heads the team and is recommended for financing and restructuring work, while Raj Karia handles corporate matters for mining companies, investment banks and private equity investors. Daniel Metcalfe is another name for cross-border transactions with a focus on emerging markets. Senior associate Felicity Brown is another key practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Martin McCann
Other key lawyers:
Raj Karia; Daniel Metcalfe; Felicity Brown; Jon Perry
Testimonials
‘Strong team with lots of stand out individuals’.
‘Involved in high-profile work and act on a broad range of matters’.
‘Excellent team focussed on mining finance’.
‘Martin McCann provides knowledgeable and attentive oversight and experienced and commercial advice’.
‘Felicity Brown is undoubtedly the best associate I have ever worked with’.
‘Very deep project finance experience for metals and mining development in Africa’.
‘Strong working relationship with other law firms in this practise area’.
‘A legal team that has experience acting both for borrowers and lenders and has a good understanding of where issues are likely to arise and what solutions are likely to be accepted’.
Key clients
Allied Gold
Alufer
Anglo American
AngloGold Ashanti
Appian Natural Resources Fund
Aureus Mining
Banro
Barclays
Bellzone Mining Rio Tinto
BHP Billiton
Caterpillar Finance
Centamin plc
Centerra Gold Inc
Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee
EIB
Endeavour Mining
ERG
FMO
First Rand Bank (RMB)
IAMGold
Work highlights
- Advised Shalina Resources (“Shalina”), a leading and established vertically integrated copper and cobalt producer with assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on a $600m financing agreement with global commodity trading company Trafigura Pte. Ltd. (“Trafigura”).
- Advising Horizonte Minerals in relation to all aspects of the financing and construction of their Araguaia nickel project in the Carajas region of Brazil.
- Advising TRQ in connection with the world-class Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold mine in Mongolia, including in relation to the funding of the $3.6bn cost overrun, negotiations with the Government of Mongolia and fellow-shareholder, Rio Tinto, and the development of a long-term power solution.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP is well versed in cross-border projects and is able to cater to large international clients with ease by virtue of its global network of offices. Strong in corporate and financing matters, the firm also handles contentious issues in the form of arbitrations and disputes. Rebecca Campbell heads the team and has recently been assisting clients with ESG matters and sustainability issues, in addition to corporate, restructuring and project development work. David Lewis joined from Clifford Chance LLP in January 2022 and brings corporate M&A and equity investments expertise to the team; he has strong experience in international deals and acts for public and private corporations, governments and banks.
Practice head(s):
Rebecca Campbell
Other key lawyers:
Andrzej Omietański; Kamran Ahmad; David Lewis; Andrea Menaker
Testimonials
‘Experienced around the world, extremely well connected, and knowledgeable about the industry’.
‘They know what is going on in mining’.
‘Rebecca Campbell is second to none. Her in-house and law firm experience combined make her a formidable ally in negotiating the most sophisticated of transactions’.
Key clients
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd
Vale
Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp.
SolGold Plc
High Power Exploration Inc. (HPX)
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.
An ad hoc committee of noteholders of Petra Diamonds Group
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Lenders to Tri-K (Banque Centrale Populaire, Société Générale and Attijariwafa Bank)
Daniel W. Kappes and Kappes, Cassiday & Associates
Kornikom EOOD
Work highlights
- Representation of Ivanhoe Mines in connection with the project financing of the Platreef project in South Africa.
- Representation of Vale on a joint venture with, among others, ENGIE and Mining3, on a renewable hydrogen project for mining vehicles with the aim of commercial implementation of hydrogen-powered mobile equipment in mining.
- Representation of the Government of Pakistan and the Provincial Government of Balochistan in negotiations with Barrick Gold for the concession over Reko Diq gold copper mine in Balochistan.
Ashurst
Ashurst handles both financing, M&A and project development in the mining sphere and operates globally, with a focus on emerging markets. The team is experienced in a wide range of mining projects, including lithium, cobalt, coal, gold, uranium, copper, nickel and potash, and acts for FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 mining companies. It has recently been advising clients on the ESG and compliance aspects of transactions, and is well versed in disputes, particularly those relating to tax, employment and environment. Practice head Yann Alix is dual-qualified in England and Wales, and France, and focuses on transactional work in the energy and natural resources sector. Tom Mercer handles public company takeovers and mergers in the mining and minerals sector and Matthew Wood is recommended for financing work.
Practice head(s):
Yann Alix
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Wood; Richard de Carle; Tom Wood
Key clients
Rio Tinto
Anglo American
Petra Diamonds Limited
Minerals Development Oman
Managem
Sherritt International Corporation
Newcrest
Iluka Resources
Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG)
International Lawyers Project (NGO)
Work highlights
- Advised Managem on the development and financing of the Tri-K gold mine project and related infrastructure in Guinea. This involved, among others, advising on the construction contracts, a fuel supply agreement, a mining services agreement, a PPA and EPC contracts.
- Advised Minerals Development Oman in relation to its collaboration with the Government of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, to set in place the first model form concession agreements in the Sultanate of Oman.
- Advised Petra Diamonds Limited on its long-term balance sheet restructuring, which involved a debt for equity conversion of approximately $409.9m of Noteholder Debt into new Ordinary Shares.
Clifford Chance LLP
The mining and metals team at Clifford Chance LLP advises clients on large M&A transactions and financing deals and is well supported by disputes practitioners who assist on large international litigation and arbitration. The London team sits as part of an integrated global practice which is well positioned to handle cross-border mandates and is headed by London’s James Pay, Simon Greenberg in Paris and Nicolas Cookson in Düsseldorf. Pay is experienced in mining and metals transactions in Africa, the Middle East and Europe; Audley Sheppard KC is a key name for disputes; and Luke Tolaini is recommended for investigations and enforcement work.
Practice head(s):
James Pay; Simon Greenberg (Paris); Nicolas Cookson (Düsseldorf)
Other key lawyers:
Audley Sheppard KC; Luke Tolaini
Testimonials
‘The team is diverse and proactive with good communication skills’.
‘Easy going and easy to work with’.
‘A highly skilled and experienced team that can leverage the required people and specialisms from across the firm as and when required’.
‘No job is too big for the Clifford Chance team and we have complete faith in their ability to quickly react to an evolving landscape, deploy the appropriate level of highly skilled resources from across their global network’.
‘Work to tight timeframes in high pressure situations’.
‘The service received from across the firm is exceptional, the advice received is always first class and their attention to client needs sets them out from their peers’.
Key clients
Antofagasta
Eramet
Kingsgate Consolidated
Nova Resources B.V.
GFG Alliance
Glencore
Guinea Bauxite Company
Arrowhead Resources
Vale
VTB Capital
Pacific Wildcat Resources
Bahrain Steel
Baikal Mining Company
Tantalum International Limited
Churchill Mining
Norsk Hydro ASA
Avima Iron Ore
Sibanye Stillwater
Trafigura
Sundance Resources
Congo Mining
Equatorial Resources
Tantalum International
Greenland Minerals
Work highlights
- Aadvised Mubadala Investment Company and Trafigura on the $1.86bn sale of Minas De Aguas Tenidas SA (“MATSA”) to Sandfire Resources.
- Advised Nova Resources BV on its £3.5bn take private offer for KAZ Minerals PLC, a high growth copper company listed in both London and Kazakhstan.
- Acting for investors Avima Fer and Greyridge in a Paris-seated ICC arbitration initiated against the Republic of Congo.
Mayer Brown International LLP
Mayer Brown International LLP is well known in the market for financing and M&A work pertaining to the mining sector and utilises its international network to handle cross-border deals; on the contentious side, the practice advises on litigation, arbitration and restructuring. Practice head Ian Coles has considerable experience in mining projects in Africa and counts banks, financial institutions, sponsors and governments among his clientele. Rachel Speight is experienced in the natural resources and infrastructure sectors and is a name to note for cross-border structured and project financings, while Robert Hamill deals with corporate finance, M&A and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Ian Coles
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Speight; Emma Sturt; Danuta de Vries
Testimonials
‘The level of experience across the senior partners and associates is most impressive’.
‘Having been active in the sector for over 25 years, there is a sound knowledge of the sector and the needs of financiers and borrowers alike’.
‘Aside from technical knoweldge and experience, there is a pragmatic approach, which sets Mayer Brown apart form several other city firms’.
‘Ian Coles is an exceptional lawyer’.
‘Ian Coles is very knowledge in the mining space and in numerous geographies’.
‘Great sector knowledge and the experience to find win:win solutions for clients often in complex situations’.
Key clients
Almonty Industries
Africa Finance Corporation
Tungsten West
UniCredit Bank
Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi
EBRD
Afreximbank
ING
Natixis
Societe Generale
Meridian Mining
Citibank
HSBC Bank
Investec Bank
Macquarie Bank
Bank of Montreal
Barclays Bank
BNP Paribas
Coris Bank International
Work highlights
- Representing Tungsten West, the owner and operator of the historical Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine located near Plymouth in southern Devon, England, on its initial public offering (IPO) and admission to London’s AIM.
- Representing a syndicate of five lenders including Afreximbank; Africa Finance Corporation; ING; Natixis; and Société Générale, London Branch on a $220m senior secured project financing facility for the underground expansion and on-going operations of the Karowe diamond mine in Botswana, which, owned by Lucara Botswana Proprietary, is one of the highest margin diamond mines in the world, and has yielded five of the 10 largest diamonds in recorded history.
- Representing Almonty Industries in connection with the financing and development of the Sandgong tungsten mine project in South Korea.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons acts for banks, private equity funds, governments and mining companies on project development, finance, M&A and disputes. The firm offers a Mining Legal Database tool, which was developed in conjunction with local counsel, and provides clients with key information on doing business in 60 jurisdictions across Africa, Europe and Central Asia. Iain Duncan heads the team and is a key name for projects and transactional work; he is also relationship manager for many of the firm’s key mining clients. Yves Baratte is French qualified, splits his time between London and Paris, and is a co-head of the firm’s Africa group. Marc Fèvre joined from Baker McKenzie in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Iain Duncan
Other key lawyers:
Corinne Noel; Yves Baratte; Isabella Roberts; Marc Fèvre
Testimonials
‘The firm has an unique combination of skills, effectiveness and global coverage’.
‘Corinne Noel is a lawyer with a huge capacity forwork, mastering her fields of expertise; very loyal, very effective and client dedicated’.
‘I think the Simmons & Simmons team was well built for our needs’.
Key clients
Anglo American PLC/ Kumba Iron Ore / De Beers
Orion Resource Partners / Orion Mine Finance
Resource Capital Funds (RCF)
Sandstorm Gold
Pala Investments
First Quantum Minerals Ltd
Terrafame / Finnish Minerals Group
Macquarie Bank and Macquarie Capital
Mantos Copper S.A.
Africa Finance Corporation
Gemfields Plc
Sumatra Copper & Gold PLC
Mondo Minerals
Nordgold
Mantoverde S.A.
Alpha Stream
Arlo S.A.
Work highlights
- Acted for Mantoverde SA (a subsidiary of Orion Resource Partners and Audley Capital), a mining and minerals alternative investment firm), on the equity and project financing of the Mantoverde copper mine in Chile (estimated copper reserves 2.1 M tonnes) worth $900m.
- Advising De Beers in connection with its purchase and export of diamonds in West Africa from artisanal miners.
- Advised Mantos Copper as mine owner on a $250m financing including senior secured debt provided by Glencore, a silver stream provided by Osisko, a copper royalty provided by Anglo Pacific Group and subordinated shareholder debt.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP offers broad expertise to clients in the mining sector, including M&A/equity finance and mining debt finance. The team stands out for its experience in capital markets work and acts for major publicly traded mining companies, mining funds and investment banks, as well as a number of governments, particularly in Africa. Alexander Keepin heads the team and is a name to note for IPOs and secondary issues on the Main Market and AIM, while former practice co-head Tom Eldridge left for FASKEN in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Alexander Keepin
Testimonials
‘BCLP has a very strong mid-cap metals and mining franchise, notably covering dua- listed clients in the sector’.
‘Alexander Keepin is the lead partner on the M&M work we conduct, both issuer and bank side; We particularly value his availability and involvement in day-to-day transactional work’.
‘BCLP, and in particular, Alexander Keepin (and his team), are a critical resource to the two firms I run’.
‘I have used BCLP, Alexander Keepin, and his team extensively over the last 15 years and rely on this resource for all legal oversight’.
‘The team is responsive, always available, turns around documents with urgency when required, and provides very high quality work’.
‘Alexander Keepin’s specialist regulatory/listing knowledge, as well as deep sector knowledge is a unique resource in the industry’.
Key clients
Peel Hunt LLP
Wheaton Precious Metals
Vision Blue Resources
Ncondezi Energy Limited
Pensana Metals Limited
Trident Royalties
Alkemy Capital Investments Plc
ING Bank N.V
Société Générale S.A
BNP Paribas S.A
Work highlights
- Advised Vision Blue Resources Ltd, a newly created battery commodity/resource-focused investment company founded by Sir Mick Davis (former CEO of Xstrata Plc), on its $29.5m investment in NextSource Materials (TSX:NEXT).
- Advised Trident Royalties Plc (AIM:TRR, FSX:5KV), the growth-focused mining royalty and streaming company, on its largest acquisition to date, the ‘Thacker Pass Lithium Project’.
- Advised Peel Hunt LLP and BMO Capital Markets Limited as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners and H&P Advisory Limited as joint bookrunner in connection with Horizonte Minerals plc’s placing as part of the equity fundraise of £147.2m, which formed part of the company’s wider funding package of $633m.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher fields a cross-departmental team which advises companies and their funders on a broad range of mining projects globally, with particular experience of the European, African and the CIS markets. Jonathan Brooks is head of the mining and metals group and is recommended for corporate and commercial matters. Quinton Newcomb joined from Fulcrum Chambers Ltd in December 2021 and brings bribery, corruption and commercial fraud expertise to the team.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Brooks
Other key lawyers:
George Cotter; Dominic Gurney-Champion; Quinton Newcomb
Key clients
Africa Finance Corporation
African Lion Gold plc
Amalgamated Metal Corporation plc
Amur Minerals Corporation
Atalaya Mining plc
Beowulf Mining plc
Central Asia Metals plc
CleanTech Lithium (Jersey) Ltd
Copperzone Resources Ltd.
Cornish Metals Inc.
Cycladex Limited
Dalradian Gold Limited
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Everest Alliance Limited
finnCap
FLSmidth
Fox-Davies Capital
Fusion Capital AG
Green Glen Minerals Ltd
Invesco
Kodal Minerals plc
Liberum Capital
Minexx Ltd
Orion Minerals Ltd
Osisko Gold Royalties
Panmure Gordon
Savannah Resources plc
SigmaRoc plc
SP Angel Corporate Finance
Tamesis Partners
Tara Resources AG
Tembo Capital Mining
Tennyson Securities
Terrafame
Trafigura Pte Limited
Traxys Europe S.A.
Vardar Minerals Limited
Venus Minerals Limited
Yanggu Xiangguang Copper Co. Ltd. (“XGC”)
Work highlights
- Advised CleanTech Lithium on its AIM IPO to raise £5.6m to progress its two lithium projects in Chile and its longer-term plans to supply the EV and energy storage batteries market.
- Advised Cornish Metals on its £40.5m equity fundraising to progress the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, including a £25m strategic investment by Vision Blue Resources Limited and £15.5m from a placing to UK institutional investors and subscriptions by Canadian and UK private investors.
- Advised SigmaRoc on its £260m fundraising and readmission to AIM in connection with its €470m reverse takeover of Finnish limestone miner, Nordkalk.
Gowling WLG
The ‘readily available, approachable and knowledgeable’ team at Gowling WLG deals with private and public M&A, and debt and project financings in the mining sector. It acts for small and mid-cap companies and is well placed to handle multijurisdictional matters with support from its Dubai, Singapore, Germany and Canada offices. Corporate and capital markets practitioner Charles Bond heads the practice and consultant Andrew Wright is a name to note for project management and cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Charles Bond
Other key lawyers:
Susan Johnson; Andrew Wright
Testimonials
‘The team is readily available, approachable and knowledgeable’.
‘Advice is always on-point and we place great reliance and value on their advice’.
‘Charles Bond is an exceptional lawyer and has the ability to make clients feel that no question is too trivial to ask’.
‘Charles Bond and his team have been our long-term trusted advisor for over 10 years due to their practical and efficient timely commercial advice’.
‘The team always find time to help when things are urgent, always seeming to be able to make themselves available and anticipating challenges before they arise’.
‘We have regularly recommended Charles and his team to other companies in the industry’.
‘Andrew Wright has always been an experienced sounding board for ideas and challenges in the industry’.
Key clients
Bacanora Lithium Plc
Central Copper Resource Plc
Pyx Resources Limited
Horizonte Minerals Plc
Altus Strategies Plc
Gensource Potash Limited
Bushveld Minerals
Ariana Resources Plc
Berenberg
Canaccord
Work highlights
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP has a strong focus on contentious matters in the mining sector and advises on some very high-profile cases, including the representation of ENRC in relation to the investigation brought against it by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). On the non-contentious side, it acts for clients on ESG matters, financing and M&A. Adrian Walker heads the team with over 25 years’ experience in mining, infrastructure and construction mandates, while Arun Velusami brings experience in mining and power projects, with a focus on the African continent.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Walker
Other key lawyers:
Ben Hornan; Kieron O’Callaghan; Arun Velusami
Testimonials
‘Detailed knowledge of arbitration procedures, comprehensive global coverage, exceptional insight into specific industry areas and requirements’.
‘Kieron O’Callaghan is a seasoned arbitration partner covering the full range of arbitration subject matter from general commercial to specific industry/commodities’.
‘Kieron O’Callaghan is a master of detail and strategy’.
‘Ben Hornan is a more junior partner who always takes a hand-on approach, leading his team from the front’.
‘Excellent disputes experience, especially in international commercial arbitration’.
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) in connection with the ongoing criminal investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, and a range of unprecedented disputes arising out of the investigation.
Milbank
Milbank has a strong focus on project financing work and advises clients on a range of international mining projects as well as tangential areas such as battery factories and aluminium smelting. The team is well placed to handle international work with the utilisation of its global network and often works closely with its team in New York. John Dewar heads the team and is experienced in a range of mining projects, including tungsten, copper and gold mines. Manzer Ijaz retired.
Practice head(s):
John Dewar
Other key lawyers:
Seyda Duman
Key clients
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Nyrstar
EBRD
IFC
BNP Paribas
Standard Chartered Bank
Export-Import Bank (US)
Export Finance Australia
JBIC
K-EXIM
African Development Bank
ABSA
EIB
EDC
National Bank of Greece
Alpha Bank
Piraeus Bank
Work highlights
- Advised the second lien lenders and agent in relation to the project financing for the construction of Northvolt’s electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Skellefteå, Sweden.
- Acting for the second lien lenders in connection with the financing of the H2 Green Steel Project in Sweden, a first-of-a-kind in the market and aims to produce steel on an industrial scale using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.
- Represented KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH as lender in the $75.1m term loan facility for the financing and operation of the Sangdong Tungsten Mine Project in the Republic of Korea, one of the largest tungsten mines in the world.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has a strong focus on contentious work and acts for some of the largest mining companies in the world on cross-border litigation and arbitration. Sitting as part of the firm’s wider energy and resources disputes practice, the team draws on wide-ranging expertise to handle competition, tax and corporate disputes. Ted Greeno heads the practice and is experienced in handling disputes in a wide range of jurisdictions. Stephen Jagusch and Anthony Sinclair are recommended for commercial and investment treaty arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Ted Greeno
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Jagusch KC; Anthony Sinclair
Testimonials
‘Anthony Sinclair has a strong command of the mining industry and is an extremely effective and practical advocate’.
‘I think Anthony Sinclair stands out as someone who takes a very practical approach to the issues relevant to the mining industry and is able to understand and present arguments in a convincing manner’.
Key clients
Samax Resources Ltd and Geita Gold Mine Ltd
Gerald Metals SA
Work highlights
Armstrong Teasdale
The mining and minerals team at Armstrong Teasdale advises on exploration, development and production and often handles public and private M&A, debt and equity financing, and commercial disputes. Peter Kohl heads the team and Nick Heap joined the firm in January 2022 from Bird & Bird LLP.
Practice head(s):
Peter Kohl
Other key lawyers:
Una Deretic; Joan Yu; Nick Heap
Testimonials
‘The AT team is tight and experienced and has laser like focus on the actual business issues that require legal guidance’.
‘Whether it is AIM-listed company issues ,corporate M&A or restructuring, they take a position of finding creative and fast solutions that are influenced by the actual business needs of the company’.
‘AT go the extra mile to look at holistic and positive business solutions’.
‘In over 30 years with the firm, I have never had the sensation that AT are primarily protecting their own position and simply billing hours, unlike most UK legal practices of any size’.
‘The reason the individuals I work with give great service is they believe and follow the customer first mantra and on a daily basis provide that special form of service’.
‘I specifically value advice from Joan Yu, who, I believe is the number one AIM-related lawyer in the city, Peter Kohl and Una Deretic. They are always fast to respond, direct in their advice and when required will burn the midnight oil for client benefit’.
‘I would without hesitation recommend AT to new clients’.
Key clients
Jade Resources Limited
Gerald Metals Groups
Highcountry Cameroon Limited
Metals Exploration Plc
Pembridge Resources Plc
Work highlights
- Advised Pembridge Resources, a U.K.-headquartered company listed on the Standard List of the London Stock Exchange, on a reverse takeover (RTO) of Pembridge’s subsidiary, Minto Explorations (now known as Minto Metals), with a transaction value of approximately CAN$200m.
- Providing general legal support to Metals Exploration Plc in respect of their English law requirements.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP advises clients on market listings and corporate matters and stands out from competitors by also offering IP services. Clive Hopewell and Adam Carling jointly lead the team, with Hopewell recommended for fundraisings and M&A, and Carling focusing on transactional work and disputes. Nick O’Donnell joined from Baker McKenzie in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Clive Hopewell; Adam Carling
Other key lawyers:
Elizabeth Reid; Nick O’Donnell
Key clients
H&P Advisory Ltd. (“Hannam & Partners”)
Cloudbreak Discovery plc (formerly Imperial X plc)
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Strand Hanson Limited
VSA Capital Group Limited
Barrick Gold Corporation
WH Ireland Limited
Gemfields plc (incl Faberge)
Tirupati Graphite plc
Shore Capital stockbrokers limited
Asiamet Resources Limited
Canaccord Genuity Ltd
Jangada Mines plc
Harvest Minerals Limited
Work highlights
- Advised brokers, H&P Advisory Ltd. (“Hannam & Partners”) and SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP on Cornish Metals Inc.’s £40.5m fund raise to advance the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, England.
- Assisted Imperial X plc (renamed Cloudbreak Discovery plc) on its reverse takeover and admission of its enlarged ordinary share capital to the standard listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, effective from 3 June 2021.
- Advised long standing, client Strand Hanson Limited alongside H&P Advisors Limited, and VSA Capital Group Limited on Tungsten West’s IPO and admission to the AIM market.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper has a strong focus on real estate and disputes work as it pertains to the mining sector and it acts for a range of large domestic and international clients, including large mining companies and governments. James Carter co-heads the team alongside Petra Billing, who is recommended for minerals law, litigation and dispute resolution. Mark Keeling is a name for real estate-related mining matters; Roger Collier retired.
Practice head(s):
Petra Billing; James Carter
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Thomas; Mark Keeling
Testimonials
‘DLA made me feel that my engagement was important to them, even though it was small in comparison to other clients’.
‘The partner was personally involved in raising invoices and contacted me before they were issued – their no surprises culture was refreshing’.
‘I have trusted the advice provided; been guided in technical detail where necessary; but always felt in control of decisions that need to be made with sufficient time to reach that point’.
‘Knowledgeable but down to earth’.
‘Very much a practical commercial legal authority in all matters’.
‘Realistic plain English approach’.
‘Like to get the job done approach but in an enjoyable manner with humour’.
‘Very strong litigation team with significant experience in the mining and minerals sector’.
Key clients
Aggregate Industries (UK) Limited/ Lafarge Holcim
Tarmac/CRH PLC
CNL Minerals Limited
Ibstock PLC
Sibelco UK
Douglas Concrete Limited
Tata Steel UK Limited
Syrah Resources
Government of Kenya
The Coal Authority
Republic of Guinea
Cemex UK Operations Limited
Work highlights
- Handled all day-to-day property, minerals litigation and H & S and regulatory advice for Aggregate Industries UK Limited across its UK portfolio of properties.
- Advised a landowner on a High Court Claim in the Chancery Division of the Business and Property Courts of England & Wales originally listed for a 6-day trial in 2022 where the client claimed significant damages for a mineral operator’s failure to satisfy its planning, restoration and aftercare liabilities under a historic minerals lease and related planning obligations. Settled by agreement following mediation in June of 2021 for a significant but undisclosed sum.
- Engaged by the Connex Support Unit to assist the Ministry of Mines & Petroleum (MoMP) of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in relation to the conduct of two pilot tender processes in relation to the award of gold and copper mining concessions in Afghanistan, and to prepare the guidelines required for the tender process (including Large Scale Mining Guidelines and Management Guidelines), the tender documents for the concessions and model tender documents for use in respect of procurement competitions for 12 other mining concessions.
Hill Dickinson LLP
With Michael Bennett at the helm, Hill Dickinson LLP’s mining and minerals team acts for domestic and international companies on the full life cycle of projects, including employment, banking, construction and corporate issues, as well as litigation. Bennett is a name to note for capital markets and corporate work.
Practice head(s):
Michael Bennett
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Morris; Francois de Lange; Michael Corcoran
Key clients
Emmerson Plc
Bens Creek Group Plc
Bradda Head Lithium Limited
Future Metals NL
Alien Metals Ltd
Bluebird Merchant Ventures Ltd
URU Metals Limited
Firering Strategic Minerals Plc
East Star Resources Plc
Arc Minerals Limited
Bradda Head Lithium Limited
Work highlights
- Recently advised AIM-listed client Emmerson Plc on a debt and equity fundraise which raised gross proceeds of $46.8m from a leading South-East Asian investment group and $10m worth of warrants.
- Advised Bens Creek Group Plc on its admission to AIM and connected fundraise, and on its acquisition of Ben’s Creek Carbon LLC, a 10,000-acre metallurgical coal mine located in West Virginia and Kentucky.
- Advised Future Metals NL on its acquisition of 100 per cent. of the Panton mining project in Western Australia and the company’s subsequent readmission to AIM alongside its simultaneous reinstatement to the ASX.
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services)
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services) draws on corporate, real estate, banking and finance and commercial practitioners to provide a broad service to clients. Its main focus is on equity capital markets transactions and listings on the Main Market and AIM. Nick Davis and Michael Dawes; Davis is on the AIM Advisory Board of the London Stock Exchange; and Dawes has over 25 years’ experience in ECM and M&A.
Practice head(s):
Nick Davis; Michael Dawes
Other key lawyers:
Kieran Stone; Melanie Talbot
Testimonials
‘I like the fact that I work directly with the senior individuals who can interpret my requirements and ensure their team doesn’t waste time (and my money) on unnecessary work’.
‘They clearly understand the mining and minerals sector’.
‘Kieran Stone is our relationship partner and is very commercially orientated’.
‘I find our discussions don’t get side-tracked by theoretical considerations that don’t really represent a risk to our business’.
‘Memery Crystal’s independent, partner-led approach stands out from its competitors, combined with its depth of knowledge and experience, particularly for a firm of its size’.
‘The firm’s priority is to its clients – meaning the team’s pragmatic and flexible approach, allied with its technical expertise ensures that the client’s goals are prioritised’.
‘They lead deals and differentiate themselves from their competitors with their focused, open and realistic approach, technical knowledge and ability to deliver a deal in line with what was promised’.
Key clients
Yamana Gold
Capital Limited
Shanta Gold
Taseko Mines
Kore Potash
Rainbow Rare Earths
Rambler Metal and Mining
PureGold Mining
Kropz
Petra Diamonds
Tethyan Resources
GreenRoc Mining
Work highlights
- Advising Greenland-focused GreenRoc Mining on its AIM listing.
- Advising TSX-listed Canadian gold miner PureGold on a secondary fundraise of C$25m.
- Advising Capital Limited on multiple financing matters.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Watson Farley & Williams LLP handles a range of cross-border deals utilising its international network for support. Its key areas of focus include M&A, equity capital markets, debt and project finance, and dispute resolution. Jan Mellmann heads the team which was recently bolstered by the arrival of Julian Nichol and Ryan Ayrton from Akin and Linklaters LLP respectively.
Practice head(s):
Jan Mellmann
Other key lawyers:
Julian Nichol; Ryan Ayrton
Key clients
Chaarat Gold Holdings Ltd
VSA Capital Limited
Sandfire Resources Limited
Chesterfield Resources PLC
Pala Investments Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Chaarat Gold Holding Ltd on its investment agreement with Turkish construction firm Ciftay Insaat Taahhut ve Ticaret AS. Under the agreement Ciftay will become a strategic investor in Chaarat and receive up to $25m in cash and up $17.3m in new Chaarat shares for mining construction services.
- Advised Sandfire Resources Limited on the AUS$97m sale of its stake in Adriatic Metals plc (“Adriatic”).
- Advised VSA Capital Limited in its capacity as sole financial adviser and broker in connection with the proposed admission of the shares of Pyx Resources Limited (“Pyx”) to the standard listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange through a secondary listing.