Mr Ian Coles > Mayer Brown International LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Mayer Brown International LLP‘s dedicated mining sector group is praised as ‘very experienced with stand-out expertise in mining sector and project management’ and excels in project development, financing structures, construction and M&A on the non-contentious side, alongside mining sector litigation, arbitration and restructurings. The team sees consistent cross-border work, operating in emerging jurisdictions in Africa, Asia and Latin America, alongside established markets such as Japan and the United States. Ian Coles chairs the group, representing banks and major financial institutions on premium mining transactions, in addition to providing advice on financing and the development of domestic mining industries. Rachel Speight is a go-to name for cross-border structures and project financings in the natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Robert Hamill‘s strong track record in the mining sector encompasses corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.

Mayer Brown International LLP  is ‘very proactive in understanding client legal needs and providing bespoke advice, guidance and documentation in complex transactions‘. Clients remark that the lawyers ‘put themselves into client’s shoes and anticipate issues ahead of time, and their responsiveness is quite unique‘. The firm handles a vast array of work from London, including anti-bribery and corruption matters, sanctions advice, arbitration, litigation, a diverse range of financings, IP, and M&A deals. Head of the Africa and mining practices Ian Coles, natural resources and infrastructure partner Rachel Speight and finance partner Ashley McDermott are the standout partners. McDermott acted for Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) in a $600m syndicated, secured  landmark facility for Trafigura relating to financing facilities with copper and cobalt producer Chemaf SA, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo). Head of international arbitration Raid Abu-Manneh was part of a team that advised Malaysia energy company Petronas on the sale of its upstream business in South Sudan. Islamic finance specialist Barry Cosgrave, counsel Danuta de Vries, who focuses on domestic and international finance transactions, and senior associate Emma Sturt also play key roles in the practice. New partner hire Peter Pears from Clifford Chance LLP brings a strong track record in emerging markets debt transactions.

Capitalising on a wealth of expertise from a huge international footprint that includes teams in the US, South America and Asia, Mayer Brown International LLP ‘s London infrastructure team is involved in big-ticket mandates including  sizeable renewable energy and key infrastructure builds. Its international mandates span established and emerging markets, including a considerable volume of engagement with the African continent. An offering in Singapore has opened doors to markets such as South Korea, where the London team has advised on mining projects, while in Africa the firm’s mandates include roles advising government and public utility bodies in countries such as Mauritiana, Ghana and Uganda on mineral, ammonia and hydrogen ventures. Rachel Speight leads the group and works with an array of sponsors and financial institutions on complex project financings, while fellow co-head Ian Coles is renowned for his mining expertise and strong understanding of the African market. Third team head Kirsti Massie is the practice’s go-to for renewables and energy transition matters, as well as traditional power developments. Other practitioners to highlight include Jonathan Stone who is able to advise on the whole project development and financing piece; Emma Sturt, who leverages an engineering background to provide clients with tailored advice; Danuta De Vries  for her export finance and asset-based lending practice; and Ronan Mellon, who joined from DLA Piper in August 2022, bringing expertise in project bonds and infrastructure financing via capital markets.