With a core focus on planning, environment and compliance matters, the team at Minter Ellison has a wealth of experience advising on planning and environmental approvals, as well as the ever-changing regulatory environment. At the helm of the practice in Sydney, Luke Walker advises on a wide array of front-end and back-end planning and environmental matters relating to town planning, land contamination and the impact of climate change. Combining his experience as an above ground mine manager with a background in engineering, Simon Ball provides practical and commercial advice on environmental planning protection in the mining sector. Tim Hanmore is a key contact for clients in the mining and energy industries, while Nada Raphael has broad experience in urban development matters, industrial projects and the resources sector. Alex Skilling and Jarryd Gray were promoted to partner in July 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent experience, sound advice, consistent delivery of outcomes. Very sound strategic advice.’
‘Simon Ball - the best E&P lawyer in the resources space in NSW by a country mile. Gets the politics as well as the law, where his peers fail. Prodigious workload. Well supported with a competent team of senior associates and associates.’
- 'Alex Skilling is attentive and enthusiastic, makes you feel like you're her only client.'
- 'Minter Ellison’s Environment and Planning team stands out for its deep expertise in land access, mining regulation, and complex approvals processes in Victoria, combined with a clear understanding of the commercial and political realities of developing a critical minerals project.'
- 'What makes the practice unique is its ability to integrate technical legal skills with strategic, forward-looking advice that anticipates regulatory, stakeholder, and policy challenges before they arise.'
- 'Joshua Dellios stands out as an exceptional partner who combines deep technical expertise in mining, land access, and regulatory frameworks with a deep understanding of the commercial and reputational challenges of navigating Victoria’s approvals regime. He is responsive, pragmatic, and able to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear manner.'
Key clients
- Yancoal Australia Ltd
- Transport for New South Wales
- VE Property Pty Ltd
- Whitehaven Coal Limited
- Heritage Minerals Pty Ltd
- Powerlink Queensland
- Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
- Tasmanian Government
- Neoen Australia Pty Ltd
- Astron Ltd
- Iluka
- Barunga West Council
Work highlights
Advising Neoen Australia on its marquee project in Victoria, the Kentbruck Green Power Hub.
Providing strategic advice to Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Powerlink Queensland on the environmental approval requirements for its AUD$5 billion CopperString 2032 project.
Assisted Yancoal with obtaining critical modifications for its Tier 1 coal mine – Moolarben, including underground works, water discharges and coal extraction modifications.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Luke Walker
Other key lawyers
Simon Ball; Tim Hanmore; Nada Raphael; Alex Skilling; Jarryd Gray; Joshua Dellios; Dani Davidovits