Energy transition projects form the cornerstone of the practice at Norton Rose Fulbright, with the firm positioned to advise clients on carbon offset generation projects, assist in matters relating to the establishment of critical minerals supply chains, and act on leveraged, structured and project finance in the mining sector. Brisbane-based practice head Gavin Scott covers the entire scope of mining and petroleum projects, as well as advising on major renewable energy projects. Now acting as a senior adviser, Keira Brennan continues to play a key role in assisting with M&A and joint ventures for clients in the oil, gas and mining sectors. David Jewkes brings extensive cross-border experience to the team, excelling in equity capital markets transactions and Takeovers Panel proceedings. Nick Sinclair specialises in advising on the financing aspects of mining matters, while Ellen Whittred is a trusted advisor on native matters in mining, oil, gas and renewable projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘NRF has a good level of expertise and capability in managing complex M&A transactions in the natural resources space, particularly renewables.’
- ‘David Jewkes is a very calm, considered and communicative partner. A very safe pair of hands for M&A transactions.’
- 'The team have good engagement in matter management and scope. They are reliable, efficient and easy to work with to achieve results.'
- 'The NRF natural resources practice has a deep pool of experience and expertise across all the relevant areas, including the mining regime in Queensland. Native title and land stakeholder management, the regulatory regime including environment and approvals, logistics and all facets of M&A are key areas of outstanding capability.'
- 'The team is well lead by David Jewkes, Keira Brennan and Gavin Scott, who cover the broad spectrum of issues and whose skills and expertise complement each other excellently.'
- 'Ellen Whitred, Jessica Rusten and Nick Sinclair all provide extremely pragmatic and commercial advice, in an easily used and digestible form. They take the time to know and understand the business, the people using the services and the culture of the business to provide tailored solutions.'
Key clients
- Anglo American
- Shell Australia
- Chevron
- Tokyo Gas
- Snowy Hydro
- Ampol
- Rio Tinto
- Arrow Energy
- bp
- South32
- Eurasian Resources Group
- BHP
Work highlights
Advised Tokyo Gas on the sell down of its minority interest across 4 LNG projects, including Gorgon, Ichtys, Pluto and QCLNG, to US based private equity firm EIG, with a total consideration of in excess of AU$3 billion.
Advised Stanmore on the divestment of the southern portion of its Wards Well coal tenements in Queensland to Peabody, in return for cash, royalties, and access to certain infrastructure, valued at approximately AU$500 million.
Advised Robex in its capacity as borrower in relation to the USD130 million project financing for its Kiniero gold project in the Siguiri Basin of the Republic of Guinea.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Keira Brennan
Practice head
Gavin Scott
Other key lawyers
Keira Brennan; David Jewkes; Nick Sinclair; Ellen Whittred; Jessica Rusten