Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘experienced and knowledgeable team’ benefits from the practice’s strong cross-border abilities. The team handles projects on most continents, including Africa, Asia, and North and South America, with a strong focus on emerging markets. The team is capable of a full range of mining work, including advisory, transactional, and contentious mandates. The team benefits from its strong mining specialists, including the head of the team, Ian Coles, who is well-known in the market and is particularly experienced in representing financial institutions, sponsors and governments on their mining transactions. Rachel Speight is known for her work representing banks and sponsors in cross-border structured and project financings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Experienced and knowledgeable team that is ready to step in when required.’
‘I have been impressed by the Mayer Brown team's knowledge and experience in our country of interest in Africa. They produce practical, clear and authoritative advice in a compressed timeline. ’
‘I have worked with the Mayer Brown team for many years and find them easy and pragmatic to deal with. They always approach transactions in a sensible and balanced way, which usually makes for a successful outcome.’
‘I have worked with Rachel Speight many times over the years. A consummate professional who is always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The team has very good relationships with lenders and is very good at progressing lending transactions in a timely manner.’
‘Rachel Speight is a delight to work with, is trusted by lenders, and is solution-driven.’
'Robert Hamill is a highly experienced, cool, methodical professional who maintains an even temperament in the midst of involved discussions and retains the flexibility to think and respond quickly at a high level. Outstanding.'
Key clients
- Centamin
- Coris Bank
- General Motors
- Cornish Lithium
- Afreximbank
- ING
- Natixis
- Eco Bank
- Africa Finance Corporation
- Societe Generale Group
Work highlights
Advised Cornish Lithium plc on a £53.6 million investment made by a group of leading institutional investors, including the UK Infrastructure Bank, the US-based Energy & Minerals Group and TechMet.
Representing General Motors in an investment into Lithium Americas Corp. to develop the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, which is the largest known source of lithium in the US and the third largest in the world.
Advised the lenders on a senior secured project refinancing and working capital facility to Lucara Diamond for the underground expansion and ongoing operations of the Karowe diamond mine in Botswana.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ian Coles
Other key lawyers
Rachel Speight; Robert Hamill; Jonathan Hosie