Department profile
Fasken

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Fasken

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About

Provided by Fasken

Our reputation in the mining industry is unparalleled. We’ve built a top team, whose vast experience brings clarity to even the most complex mining projects around the globe.

Your priority may be to raise capital, buy, sell or develop a project, secure title, engage Indigenous communities, governments or other stakeholders, structure a complex transaction, or resolve a dispute. You’re in our sweet spot.

We are organized as an industry group and advise companies and other stakeholders on all matter of legal issues affecting the mining sector. 

Our industry contacts and knowledge of material transactions, both domestically and internationally, are second to none among international law firms. Our team is skilled and experienced in all the various legal services required by mining clients, from exploration through development to operation and closure.

We have acted in respect of projects in virtually every country of the globe, with a special emphasis on the Americas and Africa, from our offices in Canada, London and Johannesburg. We rank among the top law firms for financings and new listings on the TSX, the AIM Market, and the JSE. 

Our competence in common and civil law, and cross-border matters, make us uniquely qualified to advise the mining industry. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Fasken is consistently cited as one of Canada's most impressive mining law firms, with extensive transactional and 'dirt law' experience. The Canadian members of its global mining group represent several industry heavyweights and mid-tier companies, as well as exploration start-ups. The team is notably active on mining-related private equity transactions, and regularly advises on multi-jurisdictional matters alongside the firm's mining lawyers in London and Johannesburg. The core mining team is supported by an experienced bench of disputes practitioners well-versed in issues relevant to the sector.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Fasken advised Sprott Private Resource Streaming and Royalty on its purchase of a 3.1% net smelter return royalty on the Premier Gold Project owned by Ascot Resources.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Fasken offers access to a range of specialists who are well-versed in relevant areas.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada

  • The team is very good technically and very commercial.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada

  • Fasken has deep and varied knowledge of the mining industry and an amazing and inspiring team of lawyers.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John S M Turner
    John S M Turner

    John S M Turner

    John Turner offers premier expertise across the Canadian and international mining industries. Based in Toronto, he is frequently mandated on many of the most high-profile securities matters and corporate transactions in the market.
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  • Michael J Bourassa
    Michael J Bourassa

    Michael J Bourassa

    Michael Bourassa is a pre-eminent mining lawyer with deep knowledge of 'dirt law' and related due diligence mandates, including environmental compliance and title issues. Based in Toronto, he also has significant experience acting on commercial agreements and advises clients on dispute resolution.

    • Michael is the ambassador of Canadian mining and works like a conductor of an orchestra, making sure all of the parts are working.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada
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  • Andrew J Gabrielson
    Andrew J Gabrielson

    Andrew J Gabrielson

    Vancouver-based Andrew Gabrielson is highly regarded for his technical expertise in 'dirt law'. He provides counsel on all stages of mine exploration, development and operation, with further experience in corporate transactions in the mining space. He is the co-leader of Fasken's global mining group.

    • He's the guy I go to for very complex agreements and Andrew's drafting is excellent.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada
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  • Brian Graves
    Brian Graves

    Brian Graves

    Brian Graves handles a range of national and international corporate and securities matters in the mining sector, including streaming transactions and acquisitions. He acts out of the firm's Toronto office.
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  • Frank Mariage
    Frank Mariage

    Frank Mariage

    Frank Mariage represents mineral exploration clients in corporate and commercial mandates arising from mines across Canada and francophone Africa. He operates out of the firm's Montréal office.

    • Frank is an exceptional professional who has impressed me with his knowledge and implication in the law and the industry in general.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada
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  • Johanna Fipke
    Johanna Fipke

    Johanna Fipke

    Based in Vancouver, Johanna Fipke advises mining companies, private equity firms and lenders on M&A and agreements, including royalties and streaming. Moreover, she assists clients with project financing and development.

    • Johanna is superb. She is a strong strategist and a get-it-done person.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada

    • Her familiarity with mining-sector deal dynamics, particularly in cross-border contexts, is valuable.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada

    • Johanna is a highly detailed, commercial lawyer who can handle complex transactions efficiently.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Fasken (6)

Nationwide - Canada

  • Profile image of Michael J Bourassa

    Michael J Bourassa

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: Development and Operations

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  • Profile image of Andrew J Gabrielson

    Andrew J Gabrielson

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: Development and Operations

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Members

Provided by Fasken

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