Ian Coles

Ranked in 4 Practice Areas

Band 1

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: International

2 Years Ranked

Band 2

Project Finance

Africa-wide

5 Years Ranked

Band 3

Projects & Energy

Africa-wide

13 Years Ranked

Foreign Expert

Projects: Mainly International

1 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

UK 2025

About

Provided by Ian Coles

Global

Practice Areas

Ian Coles concentrates his practice on all aspects of bank and debt finance, ranging from projects and other structured finance to commodities financing and restructuring. He represents banks and other financial institutions, sponsors, and other participants in finance transactions throughout the world.

Continually recommended by the legal directories, sources praise Ian for his skill in project finance. He is "unflappable, very experienced and an exceptionally good lawyer" (Chambers: Mining). He is “a stellar practitioner who receives widespread praise from peers” ( Who's Who Legal: Mining). He is "highly regarded for lender-side representation in mining transactions, with peers noting his activity on high-profile project finance mandates" (Legal 500). He is “highly skilled and trusted. He has a unique ability to look through a complex problem and to charter a potential course through it." (Legal 500:Mining).

Ian has also been listed in The International Who's Who of Mining Lawyers and Project Finance Lawyers since 2009. He has been listed in this publication since 2006. Ian has also been included in the mining chapter of Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders – Global Elite, as well as being selected for inclusion in the Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist: African Specialists.

Ian joined Mayer Brown in 1981, becoming a partner in 1987 and is the author of numerous articles in connection with project finance and mining & metals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: International - UK

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Ian Coles is an esteemed finance attorney with considerable experience advising clients in the mining industry on the financing of projects. He regularly advises on transactions involving projects based in Africa and Latin America. He heads the firm's Africa and mining practices and co-heads the global projects practice.

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Project Finance - Africa-wide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Ian Coles leads Mayer Brown's Africa group in addition to its mining practice. He is a go-to adviser for mining finance, with recent experience concerning uranium and lithium projects. Coles also has notable experience advising African governments in the context of natural resources legislation. He is based in London.

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Projects & Energy - Africa-wide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

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Projects: Mainly International - UK

Foreign expert in Africa-wide

Individual Editorial

Ian Coles is an exceptional projects lawyer who acts as the head of the firm's mining and Africa practices. He regularly takes on project financing mandates in relation to mining developments in the region, with recent work including matters in Senegal, North Macedonia and Liberia.

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