Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: International | UK

Linklaters is recognised as one of the top teams in the UK for high-level corporate work in the mining sector. The firm frequently advises major mining companies and lenders on a variety of M&A and financing matters, with a focus on transactions in emerging markets. The mining team possesses impressive cross-border capabilities, with particular experience of handling mining transactions in Africa. Its lawyers are also equipped to handle contentious matters and assist industry clients with regulatory concerns.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a heavyweight mining team which acts for an array of significant clients, including major mining companies and financial institutions. The team advises on the full range of international mining issues, including the restructuring of project finance. Its lawyers possess particular experience in overseeing financing and corporate transactions in emerging markets, with a focus on mining projects in Africa.

Herbert Smith Freehills has an established team with a global reach and impressive expertise in relation to mining in Africa, Europe and Australia. The firm is strong on contentious and non-contentious matters and offers particular expertise in M&A, regulatory and insolvency issues. The mining team additionally provides advice on traditional and alternative financing methods for mining projects, as well as providing counsel on project development. Its lawyers represent a range of clients including major mining companies and financial institutions.

Mayer Brown has an established mining team offering expertise in project financing as well as experience in corporate and restructuring matters. The firm acts on behalf of both lenders and borrowers on large-scale mining finance issues. It is also known for providing advice to governments and mining companies on regulatory matters and developments in the mining industry. The practice has a renowned international offering, with considerable experience handling cross-jurisdictional work.

White & Case represented Konkola Copper Mines and its minority shareholder ZCCM Investment Holdings in the negotiations for the withdrawal of Konkola from provisional liquidation and the return of the majority shareholder, Vedanta Resources Holdings, as controlling shareholder. The transaction included the provision of USD1 billion of development funding for the operations of the mine, the settlement of litigation and a debt restructure of historical creditor debt.

Baker McKenzie offers extensive expertise in corporate issues, including M&A, as well as project development. The firm represents a broad range of entities, including major mining companies, minerals manufacturers and investors. Its lawyers are active in mining projects across the globe, including South America, Africa and the Middle East. The team is also able to advise clients on disputes within the mining industry.

Clifford Chance has a well-regarded team with a focus on corporate mining issues such as M&A transactions, private equity investments and restructuring. The firm has additional experience advising issues on licensing and supply agreements. Its lawyers act on contentious and non-contentious matters across the globe. Clients include investors as well as both giant and junior mining companies.

Fasken represents established names in global mining work. The firm offers clients expertise in a range of matters, including in commercial transactions and project financings. The team is equipped to handle a range of complicated and multi-jurisdictional corporate matters, including acquisitions and AIM listings. Its lawyers regularly act for private equity firms, financial advisers and major mining companies.

Milbank has a strong mining team capable of advising lenders on a number of significant cross-jurisdictional projects. The group has a notable capacity to handle debt restructuring as well as project finance. Its lawyers represent clients with assets in a wide range of jurisdictions, including those in Africa and Asia.

Simmons & Simmons has an experienced team regularly dealing with a range of matters in emerging markets, including alternative financing, project development and corporate matters. Its lawyers frequently advise on offtake arrangements and royalty agreements, and are equally adept at handling contentious matters. The firm's clients include banks, private equity funds and governments, as well as major and junior mining companies.

Ashurst houses a well regarded mining practice known for its work on matters throughout the world, with a particular emphasis on Francophone Africa. The team capably leads on corporate transactions and M&A alongside asset-level project development mandates. The firm acts of operators large and small, alongside financial investors in the sector.

Bird & Bird represents a multi-stranded offering in the mining and minerals sector. The firm displays particular expertise advising AIM-listed clients in placings, fundraising and M&A transactions. In addition, the firm's IP team routinely represents some of the largest clients in the sector on copyright and technology patent matters. The team's work spans many jurisdictions including Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

Fieldfisher offers expertise in all stages of the mining process to mining companies and financial institutions. The firm also advises metals traders on commodity prepayment transactions. The mining team possesses significant experience in various corporate, construction and financing issues affecting the sector. Its lawyers are regularly instructed to advise on matters in overseas markets, including Africa and Europe. The group is also noted for its capacity to assist with cross-border disputes.

Gowling WLG fields a notable corporate financing practice offering expertise in AIM and Main Market listings. The firm also advises clients on fundraising, joint ventures and M&A transactions, among other matters. Its lawyers act for a varied client base including small and mid-cap mining companies and financial institutions.