Projects & Energy: Mining & Minerals | Global

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer operates a formidable projects and energy group with eminent expertise in mining and infrastructure mandates. The group applies its profound knowledge to such matters as joint venture projects, acting for sponsors as well as investors. Further esteemed for its work in the power sector, and notably advising on high profile renewable energy projects, the team has expertise that extends to knowledge of upstream and midstream oil and gas developments. The firm harnesses the Africa expertise in its Paris office to provide a distinguished francophone offering which is enhanced through its presence on the ground via its office in Johannesburg, as well as through the depth of its projects group in London.

Linklaters operates an outstanding practice group that is often mandated on major transactions by all types of project parties, including some of Africa's largest project financing matters. The firm advises sponsors and lenders on high profile energy and infrastructure projects as well as handling a range of related corporate matters. Linklaters possesses significant strength in oil and gas, acting on a number of large-scale upstream and LNG projects. Additionally, the team advises on notable mining and renewables mandates. Demonstrating a strong presence in the anglophone, francophone and lusophone markets, the practice is bolstered by the firm's extensive network across the continent, most significantly by its alliance with Webber Wentzel in South Africa.

Mayer Brown maintains a distinguished mining practice across Africa. The team is also recognised for its representation of banks and financial institutions in various financing and development mandates relating to hydropower, LNG and green hydrogen projects. Additionally, the firm's expertise extends to energy-related disputes. The group is adept at handling corporate matters on behalf of petrochemical companies, as well as advising a long list of sponsors and governments on project development and regulatory energy matters. The team draws on its global network to support clients across anglophone, francophone and lusophone Africa.

White & Case operates a prominent energy and projects group with impressive capabilities across Africa. The firm applies its extensive energy expertise to the financing and development of significant mining projects, frequently acting as counsel to lenders and sponsors. It is further sought after for its experience advising on high profile oil and gas matters, covering complex finance and commercial issues particularly in the LNG space. Regularly instructed on infrastructure and power projects, the team frequently assists with various commercial advisory and transactional issues stemming from such work, including private equity investments. Key hubs for the firm's African projects team include London and Johannesburg.

A leader in the African projects and energy market, Clifford Chance demonstrates top-drawer capability in power, oil and gas, infrastructure and mining. The group is highly adept in supporting sponsors and lenders through the design, construction, financing and operation of projects across the continent. Its lawyers possess notable expertise in novel IPP and power mandates across the full array of renewable energy areas, from hydropower to wind, solar and geothermal. The department is also frequently mandated on corporate matters, commercial agreements and international disputes, including significant matters handled on behalf of major mining houses. With key strengths in its Paris and London offices, as well as a market-leading office in Casablanca, the firm has a clientele that includes lenders, sponsors, sovereign governments, development finance institutions and major global corporations.

Simmons & Simmons operates a well-known practice group with considerable experience providing counsel to sovereigns and governmental departments on various projects and energy-related issues in Africa, including natural resources commercialisation and development. In addition to financing and development, the firm handles corporate matters such as joint ventures and share transactions. Notably active in the mining sector on investments and divestments, acting for international companies and investment funds, the group is well placed to assist with matters in the OHADA region.

A&O Shearman is home to a renowned project finance practice which frequently advises major regional and international development finance institutions (DFIs) and banks on syndicated finance transactions in Africa. The team is notably active on the financing of mining and oil and gas projects, with extensive project development experience, including the negotiation of EPC contracts. A formidable presence in power projects with considerable experience acting for lenders, sponsors and developers, the firm holds additional expertise in infrastructure, wind, hydro and geothermal. Its standout Casablanca office positions the firm well to handle projects files in Morocco.

ASAFO wins increasing recognition for its energy and infrastructure practice, which offers pan-African expertise through its network of regional offices and is often sought out by governmental bodies, international sponsors and developers. The team is active across a suite of renewable power projects and supports clients on a broad array of developmental and operational mining mandates across western and central Africa. Its lawyers are further noted for their capacity to assist institutional investors in connection with infrastructure finance.

DLA Piper's growing Africa-focused projects group principally comprises partners based in the UK and the UAE, with the team frequently acting as lenders' counsel on the financing of major renewable energy, oil and gas, infrastructure and mining projects. In addition to transactional work, the firm is also well placed to offer advice on regulatory matters within the energy and mining sectors. Its work as international counsel is complemented by local counsel roles in jurisdictions across anglophone, francophone and lusophone Africa, making use of its DLA Piper Africa alliance partners.

Hogan Lovells is a well-recognised multinational law firm with a respected projects practice in Africa. The team is active assisting with the financing of, and investment in, significant solar and hydropower projects. The firm typically staffs African projects matters out of its London and Paris offices. The transactional team is well supported by the firm's disputes lawyers when it comes to contentious issues arising out of energy sector investments.