Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has strong capabilities in contentious mining matters, including those with geopolitical considerations and crisis situations, drawing upon its strong disputes practice and cross-border expertise. The team tends to be at the forefront of industry developments, regularly advising its clients on ESG-related matters, the wider energy transition, and battery minerals. The ‘strong and experienced bench of lawyers’ come together to provide clients with a full-service mining practice, which includes M&A, project finance, disputes, and IP expertise. Greg Mulley leads the practice and has particular experience with complex cross-border transactions, and contentious and distressed situations. Laura Hulett’s experience spans the entire mining chain through multiple jurisdictions, while Helen Beatty advises both lenders and sponsors on the financing of major projects across the mining sector. Shaun Williamson is also, of note, experienced in advising on a range of corporate transactions within the mining sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They understand the requirement of the client and their pain points and ensure they address it in the right manner. They are innovative in finding solutions to complex problems and creating win-win between counterparties.’
‘The competency of the team is exceptional.’
- 'The partners and associates are all extremely capable and professional with a deep knowledge of the relevant areas requiring advice as well as having a strong commercial focus.’
‘The team all work well together, across partners and associates, as well as across geographies on multi-jurisdiction deals.’
‘Helen Beatty is very responsive, a great negotiator and also good at managing relationships.'
'David Walton is very experienced and calm.’
'Strong and experienced bench of lawyers with a track record of delivery in major and complex transactions.'
'Greg Mulley is a stand-out practitioner in the mining sector. Vastly experienced and commercially astute.'
Key clients
- Anglo American (incl. De Beers)
- BHP
- ArcelorMittal
- Ma'aden
- Ecora Resources
- Ferrexpo plc
- Adriatic Metals plc
- Greatland Gold Plc
- Neometals Ltd
- Dynamic Mining
- Cornish Lithium
- Norilsk Nickel
- Orion Mine Finance
- KEFI Gold and Copper Plc ("KEFI")
- Kinross Gold Corporation
- Petrogal, S.A.
- Mercuria Energy Trading SA
- Base Resources
- Itochu
- Hainan Mining Co. Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Ma'aden on its ground-breaking strategic investment in Ivanhoe Electric Inc and related joint venture.
- Advising Tulu Kapi Gold Mines Share Company ("TKGM"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KEFI, in connection with the development and financing of the Tulu Kapi gold mine in Ethiopia.
- Advising Itochu Corporation on the development and financing of Ivanplats' platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mine in South Africa.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Greg Mulley
Herbert Smith Freehills LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Helen Beatty
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Laura Hulett
Herbert Smith Freehills LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Greg Mulley