As the mining industry transforms to face new challenges, leaders across the sector are redefining their strategic objectives to focus more on net zero and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Governed by many domestic and international regulations, mining and mineral exploration companies face legal issues and opportunities that span multiple jurisdictions and practice areas. Success in the global mining marketplace demands expertise from a leading mining law firm with industry knowledge, global connections, and a strong commercial acumen.
Whether you are a junior exploration company or a mid-tier producer, our mining lawyers will apply a multidisciplinary approach to the issues you face. Our experience covers transactions involving all major commodities and precious metals, including gold, copper, cobalt, lithium, silver, vanadium, zinc, iron ore and uranium.
We are here to guide you through every stage of the life cycle of a project from exploration to operations to closure. Our legal practice focuses on understanding the commercial and practical sides of your business to ensure we find the best solution.
Global economic, political and technological developments are constantly changing how the sector operates. The future of the mining industry is likely to be very different to what we see today. ESG, heightened government protectionism, and the insatiable demand for specialty technology metals will only continue to reshape the mining landscape for years to come. In addition, the increasing use of innovative technology in mining such as automation will accelerate the need for those in the industry to stay one-step ahead. As you look to prepare for this next era, knowledge and experience should be the foundation of every strategic decision.
Sector-focused advice
Armed with deep industry knowledge, our mining lawyers deliver sophisticated solutions tailored to the commercial and practical realities of your business. Our sector-focused advice covers all areas of corporate and financial law, commercial law and the various forms of dispute resolution.
Full-service support
Proven experience
We have advised both publicly traded and privately held companies as well as investment dealers, buyout funds and brokers, and other non-traditional investors on their domestic and global investments in the mining sector. We routinely act for numerous clients listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, NASDAQ, NYSE, London Stock Exchange, AIM, Australian Securities Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Past projects have included:
Bacanora Lithium plc
Advised on a redomicile from Canada, as well as a US$150m Eurobond with Red Kite and a US$65m equity capital raise.
Phoenix Copper Limited
Acted on the admission to listing and related fundraising on London's AIM market of the Idaho based copper and gold exploration and development company.
Zijin Mining Group Co. Limited
Counsel on the acquisition of Guyana Goldfields Inc. for $323 million.
Bushveld Minerals Limited
Advised on the acquisition of Vametco and Vanchem, including a US$65m secondary financing with Orion Mine Finance.
Minera Alamos Inc.
Advised on a bought deal private placement of common shares for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15 million.
Lucky Minerals Inc.
Advised on the negotiation of a Definitive Option Agreement, allowing First Quantum Minerals Ltd exclusive rights to explore for copper deposits.
Awards and accolades
Gowling WLG is a leading firm of lawyers with a good reputation in the mining industry…Their strength is their many years of experience in dealing with mining projects and cross-border transactions.Chambers and Partners
Recognised by a host of legal directories and awards, our team is a well-respected player in the market.
Eight lawyers across our team are 'Recommended Lawyers' by Who's Who Legal: Mining 2021, with Charles Bond and France Tenaille recognised as 'Leading Individuals'.
We are also consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. Charles Bond is a 'Leading Individual' according to Chambers and Partners.
Latinvex regularly names France Tenaille in the Latin America: Top 100 Lawyers and Latin America: Top 100 Female Lawyers for her work in international mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and project finance in the mining and energy sectors.
We also regularly top the FTSE AIM 100 rankings for our number of AIM clients.
Meet our international team
With offices across Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East - as well as an established network of professionals in South Africa, Australia and South America - we utilize our understanding of local markets to navigate issues across multiple jurisdictions. Contact us today for further information on how our team can support you with the legal challenges you face.
Charles Bond
Partner, Head of Natural Resources (UK)
R. Ian Mitchell
Partner, Head of Mining (Canada)
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