John has advised extensively on a wide range of energy and resources projects in South-East Asia and Australia. Having lived in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines for over six years, John also offers clients the benefits of a diverse network of business and government contacts across Asia.

Greenfield development, acquisition and financing experience

John has advised:

• Straits Resources Limited in relation to the Girilambone Copper Project
• Glencore International AG and Century Aluminium Company on their joint bid for the State of Victoria's interest in the Portland Aluminium Smelter
• Malaysia Smelting Corporation on the acquisition of PT Koba Tin and associated Malaysian Stock Exchange shareholder approval requirements, and
• Indophil Resources on the acquisition of interests in the Tampakan Copper Project, subsequent listing of that company on the Australian Stock Exchange and joint venture arrangements with XStrata.

Exploration and production sharing negotiation experience

John has advised:

•  the state of Victoria in relation to the development of the south-west gas transmission pipeline and the Port Campbell Gas Storage Facility in the context of a sale to, and BOO agreement with, Texas Utilities, and
• GASCOR in relation to gas purchase, processing and delivery agreements for coverage of the potential 1999 gas supply shortfall in Victoria due to the Longford explosion.

Foreign investment and regulatory advisory experience

John has advised:

• major international resource companies on proposed investments in Indonesian resource projects including Falconbridge's acquisition of an interest in the Gag Island Nickel Project
• junior oil and gas companies on potential acquisitions in Indonesia, including issues associated with certain forms of tenure under the new oil and gas law, acquisition from administrators, liaison with regulatory authorities and other related issues, and
• international mining companies on foreign investment, risk management and exit strategies in relation to the Philippines mining sector.

John holds Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Laws degrees from Monash University in Melbourne.