Overview
Freehills has had a long association with the mining industry and is recognised as one of the leading practices advising in this sector. Our reputation in the market has encouraged some of the largest gold, iron ore, copper, nickel, zinc, alumina and coal producers in the Asia-Pacific region to choose Freehills as their preferred adviser.
Freehills' depth of expertise in this area of law was recognised and rewarded with the Energy & Resources Firm of the Year award at the 2006 Australian Law Awards. In addition, Freehills won awards in another five categories, including the 2006 Australian Law Firm of the Year.
Freehills' mining practice has achieved the highest possible ranking in the latest editions of recognised industry benchmark publications including Chambers Global Guide, IFLR 1000, PLC Which lawyer? and Asia Pacific Legal 500. According to the most recent edition of Chambers Global Guide, clients consider Freehills practitioners to be 'high-integrity, talented lawyers who work tirelessly to deliver high-quality products within impossible timelines'.
Many of our lawyers have worked in-house as employees or secondees for companies in legal and non-legal roles. Their practical experience means they have the necessary commercial perspective to consistently deliver positive and cost-effective results. This advantage, together with our sheer depth of talent and expertise, enables Freehills to provide outstanding business outcomes for clients in Australia and internationally.
We have been closely involved with complex acquisition and joint venture establishment structuring and implementation, and the development and operation of significant infrastructure developments for our clients. Our lawyers have a clear understanding of the environment governing private sector participation in the mining industry in Australia. We also have close relationships with government authorities responsible for attracting investment in, facilitating the development of, and regulating mining projects at a state and federal level.
We have assisted juniors and majors alike and frequently assist our clients in areas such as:
- mergers and acquisitions advice in respect of mining assets, including takeover bid and defence strategies and execution, schemes of arrangement and capital reductions
- farm-in, farm-out and joint venture structuring, establishment and implementation (including contract negotiation)
- foreign investment approvals
- state agreements
- mine and plant development, construction and engineering, operations and manufacturing, mining and haulage
- project structuring and financing
- tenders, purchases of major capital equipment, design, procurement, pit and plant construction
- project supply and sales agreements both domestically and internationally
- capital enhancement projects and outsourcing
- industrial and employee relations strategies
- native title and aboriginal heritage issues
- environment, health and mine safety
- taxation and stamp duty issues
- arbitration and dispute resolution.