Energy & Natural Resources: Mining: International
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 4
About
Provided by Ashurst
Ashurst has a specialist mining offering, and our UK department plays a key role in advising on the full spectrum of legal advice through each stage of mining projects across the globe, with a particular focus on emerging markets and Francophone Africa.
A number of clients have reiterated to us that our London office is one the very few London offices in the market that has a 'core' mining team and real 'dirt' mining expertise, especially in project development and asset-level M&A.
We have a highly specialised private M&A and project development/finance capability – our experience spans projects relating to lithium, cobalt, iron ore, coal, gold, bauxite, uranium, copper, silver, nickel, zinc, potash and mineral sands.
Our international dispute resolution team has significant experience of advising mining companies in disputes related matters (e.g. tax, employment, environment and compliance), operating in domestic or international arbitrations, national courts or before specialist tribunals.
Chambers Review
Ashurst houses a well regarded mining practice known for its work on matters throughout the world, with a particular emphasis on Francophone Africa. The team capably leads on corporate transactions and M&A alongside asset-level project development mandates. The firm acts of operators large and small, alongside financial investors in the sector.
Work Highlights
- Ashurst advised Emmerson on corporate matters and the development and financing of the Khemisset potash project in Morocco.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ashurst has a very significant bilingual team experienced in West Africa."
"Ashurst's advice goes beyond legal. A deal with them is materially different to one without them."
"Ashurst has strength in depth across the board."
"The team is very efficient and has a strong expertise in relation to Africa and mining activities."
"Ashurst has a very significant bilingual team experienced in West Africa."
"Ashurst's advice goes beyond legal. A deal with them is materially different to one without them."
"Ashurst has strength in depth across the board."
"The team is very efficient and has a strong expertise in relation to Africa and mining activities."
Notable Practitioners
Yann Alix of Ashurst has a respected Africa-focused mining practice advising clients on project development and M&A transactions. He is especially sought after for projects and deals in francophone regions, due to his dual qualification in both English and French law.
"Yann Alix is very good at understanding what we want to achieve. He understands commercial realities."
"Yann Alix is quite versed in detailed projects and industry developments."
Nick Williamson is the UK head of Ashurst's corporate transactions team and focuses his practice on the energy and natural resources space. He often advises on the acquisition of large-scale mining assets and projects.
"Nick Williamson is extremely responsive and helpful."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ashurst
UK-wide