As the world develops, the demand for minerals continues to increase, and the volume and the size of individual transactions in coal, copper, bauxite, iron ore, gold and other minerals continue to rise. The processing of minerals and trading of metals in the commodity markets also continues to expand. Concurrently, regulatory diligence is at an all-time high in most regions of the world; and mining companies, in particular, face challenges from a rapidly expanding base of stakeholders. Health, safety, and environmental issues continue to be top of mind for the mining industry and for regulators. More recently, antitrust and national security issues have added a layer of complication to many mining transactions.

Vinson & Elkins is consistently ranked as the leading law firm in Energy and Natural Resources. Most recent honors include:

• Named “Energy and Natural Resources Team of the Year” — Legal Business, 2010.
• Ranked by Chambers UK 2011 in Energy & Natural Resources (London and UK-wide), Projects (London and UK-wide), and Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration (London).
• Won “Energy & Natural Resources Team of the Year” at the Legal Business Awards 2010.
• Named “World’s Leading Energy Law Firm” by Euromoney, 2010-2011.

Our strong reputation as legal advisor is a reflection of the number of lawyers at our law firm who regularly advise on energy and natural resource related matters — more than 400 — and the range of distinctive capabilities we have developed to assist energy and natural resource companies to meet their business challenges with ease.  With an integrated network of 16 offices across the globe, V&E offers clients in the mining industry significant cross-border experience across multiple jurisdictions and throughout all practice areas.

V&E offers particular knowledge and experience to assist mining and trading companies and other participants in negotiating cross-border joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions, project and other financing transactions, and marketing and trading arrangements and counseling on environmental and tax matters, advising on international antitrust and trade matters, and handling a wide range of disputes and controversies. 

Representative Experience

• Our firm represents Emirates Aluminium Company Limited in connection with the development and construction of a US$5.7 billion aluminum complex at Al Taweelah in the UAE. V&E has advised on Phase I and Phase II of the project including drafting and negotiation of EPC, EPCM, licensing and other key contracts. Upon completion, this will be the largest single-site aluminum smelter in the world.
• Our lawyers have advised Mubadala Development Company in the US$3.5 billion Global Alumina Project in Guinea, West Africa (a bauxite mine and alumina refining project).
• We have provided counsel to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. on a range of North American coal investments and operations.
• Our experience for one international mining client has involved appearing in matters in more than 10 states, as well as addressing significant regulatory and policy issues before federal agencies. Our work includes both the handling of individual matters and strategic planning for legal and regulatory issues that could arise at multiple sites.
• Representation of issuers and underwriters in connection with a wide range of master limited partnerships in the mining industry.