Mining and Metals

At Paul Hastings, we pride ourselves on being the premier choice for legal counsel in the mining and metals sector. Our seasoned lawyers, strategically located in key jurisdictions and emerging markets, provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of the mining lifecycle—from exploration and extraction to refining, distribution, and investment. In response to the sector’s evolving demands, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients navigate today’s dynamic market.

 

Comprehensive Support Across the Mining Lifecycle

With a dedicated team of over 30 attorneys specializing in mining-related matters, we bring decades of experience to help industry participants navigate the complex geopolitical, economic, environmental, regulatory, and legal landscapes of this industry. Our proficiency allows us to adapt to market shifts, including the rise of greenfield exploration, technological innovation, and the green energy transition, ensuring that our clients stay ahead of the curve.

In-House and Industry Insights

Our team includes former executives from leading mining companies, such as the deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer of Barrick. We bring a unique understanding of the industry's challenges, advising leading mining organizations like ICMM and IRMA, and supporting critical initiatives on security, human rights, and sustainability. We deliver tailored legal solutions that align with our clients’ strategic goals, including navigating climate litigation, compliance with human rights standards, and leveraging AI and machine learning for operational efficiency.

Unique Perspectives

We represent mining companies across all growth phases—from junior exploration companies to established senior miners. Our holistic approach enables us to provide customized legal strategies that help clients manage risks, secure permits, negotiate contracts, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in new markets.

Comprehensive Legal Solutions

Our practice covers a broad spectrum of critical areas in the mining and metals industry, including project development, financing, environmental, health and safety, data privacy, cybersecurity, indigenous engagement, litigation, and international arbitration. We help clients manage the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure operational resilience in an increasingly complex, competitive, and technology-driven sector.

Recognitions

Litigation

• Most Feared Firms in Litigation - BTI Consulting Group
• “Elite” for Litigation: General Commercial - Chambers USA, 2024
• Litigation: Securities - Chambers USA, 2024
• Nationwide International Arbitration - Chambers USA, 2024
• Band 1 for International Arbitration - Legal 500 Latin America, 2024
• Top Arbitration Practice - Global Arbitration Review, 2024
• Compliance Practice Group of the Year - Law360, 2023, 2022 & 2020
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Chambers USA, 2024
• Band 1 for Nationwide FCPA - Chambers USA, 2024
• Most Impressive Investigations Practice of the Year - Global Investigations Review, 2024 (finalist), 2021 & 2017
• Investigations Professional of the Year - Global Investigations Review, 2024
• White Collar Practice Group of the Year - Law360, 2022 & 2021
• Most Important Development of the Year - Global Investigations Review, 2023
• Practice Group of the Year: White Collar (finalist) - National Law Journal, 2024

Transactional

• Tier 1 in Projects, Energy and Natural Resources – Infrastructure: M&A and Acquisition Financing - Legal 500 UK, 2024
• Latin America Project Finance Deal of the Year - IJGlobal/Project Finance Magazine
• Project Finance Law Firm of the Year (shortlisted) - Chambers Latin America Awards, 2024
• Band 1 for California: Environmental Law - Chambers USA, 2024
• Dealmaker of the Year – M&A - The American Lawyer, 2023
• Cross-Border M&A Deal of the Year - Law.com International’s Asia Legal Awards, 2023
• Leading Firm for Capital Markets - Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR1000
• Capital Markets Practice Group of the Year - Law360, 2022
• Equity Team of the Year - IFLR Awards Asia-Pacific