Canada: Mining
A crucial segment of the country’s economy, the Canadian mining bar is one of the most sophisticated in the world. An impressive 45 lawyers are identified as experts in this chapter, an increase of four listings since our previous edition.
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP boasts one of Canada’s leading mining practices with five high calibre lawyers featuring in this chapter. Topping the list is our international mining lawyer of the year for the second year running, Michael Bourassa. A stand out name in this practice area he is coordinator of the firm’s global mining group and “is extremely well regarded for his legal skills, client list and knowledge.” John Turner is described as “one of the strongest lawyers in the mining bar” and leads the firm’s global mining group. He advised AuRico in its acquisition of Northgate Minerals in a $1.49 billion deal. Charles LK Higgins is a much-respected name and has acted for a number of national and international clients. He is credited for the depth of his expertise and worked for the Federal Department of Energy, Mining and Resources as a senior economist. Josh Lewis has a broad practice and advises on exploration, project development and M&A matters and with 25 years of industry experience Jean Gagné is “first rate”.
At Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Paul Stein is “a firm favourite” among both national and international mining clients. John Craig is credited for his expertise in negotiating and drafting joint ventures and operating and farm-in agreements for mining companies in various jurisdictions. Mark Bennett “has a very good practice” and is focused on corporate finance and M&A matters. A partner in the firm’s securities group Jay Goldman is a “real talent”. Erik Goldsilver has impressed in recent transactions where he advised Goldcorp on their acquisition and divestiture of mining projects. He also acted for Silver Wheaton Corp on the purchase of silver production from mines across the globe.
Four lawyers also feature from McMillan LLP. Bernhard J Zinkhofer has been singled out for praise by peers and clients alike, with one client commenting on his “insightful advice and knowledge of the industry”. Darrell Podowski heads the firm’s mining group and advises companies on their resource law requirements, with a focus on South America. William Sheridan is a “legendary” practitioner and Barry Finlayson is “highly regarded”.
Marvin Singer at Macleod Dixon LLP is one of four exceptional lawyers at the firm. He has an international practice and regularly assists companies in negotiating with emerging markets’ governments. Darryl Levitt is involved in mining projects throughout the world, as is Crae Garrett, who has a particular focus on the CIS and Africa. James Coleman “deserves special recognition” for his work.
Stikeman Elliott LLP is another high profile firm in this practice area and Jay Kellerman leads the firm’s global mining practice. Having spent over 20 years focusing on securities, financing and M&A work for public and private entities, he is described as an “incredibly knowledgeable lawyer.” Michael Allen has a “great reputation” and Raymond McDougall’s practice focuses on securities.
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP features prominently in our research with four inclusions. John Sabine is praised for his “sophisticated practice” and has acted as counsel to Argonaut Gold and Still Water Mining Company. Described by peers as “one of the best”, Brian Abraham is the national co-chair of the firm’s mining group. His mining practice incorporates all phases of mining from exploration, development and production to reclamation. Frank Davis is an “insightful practitioner with extensive experience” and the “superb” Michael Melanson has acted as counsel to US Gold Corporation and Lexam Explorations.
Referred to as the “dean of the Ontario bar” Steve Vaughan at Heenan Blaikie LLP is a highly regarded mining specialist. His background in geology gives him a “distinct advantage” and with a career spanning over 40 years, he has been involved in natural resources transactions in more than 65 countries. Kevin Rooney also has a respected mining practice.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP places three lawyers in this chapter. Richard Miner is a “leading light” and is chair of the firm’s global mining group. Cameron Belsher is a recognised name in the industry and “great for getting cross-border equity deals completed.” Co-leader of the firm’s global mining group, clients describe Roger Taplin as “responsive, reliable and professional”.
At Blake Cassels & Graydon, Bob Wooder is credited for his “consistent standard of excellence in corporate finance and M&A transactions”. He is joined by the “talented” Michael McIntosh.
Lawson Lundell LLP also features two names. The “top-tier” Christopher Baldwin advises on acquisitions and dispositions of mines and mining companies, project development and mine operations throughout Canada. He also acts as an expert witness in mining related litigation. Accompanying him is Gordon R Chambers who heads the firm’s corporate finance and securities group.
The “exceptional” Eden Oliver at Bennett Jones LLP is praised for transactional and related regulatory work in the mining and energy sectors. Her clients include China Investment Corporation and Kinross Gold Corporation. At Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Fred Pletcher chairs the firm’s national mining group and acts for both Canadian and international mining companies. Kevin Thomson at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is a leading individual credited for his transactional experience in the mining sector.
Rodney A Snow is based in the Whitehorse office of Davis LLP and is “highly respected” for his work, which combines mining with environmental and aboriginal law expertise. At DuMoulin Black LLP, Corey Dean has a “superb” corporate and M&A practice for both natural resource and industrial issues.
Carmen Diges joined Miller Thompson LLP in late 2011, and is co-chair of its national mining group. She was described as a "first class practitioner" by our sources.
John McInnis, former managing partner of Edwards Kenny & Bray LLP, regularly advises mining and mineral exploration companies on a range of corporate, commercial and securities matters. At Ottenheimer, John Baker QC is “a definite for inclusion” and is recognised for his corporate and commercial work on behalf of mining and exploration companies. Based in the St John’s office of Stewart McKelvey, Colm St Roch Seviour enjoys a “great reputation”. Graham Scott of VECTOR Corporate Finance Lawyer offers an “impressive service” with practical experience gained from being an exploration geologist, combined with over 30 years as a resource and corporate finance lawyer.