INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF A MINING EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT LICENSE

Despite the existence of an arbitration clause, the Malian partner of Canadian and Australian companies initiated numerous procedures to frustrate and terminate further development of one of the largest African gold mining projects (with investments exceeding USD 320 million USD). Together with local counsel, LLB plead in multiple parallel proceedings in Mali (Commercial Court, TGI, enforcement judge, seizures, etc.) and allowed our clients to facilitate alternative negotiations resulting in negotiated settlement and the fulfilment of the investment project. The settlement was achieved in large part due to LLB advice to initiate an ad hoc mediation by the Malian authorities appointed by the Minister of Mines allowing the license and all contractual arrangements to be renewed and develop the new mine. MALI | CANADA | AUSTRALIA