Ian Coles

Ian has also been listed in The International Who's Who of Mining Lawyers and Project Finance Lawyers since 2009. He has been listed in this publication since 2006. Ian has also been included in the mining chapter of Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders – Global Elite, as well as being selected for inclusion in the Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist: African Specialists.

Ian joined Mayer Brown in 1981, becoming a partner in 1987 and is the author of numerous articles in connection with project finance.

• Advised Sumitomo Metals & Mining (acting in consortium with its partner, Sumitomo Corporation), on its US$1.2 billion acquisition of a minority shareholding in the Teck-owned, Quebrada Blanca Copper Project in Chile and advising SMM on the related US $2.5 billion project financing of the Quebrada Blanca phase 2 project.
• Advised Samsung C&T on a copper concentrate prepayment facility and offtake agreement with Orvana Minerals Corp in relation to the Don Mario mine in Bolivia.
• Cornish Lithium plc on a landmark £53.6 million investment made by a group of leading institutional investors, including the UK Infrastructure Bank (in its first direct equity investment), the US-based Energy & Minerals Group (EMG) and TechMet (Cornish Lithium's largest institutional investor). The funding package is intended to accelerate the company’s efforts to generate a supply of battery grade lithium compounds in the UK.
• Advised Tungsten West and its subsidiaries in relation to a financing package by Orion Resource Partners, which included a royalty payment to finance development, construction and operation of the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mining project in Devon, England. The project financing was arranged alongside the listing of Tungsten West on AIM which Mayer Brown also advised.
• Advised the lenders on a loan facility to Oriel Resources plc, a London based chrome and nickel mining and processing company for the Voskhod Chrome Project.
• Advised Centamin, whose principal asset is the Sukari Gold Mine in Egypt, as borrower in a US$150 million senior secured sustainability-linked revolving credit facility (with a US$50 million increase option) arranged by a consortium of lenders. Centamin operates gold mines in Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire.
• Advised African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), an organisation hosted by the AfDB on the review of mining legislation including conducting a capacity building workshop in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
• Advised a leading financial institution and an export credit agency on the review and negotiation of project documents (and amendments) and on the debt financing for the Dasa Uranium mining project in Niger.
• Advised Orion Resource Partners has entered into a metal streaming agreement in connection with the financing of the Platreef Mine in South Africa owned by Ivanhoe Mines.
• Advised Almonty in connection with the financing and development of the Sandgong tungsten mine project in South Korea.
• Advised the lenders in connection with the project financing for the SASA zinc, lead and silver mine located in North Macedonia. The team also acted on the subsequent changes to the financing following the acquisition of the project from Lynx Resources by Central Asia Metals.
• Advised a local mining developer in connection with the financing for the development of a copper project in Oman.

• Listed in the 'Hall of Fame' for Mining and Emerging Markets, Ian is "is world-class. Always on top of the file, fine legal mind, commercial and client driven." He "is an exceptional lawyer" and "is very knowledgeable in the mining space and in numerous geographies". Legal 500
• Ian Coles is an esteemed finance attorney with considerable experience advising clients in the mining industry on the financing of projects. He regularly advises on transactions involving projects based in Africa and Latin America. "He is a solution-oriented professional who always puts the client first." "Ian Coles is a project finance guru." "He is very knowledgeable, hands-on and has very good business acumen." Chambers UK: Mining
• "Key standout members of the [Mining] team are Ian Coles and Emma Sturt. The difference is the pragmatism and experience of working on both the lender and borrower side over many years on transactions in the sector. Experience can be found in several firms, but implementing and negotiating a sensible result is sometimes less of a focus; the MB team is responsive and pragmatic." "Ian Coles has a wealth of experience and is very pragmatic - always looking for a win-win solution to problems." The "well respected" Ian Coles "is highly skilled and trusted. He has a unique ability to look through a complex problem and to charter a potential course through it." Legal 500
• "Ian Coles and Rachel Speight are stand out members of the team. They "tick all the right boxes." All down to approachability, commercial acumen and legal experience with a focus on the specifics of the natural resources sector." "Strong leadership from Ian Coles and good strength in depth." "Ian Coles is particularly good. Smart, excellent problem solving skills. Always looking for win-win solutions." Legal 500: Mining
• Ian Coles is an esteemed finance attorney with considerable experience advising clients in the mining industry on the financing of projects. He regularly advises on transactions involving projects based in Africa and Latin America. "He's seen everything before and can very quickly steer you in the direction of a solution." "He's a very good lawyer who has lots of experience and is flexible in the way that he approaches issues." A client describes him as “unflappable, very experienced and an exceptionally good lawyer,” while another notes: “He is pragmatic and has a lot of knowledge at his fingertips.” Another says: "He's good at coming up with solutions and he cuts through a lot of noise to get to the key issues."Chambers UK: Mining
• "The firm is client-focused and deal-oriented. Senior partners Ian Coles and Rachel Speight are readily available to find solutions." "The firm is dedicated and hands on. Ian Coles is perhaps the most experienced mining finance lawyer in the City. Ian is always available when required and his broad experience is crucial in closing deals." Legal 500
• The "outstanding" Ian Coles is a true market leader, drawing widespread international acclaim. He consistently impresses clients with his "significant international experience". Who's Who Legal :Mining.
• "Always top class work from Ian." "A recognised expert, involved in the details of the files, keen to find a solution and not to create unnecessary issues, and supported by a talented team of junior lawyers." IFLR 1000
• Ian Coles is a hugely experienced mining lawyer and is well recognised among his peers. He regularly advises governments and banks on high-level project financing and has experience of advising on matters in a broad range of jurisdictions including Afghanistan and Ghana. One client says: "He is one of the best lawyers I have worked with. He is always looking for win-win solutions and is very commercial." He "is very knowledgeable, pragmatic and knows what is and isn’t acceptable in the market," report market sources. Chambers UK
• Inclusion in Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders: Mining Chapter. In this extremely selective new guide and according to their research, only the most highly regarded lawyers are featured – those who truly stand out in their field as being leaders and trailblazers, and who are held in the highest esteem by their clients and fellow practitioners.
• Mayer Brown’s London office is “absolutely top-tier”, gaining four listings alone. The “sensational” Ian R Coles heads the firm’s Africa and mining practice, and co-heads the project finance practice. One source states, “He is one of the most high-profile and experienced mining lawyers around,” while another adds, “It is a tough ask to find anyone else better equipped to handle complex cross-border transactions.” The firm also receives listings from its offices in Brazil and Texas. Who's Who Legal
• Ian Coles is a market leader with deep experience in the mining space, particularly in Afghanistan, Northern Europe and Africa. His focus includes high-level project financings for major mineral extraction projects, with one commentator noting that "host government advice is a real strength for him." Clients say: "His industry knowledge and practical nature are compelling." Chambers UK
• Chambers UK 2016 ranks 30 Mayer Brown practices and 48 lawyers.
• Mining & Minerals: Mayer Brown International LLP "has a very strong platform in the sector", and is best known for its project finance capabilities through team head Ian Coles, a longstanding and respected presence in the market. Legal 500
• Praised by sources for his skill in project finance and his "invaluable knowledge of law, his banking practice and his ability to contain heated negotiations." Ian is viewed as a "force to be reckoned with" by sources, who praise him for his comprehensive knowledge of mining projects and finance. Sources say: "He really understands mining projects. He is very experienced, and always very solutions-oriented." Chambers UK
• Ian is "hugely experienced in the space, and brings a great wealth of knowledge to any negotiation". Highly sought-after, Ian impresses with his excellent leadership skills, "great sector knowledge and good negotiation skills." He is "the best mining finance lawyer in London". He has "a longstanding pedigree in natural resources project finance" and is "head and shoulders above most in the City for mining finance" Legal 500
• "Eminent" team head Ian is singled out by clients as "the standout leading name for mining work".His "encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry" is highlighted by clients and peers and they describe him as "one of the perfect gentlemen of the mining world". "Very experienced and pragmatic", "thoughtful and thorough", peers dub Ian Coles "King Cole" for his "excellent ability and sensible approach" while clients praise his "unrivalled expertise regarding mining industry specifics". Ian is "probably the most experienced lawyer in this space". One client said "There were twists and turns in the deal when we needed a quick reaction, and he responded very quickly." "He knows how to negotiate points so they're a win/win" Legal 500
• Ian's long-standing status as one of the finest financiers in the market remains undiminished. He is "simply excellent", he is well known and respected as an "extremely talented" project lawyer. He is described as "hard to beat for mining finance experience" and "unquestionably a first-rate lawyer". "Transactions always run smoothly" when he is involved. He is "the best mining lawyer in the UK and probably globally," said one interviewee, adding: "He has a good intellect but also extensive experience."  Chambers UK
• Is "a significant figure in the firm's mining finance practice" who "boasts particular experience in project finance in the international mining arena" Legal 500
• Is recommended by Legal Media Group's Expert Guide series as one of the world's leading lawyers in project finance.