Natural Resources
Oil & Gas
Our lawyers have extensive technical and commercial backgrounds with hands-on experience in the government, regulatory, and private sector. We have worked with over 50 upstream start-ups, majors, contractors, government bodies and regulatory authorities covering regions from the North Sea and Eastern Europe through the Middle East, West Africa, South America, the Caribbean and Australasia.
We assist on a range of matters within the sector including: corporate asset acquisitions and divestments, petroleum agreements, unconventional (shale gas licensing, permitting, drilling and production), regulatory matters, dispute resolution (litigation, arbitration and mediation), and other general corporate matters.
Notable Matters Undertaken by our Lawyers
- Acted as project counsel for the development of a water-based mud plant in an Omani oilfield, advising on project documentation, the Istisna agreement, and project financing arrangements.
- Provided legal advice on the establishment of an oilfield services project in Africa for a regional oil and gas technology company.
- Represented a European energy company in the negotiation of farm-in and farm-out agreements for upstream oil and gas assets.
- Acted for an Asia-Pacific-based energy company in high-stakes arbitration proceedings concerning a multi-billion-dollar corporate dispute.
- Advised on the sale of production assets for a UK-based mid-sized oil and gas company, including transactional structuring and documentation.
- Provided ongoing legal support to European energy companies (both major and junior) in connection with asset acquisitions and disposals, project finance, joint operating agreements, and cross-border arbitration matters.
- Advised a local holding entity on the renewal of an oil and gas exploration concession agreement under the updated Omani Exploration Production and Sharing Agreement (EPSA) framework.
- Supported a Southeast Asian holding company in relation to its public listing, including due diligence of its Omani oil and gas subsidiary, review of asset ownership, compliance with local licensing requirements, and evaluation under the applicable EPSA.
- Advised a regional marine and port services company on the formation of a joint venture with a local Omani partner for the provision of tugging and towage services at an LNG port facility.
- Acted on a cross-border joint venture involving the development of a refined products pipeline project in Oman, advising on the establishment of the project company and the associated infrastructure development arrangements.
Minerals
Our lawyers have extensive experience advising on the mining and natural resources sectors. We regularly provide guidance on mining licenses and concessions, as well as assist clients across the entire value chain, including upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. Our expertise also includes advising on environmental matters related to mining operations and resource extraction.
Notable Matters Undertaken by our Lawyers
- Advised on the structuring of the supply of key project components under a BOOT model and the preparation of contract documents for a mining-related project.
- Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence on a local mining company in connection with the acquisition of a government stake and provided advice on the investment structure.
- Provided legal counsel on the acquisition of a stake in an Omani mining company, the establishment of a joint venture for a downstream project involving the development of a multi-kiln lime processing plant in the Salalah Free Zone, and the acquisition of a shareholding in another lime plant within the same zone.
