Overview
The energy and resources sector is undergoing structural change: fuel supply challenges, net-zero commitments, expansion of critical mineral supply chains, deployment of large-scale renewable generation and transmission infrastructure, and the managed decline of coal-fired power.
Thomsons advises on the legal, regulatory and commercial frameworks governing energy and resources projects across the value chain. Work spans development, financing, operation and transition, in Australia and offshore, including jurisdictions carrying significant regulatory or tenure risk. The team covers the full lifecycle of energy and resources projects, drawing on the firm's construction, corporate, capital markets, environment and planning, and disputes practices as required.
- Energy transition investments: Major new investments in power generation, storage, and transmission are reshaping market design and regulatory oversight.
- Grid and planning challenges: Grid connection, system security, and planning approvals have become key determinants of project viability.
- Critical minerals demand: Global demand for lithium, nickel, cobalt, rare earths, and graphite is driving exploration, consolidation, and downstream processing (with government policies promoting domestic value-adding).
- Climate policy reforms: Reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism, National Electricity Market design, ESG reporting, and environmental protection laws are affecting capital allocation and project risk profiles.
- Gas market dynamics: East coast gas supply constraints and price volatility are influencing investment decisions, even as decarbonisation policies shape the LNG outlook.
- Capital markets interest: Strong gold prices and other factors are fuelling continued interest from foreign issuers in ASX listings and dual listings, leading to consolidation and capital raising activity.
Areas of expertise
Our experience
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation – Pilbara renewable projects
Advised Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation on large-scale renewable generation and storage projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Work included negotiating land access agreements, managing Native Title negotiations, structuring joint ventures, and planning grid integration.
Marinus Link – A$6.5 billion undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector
Advised Samsung C&T and DT Infrastructure on the Marinus Link project (a proposed interconnector between Victoria and Tasmania). Our advice covered procurement strategy, allocation of delivery risks, and securing the necessary regulatory approvals.
Flyers Creek Wind Farm (NSW) – Construction dispute
Advised Elecnor Australia in disputes arising from the construction of the Flyers Creek Wind Farm in New South Wales. We managed claims and resolved construction defect issues through negotiation.
Tamboran Resources – Beetaloo Basin Gas Project
Advised Tamboran Resources on development strategy and capital raising for a major shale gas project in the Beetaloo Basin, NT. Our support included navigating regulatory approvals and stakeholder engagement.
Nacap – Gas pipeline disputes
Acted for Nacap in disputes related to major gas pipeline projects (Barossa LNG and Northern Goldfields pipelines). We focused on claims involving delays, contract variations, and enforcement of contractual obligations.
Uranium sector transactions – Asset deals across Australia and Canada
Advised Boss Energy on capital raisings and acquisitions to support uranium production and expansion. We also advised exploration companies on mergers and consolidation of uranium assets across Canadian and Australian portfolios.
Mergers and acquisitions – Australia and cross-border
Acted on various Australian and cross-border transactions including Westgold Resources on its merger with Karora Resources and Warriedar Resources on its merger with Capricorn Metals.
Gold projects – Capital raisings
Advised gold miners, developers and explorers on capital raisings, streaming arrangements, and acquisitions in Australia and overseas.
Rare earths andcritical minerals – Mergers, IPOs and capital raisings
Acted for Piedmont Lithium in its merger with Sayona Mining. We also advised critical minerals companies with projects in Australia, Brazil and North America on IPOs, dual listings, and capital raisings. We advised IperionX on raising capital to expand its titanium production in the United States.
Dual listings – Listings on the ASX
Advised various foreign issuers (such as Marimaca Copper and Orezone Gold Corporation) on their dual listings on the ASX. Our role included coordinating with market regulators to ensure compliance with Australian listing requirements.