Mining Sector Solicitor – Commercial & Contentious

About the role

DLA Piper is seeking a qualified Solicitor to join its Perth team, focusing on commercial and contentious matters within the mining sector. This role offers exposure to high‑profile, cross‑border projects and the chance to develop expertise in a fast‑growing industry.

Key responsibilities

• Assist AVZ Minerals with return‑for‑shareholder strategies for the Manono Lithium Project, including ICSID and ICC arbitration.
• Advise POSCO on acquiring a minority interest in Mineral Resources' lithium operations.
• Support a private‑equity fund in capital deployment across Australian mines and metals.
• Provide counsel to the WA mining industry on Shire rate liabilities for miscellaneous licence holders.
• Guide acquisitions of operating copper mines in Kazakhstan and manage tenement portfolios for gold miners, including Mining Warden proceedings.
• Implement an Asian steel‑maker’s green‑steel vision in Australia and advise on South American brine‑lithium development.
• Assist with renewable‑energy project acquisitions, split‑commodity arrangements, and the global expansion of a leading mining contractor.
• Handle tenure and approvals for an underground compressed‑air storage facility and support administrators in distressed mining project sales.
• Contribute to drafting the Somali Mining Act and Regulations.

Required profile

• Solicitor qualified in Australia or another Commonwealth jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in mining law.
• Commercially minded with the ability to work collaboratively in a high‑performance team.
• Proactive, confident in using own initiative, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills

• Arbitration and dispute resolution.
• Contract negotiation and drafting.
• Regulatory compliance within the mining sector.
• Legal research and advisory on cross‑border transactions.

What we offer

• Comprehensive training and continuous professional development programmes.
• Access to a diverse client base and a wide range of mining‑related matters.
• An inclusive, diverse workplace that values individual perspectives.
• Opportunities for global exposure and career progression within a leading international law firm.