Dentons in Australia has over the last 15 months advised Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd (Ganfeng), one of the largest suppliers of battery grade lithium and lithium batteries in the world, to establish a US$170 million joint venture with Leo Lithium Limited (Leo Lithium) in respect of the Goulamina Lithium Project in Mali, West Africa (Goulamina Project). Further strengthening their leading position as one of the world’s largest lithium producers by production capacity.

Lead Partner David Perks, Corporate /Energy Resources comments “It is a privilege to continue to advise Ganfeng, as they expand their investment into Africa. This transaction further underpins Dentons’ extensive experience in the mining sector, as well as project development in Africa”.

Dentons continue to bring its global footprint to bear in this complex cross-border transaction advising Ganfeng in all aspects of the joint venture arrangements of the Goulamina Project; the requirement to be fully compliant and consistent across the legal regimes in multiple jurisdictions i.e. China (Hong Kong), Australia, Netherlands and Mali.

Playing a critical role in Australia were John Mollard (Partner, Corporate, Melbourne), Tim Lipscombe (Partner, Finance, Sydney) and Matt Clarke (Senior Associate, Corporate, Perth) and others in international offices.

Dentons in Australia has acted for Ganfeng in a series of transactions and investments following its initial Australian investment in the Mt Marion Lithium Mine in 2015 and are very pleased to again be able to assist Ganfeng in another significant cross-border transaction.