Stuart is a resources sector specialist. He has many years of experience in advising Australian and international companies on a range of transactions in the resources sector, including M&A, joint ventures, transport and infrastructure agreements and commodity sales arrangements.
Stuart has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating long-term high-value rail haulage and track access agreements for bulk commodities (including coal, iron ore and grain). He has advised clients on a number of significant rail infrastructure projects.
He was awarded Projects, Energy and Resources Partner of the Year in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards 2023. He is ranked in Chambers Asia-Pacific Legal Guide in the area of Energy & Natural Resources: Mining Australia. He is also listed in Best Lawyers in the areas of Corporate Law, Natural Resources Law, Mining Law, Oil & Gas Law, Energy Law, Water Law and Government Practice Law.
According to a client testimonial, “Stuart is an exceptionally user-friendly resources specialist with an excellent ability to cut through the noise and focus his clients’ attention on what they really need to know and how best to address it. His advice is highly commercial based on deep industry knowledge and experience. His drafting is clear, concise and creative.”
According to Chambers Asia-Pacific Legal Guide, “Stuart Clague is highly capable, experienced and responsive: it’s very easy to work with him and he gets great outcomes.”
Work highlights
M Infrastructure / Asia Bulk Logistics
$888 million acquisition of the OneRail East Coast Rail business from Aurizon.
Co-operative Bulk Handling
Long-term, high-value rail haulage agreement with Aurizon.
Peabody Energy
Numerous M&A transactions including the sale of the Millennium coal mine, the Wilkie Creek coal mine, the Burton coal mine, the Lenton coal project, the Broadmeadow East coal project, the Gundyer West coal project, the Millennium Wedge coal project, the Capricorn coal project and the Codrilla South coal project.
Confidential Australian Bidder
Multi-billion dollar bid to acquire BHP’s 100 per cent interest in Mt Arthur, 80 per cent interest in Poitrel and South Walker Creek, and 33.3 per cent interest in Cerrejon.
Confidential Foreign Bidder
Multi-billion dollar bid to acquire Illawarra Metallurgical Coal from South32.
Confidential Foreign Bidder
Multi-billion dollar bid to acquire Daunia and Blackwater from BHP and Mitsubishi.