Nick Thorne Partner

Nick is an energy, resources and corporate lawyer with particular expertise in mining, oil and gas, and M&A transactions in the sector.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Nick advises multinational and national clients on their most significant resources, energy and renewables projects and transactions. Nick’s mining and oil and gas experience spans both Australia and Papua New Guinea. He is one of very few dual Australian and PNG qualified lawyers with extensive resources experience.

Nick has previously held senior positions both in-house and at other major law firms. Most recently he was Head of Legal – Asia Pacific at one of the world’s leading gold and copper mining companies.

Experience

Recent deals

Porgera gold mine

Acted for Barrick (Niugini) Limited on their successful negotiations with the Independent State of Papua New Guinea for the reopening of the Porgera Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea.

Millennium coal mine

Acted for MetRes (a joint venture between M Resources and Stanmore Resources) in its acquisition of the Millenium coal mine from Peabody Energy.

Bougainville gold and copper project

Acted for a confidential client in relation to its proposed investment in a gold and copper project in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

PNG oil and gas assets

Acted for a confidential bidder in relation to its proposed acquisition of Repsol’s oil and gas assets in Papua New Guinea.

Meteor Downs South Project

Acted for U&D Mining in relation to its farm in and joint venture with Sojitz Coal Mining in respect of the Meteor Downs South Project.

BP

Acted for BP on various divestments including the sale of its Bulwer Island Gas terminal assets to Origin Energy.

Recognition

Career & qualifications

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne

  • Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 27 March 2004 and has held a Queensland Practising Certificate since 1 July 2013.

  •  Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria on 14 May 2001.

  • Admitted as a lawyer in Papua New Guinea on 15 September 2017.