12/07/2017

Gilbert + Tobin and Maddocks have jointly advised Kidman Resources Ltd in its successful defence of the company’s $200 million-plus Mt Holland Lithium Project.

Marindi Metals Limited claimed that it had agreed to acquire Kidman’s lithium rights based on an exchange of emails and text messages in April 2016. 

Marindi commenced the proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in November 2016, but on Friday Justice Kenneth Martin dismissed Marindi’s claim stating “that no binding or concluded contractual agreement was ever reached".

Gilbert + Tobin Litigation Partner Tim O’Leary said that Gilbert + Tobin and Maddocks had worked together collaboratively and seamlessly to prepare Kidman’s case for trial. 

“We aimed to have the key allegations heard as soon as possible, worked closely with Ron Smooker and Katherine Styles of Maddocks, and are delighted with this result for Kidman and its shareholders. 

“We briefed Grant Donaldson SC, who presented a compelling case for Kidman at trial, and the Court dismissed Marindi’s claim 5 weeks later – just 7 months after the claim was lodged,” he said.

Tim O’Leary led the Gilbert + Tobin team, supported by Senior Associate Lauren Shave and Graduate Jessica Edmeades.

The Earl Grey discovery at Mt Holland is one of the world’s largest undeveloped lithium deposits.  Kidman has today announced a 50:50 joint venture with Sociedad Química Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM) to develop the Mt Holland Lithium Project, including a plan to build a downstream lithium refinery in Western Australia.

 

About Gilbert + Tobin Perth

Independent corporate law firm, Gilbert + Tobin’s Perth team are leading advisors to the energy and resources sectors – through the full lifecycle from junior explorers to multi-national, blue-chip corporates.

The Perth team includes some of Australia’s best corporate legal, and litigation talent, with the depth and breadth of expertise to provide clear, decisive legal solutions to clients on all matters – routine and complex.

Gilbert + Tobin continues to expand and invest in its Perth team in response to clients’ legal advice needs, with several prominent new partners joining the Perth practice in 2016, bringing the team to 36 including 11 partners.

Gilbert + Tobin is a leader in innovation in the business of law, using new data-driven technologies to offer more efficient and cost-effective legal services.  The Firm is a recognised Employer of Choice for gender equality and a member of Pride in Diversity, Australia’s leading workplace program for inclusion of LGBTI employees.

Pro-bono work is a vital part of who we are and what we do - with a focus on assisting indigenous people and communities, people with disabilities and refugees. Our lawyers undertake work in a range of areas including discrimination, employment, housing and asylum matters.

 

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