Brian E. Abraham Q.C., P.Geo., Partner

Brian is the National Co-Chair of FMC’s Mining Group. His mining practice involves all phases of mining from exploration, development and production through to reclamation. He provides advice on all forms of title reviews, options, leases, purchase and joint-venture agreements during the early phases of mineral exploration and permitting. He also advises on socioeconomic, engineering, consulting, construction, operator, equity and debt financing, smelter, processing agreements during the development and production phases and reclamation agreements in the reclamation phase.

Within his practice area, Brian acts domestically and internationally for junior, mid-sized and major explorers, developers and producers as well as engineering, mining and geological consultants, individuals, prospectors, organizations, syndicates and financiers (debt and equity) in private and public financing. He has also participated in background studies for mineral legislation in British Columbia and other Canadian jurisdictions and advised foreign governments regarding the preparation and implementation of mining legislation. Brian advises clients and prepares opinions on complex legal mineral titles issues in B.C. as well as litigation involving title matters, right-to-mine, valuation, expropriation matters and aboriginal issues.

He has acted for clients involved in transactions in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Brian has also acted for clients in energy-related projects in Canada, the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America with particular emphasis on coal bed methane projects. As part of FMC’s Mining Group, he also addresses taxation, regulatory, employment, transportation, construction, securities and corporate matters.

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Brian participates in background studies for mineral legislation in British Columbia and other Canadian jurisdictions and advises foreign governments regarding the preparation and implementation of mining legislation. He has expertise in various forms of mining agreements for all phases of mining including exploration, development and production for clients involved in domestic and foreign transactions and projects. Brian advises clients with the preparation of opinions on complex legal mineral titles issues in B.C. He also advises clients on litigation issues involving title matters, right-to-mine, valuation, expropriation matters and aboriginal issues.

Brian has acted for clients involved in transactions in the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela and Yemen.

As well, Brian has extensive work experience in regards to mining-related matters for clients carrying out exploration. He has been involved in the preparation of background materials and legislation for the Governments of Canada, British Columbia, Nunavut and Guinea Bissau.

Representative Work
Teaching Roles
Past Adjunct Professor (Mining Law), UBC
Thesis Advisor to the first student to receive a Ph.D in Mineral Economics in the Mineral Processing Department of the Engineering Faculty (UBC)
Prior Speaking Engagements
Presenter, “The Merger and Acquisition Process”, Royal Bank, November 2011
Presenter, “Joint Venture Overview”, 29th International Mining Convention, Acapulco, Mexico, October 2011
Presenter, “Due Diligence – Looking for Gold in the Paper”, Continuing Legal Education of BC, Vancouver, October 6, 2011
Presenter, "Pitfalls in 43-101 Report Composition" and "Due Diligence - Creating the Framework", FMC Mining Seminar, Vancouver, September 28, 2011
Presenter, Presentation on China, Association of Canadian General Counsel, September 2011
Contact Information
Vancouver
+1 604 443 7134
brian.abraham@fmc-law.com
Year of Call
1971 (British Columbia); 1980 (Yukon)
Education
P.Geo, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C., 1993
University of British Columbia, LL.B., 1970
University of British Columbia, B.Sc. Geology, 1967
Languages Spoken
English