Robert Milbourne

Background

About Robert Milbourne

Executive, international lawyer, and creative problem solver focused on the mining and natural resources sector. My experience spans most commodities, in over 20 jurisdictions around the world, including operational stages from exploration to closure and post mine life use. My passion is to help transition the mining sector into a development industry that improves ecosystems and communities through profitable operations today while ensuring vibrant post mine life futures tomorrow. I am an adjunct professor of mining law, have published in the sector and serve as a strategic advisor to stakeholders throughout the world. I thrive on challenges - whether developing operations and regulations for polymetalic nodules in the deepest parts of the oceans - where I worked with a deepsea mining startup (which has now listed on Nasdaq), or complex financial restructuring including leading a management buyout of a nickel mine in Brazil. I have enjoyed advising governments to assist their reform of mining law and policy, including as Myanmar, PNG, Saudi Arabia and Australia. My commercial expertise focuses on leading and executing transactions including financings, off takes, restructurings, ESG, new ventures, corporate governance, joint ventures and related corporate transactions. I have served as MD of a listed company, chaired companies planning to list, advised non profits, and have helped lead teams that deliver exceptional results. While trained as a lawyer I bring commercial, strategic and innovative thinking to a rapidly changing industry and welcome collaborations and partnerships to further the vision of using mineral resources as a catalyst for economic, social, and environmental enhancement - bringing a better world closer. I started my career at the US Foreign Service in Beijing where I assisted business and government delegations, then at the PwC Global Training Centre where I learned SAP consulting and finance software implementation, and then at the UN in Geneva where I learned human rights law, before starting my juris doctorate. Following graduation I began as a lawyer in the multilateral development bank project finance market with a focus on political risk insurance. I entered the mining sector as a lead lawyer at Vale and then equity partner of two international law firms before starting a consultancy that has since advised governments and startups and other stakeholders throughout the world.