Freshfields Advised South32 On The Sale Of Its Cerro Matoso Nickel Operations
Global law firm Freshfields has advised the globally diversified mining and metals company South32 on selling its Cerro Matoso asset — an integrated nickel laterite open pit mine and smelter located in northern Colombia — together with South32’s connected energy trading business, to global industrial group CoreX Holding.
This transaction supports South32’s strategic focus on reshaping its portfolio to concentrate on higher-margin operations in minerals and metals vital for the energy transition. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals and an internal restructuring process.
The Freshfields team working on the deal was led by Samira Afrasiabi (Partner) and Alon Gordon (Partner), assisted by Martha Davis (Senior Associate), Olesya Dianov (Senior Associate), and Caitlin Turner (Associate).
Caroline Richard (Partner), María Julia Milesi (Counsel), and Rosario Galardi (Senior Associate) handled issues related to royalty proceedings. Tax matters were managed by May Smith (Partner) and Ben Rees (Associate). Alastair Chapman (Partner) and Charles Partridge (Associate) advised on regulatory aspects. Transitional issues were overseen by David Brooks (Partner) and Katie Sa (Associate), while employment and pensions advice was provided by Andrew Murphy (Partner) and Rebecca Webster (Senior Associate).
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