“The refinery is contributing to the economic development of PNG, a country that is rich in energy and resources, but is currently a net exporter,” Clarke said. “Now, PNG is capable of onshore processing and can leave money in the country.” PNG-based partner Winifred Kamit is also part of the team acting for InterOil.

Nicol Robinson Halletts will provide advice on a range of project contracts for the Pooncarie mine site and mineral processing plant. The Pooncarie project will incorporate the Ginkgo deposit in the Murray Basin and focus on zircon and rutile resources. It will position Bemax as a significant producer of mineral sands in Australia. Jayne Steele will lead the Nicol Robinson Halletts corporate and resources team on preparation of construction and operational contracts for the project.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison advised Microsoft Corporation on its joint venture with Shanghai Alliance Investment Limited (SAIL), which was granted a licence to operate a nationwide internet information service business in China. The joint venture, Shanghai MSN Network Communications Technology Company Limited (Shanghai MSN) will operate a version of the MSN Portal tailored for China and various MSN- branded instant messaging, web, email and search services.

The firm also advised Microsoft Corporation on the acquisition of assets from, and entering into exclusive arrangements with, Shenzhen Municipality Tsinghua Shenxun Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd, a prominent Chinese mobile software and services company.