Norton Rose Fulbright advises Bluejay Mining Plc on ground-breaking JV with KoBold Metals

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Bluejay Mining Plc on its ground-breaking joint venture with KoBold Metals.

KoBold Metals is a mineral exploration company that uses machine learning to guide exploration for new deposits rich in the critical materials required for electric vehicles. The joint venture will bring together Kobold’s proprietary technology and Bluejay’s operational and field experience to allow for the exploration of the Disko-Nuussuaq nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum magmatic sulphide project in Greenland. Principal investors in KoBold include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate & technology fund, overseen by Bill Gates, and whose investors include Michael Bloomberg, Jeff Bezos, and Ray Dalio. Other investors in KoBold include Andreessen Horowitz, the premier Silicon Valley venture capital fund and Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company.

London-based partner, Dan Giemajner, commented:

“We are delighted to have assisted Bluejay in securing this innovative tie-up with KoBold Metals. The use of machine learning to guide exploration for battery metals is just one interesting example of the growing uses of technology in mining.”

“The JV is a great outcome for all parties and we look forward to working with the Bluejay team to help develop their other assets, including Dundas in Greenland. It’s a dynamic time for Bluejay and the mining industry more generally. The emergence of entities like KoBold is evidence of the growing demand for battery metals from a much broader cast of players. Finding ways to satisfy demand whilst preserving core economics and ESG credentials is going to be key for any mining company operating in this space.”

The London-based team was also led by partner Nick Adams and included senior associate Josh Temkin.