Cromarty Resources Pty Ltd v Thalanga Copper Mines Pty Ltd [2021] NSWCA 284

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Cromarty Resources Pty Ltd v Thalanga Copper Mines Pty Ltd [2021] NSWCA 284 Hearing dates: 4 November 2021 Date of orders: 19 November 2021 Decision date: 19 November 2021 Before: Bell P at [1]; Meagher JA at [2]; Payne JA at [88]. Decision: 1. Dismiss the appeal 2. Order that the appellants pay the respondent's costs Catchwords: CONTRACTS — construction — where agreement to pay royalty following "actual sale" of mineral — where royalty a percentage of "net sales realisation" amount — whether "actual sale" occurs when title passes to buyer — whether "net sales realisation" is after deduction of sales realisation expenses CONTRACTS — termination — where breach of time stipulation for making of payment — where demand made after giving further time for payment — whether breach of essential term justifying termination — whether repudiatory conduct evincing an unwillingness to render substantial performance Cases Cited: Ankar Pty Ltd v National Westminster Finance (Australia) Ltd (1987) 162 CLR 549; [1987] HCA 15 Federal Commissioner of Taxation v Sherritt Gordon Mines Ltd (1977) 137 CLR 612; [1977] HCA 48 Hongkong Fir Shipping Co Ltd v Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd [1962] 2 QB 26 Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council v Sanpine Pty Ltd (2007) 233 CLR 115; [2007] HCA 61 Laurinda Pty Ltd v Capalaba Park Shopping Centre Pty Ltd (1989) 166 CLR 623; [1989] HCA 23 Louinder v Leis (1982) 149 CLR 509; [1982] HCA 28 Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd (2019) 267 CLR 560; [2019] HCA 32 McDonald v Dennys Lascelles Ltd (1933) 48 CLR 457; [1933] HCA 25 Mount Bruce Mining Pty Ltd v Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd (2015) 256 CLR 104; [2015] HCA 37 Spar Shipping AS v Grand China Logistics Holding (Group) Co Ltd [2016] 2 Lloyd's Rep 447 Stanton v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1955) 92 CLR 630; [1955] HCA 56 Sunbird Plaza Pty Ltd v Maloney (1988) 166 CLR 245; [1988] HCA 11 Tramways Advertising Pty Ltd v Luna Park (NSW) Ltd (1938) 38 SR (NSW) 632 United Scientific Holdings Ltd v Burnley Borough Council [1978] AC 904 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Cromarty Resources Pty Ltd (first appellant) Red River Resources Ltd (second appellant) Thalanga Copper Mines Pty Ltd (respondent) Representation: Counsel: JC Kelly SC with AJ Barnett (appellants) A McGrath SC with T Jonker (respondent)