Why You Need A Mining Lawyer
These laws differ from country to country, and mining operations may even exist on the border of two countries; the legal and regulatory challenges that emerge from these complex cross-border operations require well-researched and creative legal solutions. Our firm’s global mining group offers legal advice to companies doing business in Canada and South America, lending clarity to domestic and international mining projects.
Mining law may also differ between different territories within a given country. In Canada, mining operations may simultaneously fall under the authority of the federal government, the provincial or territorial government, and municipal regulations and by-laws; these complexities also exist internationally.
Financial law also has an important impact on mining companies, whether they have shares listed on capital markets or they are small, privately-financed junior mining companies.
Having a mining lawyer helps to ensure that your operations are being conducted legally, protecting you from potential legal troubles, all while giving you the foresight to predict and plan for regulatory hurdles that might impede your operations.
Our Mining Law Services
Property Acquisition & Exploration
Property acquisition for exploration and mining typically involves acquiring property, acquiring the rights to the minerals beneath that property, or both. Our firm can help you acquire property and the mineral rights on that property through the appropriate legal mechanisms, including claims, licences, and concessions. We can assist with structuring property acquisitions and dispositions and negotiating option agreements.
Before exploration can begin, mining companies may need to obtain approvals from relevant authorities; obtaining these approvals may require you to submit exploration plans, obtain permits from the authorities in question, or both. Our firm can help you identify the relevant authorities and regulations, navigate the requirements in the jurisdiction in question, and review materials before they are submitted to help avoid costly delays.
Mine Development & Operation
There are several potential legal hurdles to overcome when developing and operating a mine. Mining operations may need to consider:
Requirements may differ substantially from region to region. Our firm can help you understand the laws and regulations that will govern the development and operation of mines in the region where you operate or plan to operate. We have an in-depth understanding of the regulations pertaining to project construction, service, and supply arrangements.
Mining M&A & Corporate Finance
Regulations governing foreign investment and ownership play an important role in determining who can own and participate in mining operations in regions around the world.
Our firm works with mining clients on mergers and acquisitions transactions, joint ventures, and capital raising, including:
We review laws in all relevant territories to ensure that transactions are structured in compliance with local requirements, and conduct detailed reviews of all transactional documents prior to their submission. We can assist companies with public and private financings, royalty and streaming agreements, and other project finance agreements.
Our firm can also help companies structure the terms that will establish the corporate governance of a joint venture, including the responsibilities of the operator of that venture.
Whether you’re seeking to make strategic alliances through a joint venture agreement or you’re looking for your first round of funding, you can contact Licata Law for advice on mining project finance law.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
Environmental regulations can impact several facets of a mining venture, including:
Mining projects are often developed in remote and environmentally sensitive areas. Regulations may impose limits on emissions, require companies to take measures to protect waterways and ecosystems, and restrict where exploration and operations can take place.
Our firm can help you identify applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, review materials before they are submitted to relevant authorities, and develop reporting standards compliant with applicable obligations, including coordination with regulatory bodies and government authorities (where required).
Indigenous & First Nations Engagement
Engagement with indigenous communities has become a defining feature of establishing mining operations in several countries. In Canada, consultations with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people are common before mining projects can begin. The consultation process can play a critical role in project viability.
Our firm can help you determine which indigenous groups must be consulted before your mining project is approved; we can provide support in negotiations with these groups.
Mining Sectors We Serve
We support clients across the mining sector at all stages of the project lifecycle, including:
We also work with companies involved in a range of commodity types, including:
Our Mining Expertise
Why Choose Licata Law For Mining Legal Services
Licata Law provides legal services to small, medium, and large mining companies, operating domestically or internationally. We support companies at every phase of the mining lifecycle, from prospecting to site rehabilitation.
Our knowledge of legal requirements, risks, and regulations can help your company:
Contact Us Today
Our firm is here to provide assistance to your company, no matter what phase of the mining lifecycle you are in. For legal advice pertaining to a specific case or for ongoing legal counsel, contact us today.