Mineral & mining law solicitors
Our specialist mining solicitors have a combined experience of more than 100 years advising across all aspects of minerals-related matters in the UK, ranging from coal to gold.
Overview
From coal to gold
Our team provides innovative, commercial advice on all aspects of matters arising across the full spectrum of mineral extraction activities – from exploration or acquisition through the planning process, mine development and operation, to restoration of a site.
We act for businesses throughout the industry, from mining companies and contractors to suppliers and landowners.
We act for clients in Scotland and further afield, acting for both international mining companies and major operators in the domestic gold and coal mining arena.
From planning permission and property advice to advice on securing funding, mineral rights and construction and engineering contracts, our extensive experience allows us to provide a full service to our clients.
Key contacts
THE TEAM
Services
Our Services
Advising Landowners on proposed Mining Projects
Overview
We regularly advise clients on proposed mining projects to be carried out on their land by mineral operators and in addition to adjusting option agreements and mineral leases we have particular expertise in negotiating
- planning agreements including Section 75 agreements with planning authorities and developers;
- restoration securities to ensure that restoration and after care requirements at the end of the minerals lease are fulfilled even on the default of the quarry operators.
We have considerable experience of dealing with interpreting mineral reservations in titles.
Mine and Quarry Development
Overview
We advise developers in relation to all aspects of proposed development. We have built up expertise in mining work being the exclusive advisors to Scottish Resources Group and ATH which at one time accounted for over 90% of the surface coal mining in Scotland. We now advise a number of gold mining companies, this being testament to our ability to provide specialist advice across a spectrum of mining activities.
Mineral Leases
Overview
We have considerable expertise in negotiating mineral leases and the prospecting/option agreements which proceed the grant of mineral leases and have established good relationships with leading mineral agents.
Acquisition of Sites of Former Open Cast Coal Mines
Overview
We have acted for Forestry and Land Scotland in the acquisition of various remediated and restored sites obliging the sellers to comply with a robust restoration specification prior to our clients completing the acquisition. The restored land will be used for woodland creation thus hugely enhancing the aesthetic profile of the land and reducing the carbon footprint.
Work
Our work
Land agreements for exploration
Negotiating planning agreements
Negotiating lease for quarry site
Restoration of sites
Land agreements for exploration
Overview
We have acted for developers on land agreements with the owners of land to permit our to carry out prospecting works with a view to establishing the existence of workable reserves of gold and other metals.
We have negotiated several leases for the extraction of stone. In particular we currently advise Forestry and Land Scotland in respect of leases being granted by them to Balfour Beatty in relation to the extraction of stone required to construct various access roads to facilitate the installation of an overhead power line over FLS and other land to service major wind development schemes in mid-Argyll.
Negotiating planning agreements
Overview
We acted on behalf of the client in connection with its application to amend its planning permission so as to permit it to move beyond the trial extraction and ore processing and to permit it to move into general production, and to extend the life of the project from the initial period to an extended time frame.
Negotiating lease for quarry site
Overview
We acted on behalf of our client in connection with the negotiation of a lease of a Quarry from the Crown Estate Scotland (Interim Management) following the failure of an earlier tenant.
Restoration of sites
Overview
Advising land owners and local authorities regarding the restoration and aftercare requirements and negotiating security documentation to ensure that such restoration would be fulfilled even in the event of default by a quarry operator.
We are currently acting on behalf of Forestry and Land Scotland in the acquisition of sites in East Ayrshire which are currently undergoing remediation and restoration. The restored land will be used for planning and woodland creation.
CONTACT US
Call us for free on 0330 159 5555 or complete our online form below to submit your enquiry or arrange a call back.