Legal Practice Area

Mining & Natural Resources

Expert legal advisory for mining companies, investors, and government entities across Nigeria's solid minerals and natural resources sector — from exploration licences to production and export.

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Overview

Unlocking Nigeria's solid minerals potential

Our Mining & Natural Resources practice advises mining companies, local and international investors, and government entities on all aspects of Nigeria's solid minerals sector. Nigeria is richly endowed with gold, iron ore, limestone, coal, zinc, and a range of other commercially significant minerals.

We guide clients through the Mining Act licensing framework administered by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastre Office — from exploration licences and small-scale mining leases through to large-scale mining leases and processing plant licences.

Our team combines legal expertise with an understanding of the commercial and technical realities of mining operations, providing practical advice that enables our clients to develop Nigeria's mineral wealth efficiently and compliantly.

What We Handle

Key Areas of Practice

Mining Licences & Permits

Exploration licences, quarrying licences, small-scale and large-scale mining leases, and processing plant licences under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Mining Acquisition & Divestment

Legal due diligence, transaction structuring, and SPA negotiation for acquisitions of mining rights and operating mining companies.

Mining Joint Ventures

JV structuring, joint operating agreements, off-take arrangements, and royalty agreements for mining projects across Nigeria.

Environmental & Community

Environmental impact assessments, environmental compliance, host community engagement, and social licence obligations for mining operators.

Export & Trade

Mineral export permits, customs compliance, trade finance, and commodity sale and purchase agreements for mineral exporters.

Regulatory Disputes

Representing mining companies in licence disputes, regulatory enforcement actions, and arbitration of mining contract disputes.

Our Methodology

Turning mineral rights into commercial reality

Licence Due Diligence

We verify the status, validity, and encumbrances on existing mining rights to ensure a clean acquisition and identify any outstanding obligations.

Regulatory Strategy

We map the applicable licensing requirements and develop a clear pathway through the MCO and Ministry approval processes for your project.

Transaction & Documentation

We structure and document mining transactions — from JVA and off-take agreements to financing documents and security packages.

Ongoing Compliance

We provide ongoing compliance support — lease renewals, reporting obligations, environmental compliance, and community engagement frameworks.