President Donald Trump on April 24, 2025, issued an executive order, "Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources" (the EO), that aims to promote the development of offshore critical minerals in the oceans...more
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders in furtherance of his policy aims, including orders relating to offshore critical minerals, workforce development, government efficiency, and civil rights. Meanwhile,...more
As the world moves toward cleaner energy, lithium has become crucial, powering electric vehicles and renewable-energy storage systems. With lithium demand set to increase more than 40-fold by 2040, the race to extract this...more
Earlier this summer, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued a decision affirming the lower court’s decision that the Mining Law of 1872 does not impose a limit on the number of mill sites that a mining claimant may...more
We have been following the International Seabed Authority (“ISA”) Council’s negotiations and drafting of the Exploitation Rules, Regulations and Procedures (“Exploitation RRPs”) for the deep seabed beyond national...more
On July 10, 2024, Grassy Narrows First Nation (Grassy Narrows) launched a challenge against Ontario’s Mining Act (the Mining Act), claiming that the system for granting mining claims pursuant to the legislation (the Mining...more
Deep-sea mining activities on the seabed and ocean floor beyond national waters are a risky and capital-intensive venture. The unpredictability of little-known ecosystems and environmental impacts translate into regulatory...more
As outlined in the first installment of our series, "Striking the Balance: Permitting Reforms for Mining and the Energy Transition", to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, mining development is essential for providing the...more
À compter du 6 mai 2024, il sera désormais nécessaire d’obtenir une autorisation pour travaux d’exploration à impacts (une « ATI ») auprès du ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (le « Ministère ») avant de...more
Beginning on May 6, 2024, an authorization (ATI) from the Quebec ministry responsible for mines, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF), will be required before conducting impact-causing exploration work...more
The U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) released a final rule that will protect millions of acres of Alaskan wildness from the development of oil, gas and minerals. Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which...more
Mined materials are in the products we use every day—our cars, jewelry, phones, laptops, and buildings—and technology for the energy transition means that more of these materials are needed for wind, solar, and electric...more
On March 28, 2024, the federal government announced, amid market uncertainty, that it would be extending the 15 percent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) for investors in flow-through shares for one additional year, until...more
El Gobierno Nacional de Colombia modificó mediante el Decreto 0242 de 2024 las tarifas de retención y autorretención aplicables a las empresas del sector minero y de hidrocarburos. Estas modificaciones fueron realizadas con...more
It has been a little over a year and a half since the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) promoted by the Biden Administration, and critical mineral producers and their investors are rushing to find ways to...more
Landowner and mineral owner (that includes you, lessee): Under ETC Texas Pipeline, Ltd. v. Ageron Energy, LLC, your right to sue for damages for tort or trespass could pass into history before you even know you have a claim....more
By now, most Canadian mining companies ought to be aware of the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the Act) which came into force on January 1, 2024. The Act imposes a reporting obligation...more
The Namibian government established a new licensing system for the oil and mining sectors, in order to address a backlog of applications which had developed over recent years. In this Legal Update, we examine some provisions...more
In Texas, no. Read on to learn why. In Nortex Minerals LP v. Blackbeard Operating LLC et al, the question was the meaning of this limited assignment provision in the “Alliance Leases”, oil and gas leases covering 27,000 acres...more
Welcome to Mayer Brown’s Critical Minerals Newsletter which focuses on some of the key legal issues and developments that have been affecting the sector over recent months....more
Unlike other jurisdictions, such as the US and Angola, the UK does not have a single mining / mineral code or legislative framework. Instead, different laws and regulations apply according to the mineral type and the nature...more
On September 26, 2023, the British Columbia Supreme Court issued a ruling in Gitxaala v. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner) that will affect the future of mining in British Columbia. In this case, the court found the...more
Depending on the state, post-production costs are either deducted “at the wellhead” or when the product has been placed in “marketable condition.” In Louisiana, the minerals are not owned by the landowner, but that person...more
Parish of Plaquemines v. Northcoast Oil Co. is yet another remand of yet another of the 43 suits filed in state courts against a legion of oil and gas companies under the Louisiana’s State and Local Coastal Resources...more
Mining companies may soon be faced with the results of the first comprehensive review of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code or the Code) in 11 years....more