The mineral exploration industry is the largest export sector in Australia, generating $413 billion in exports, investing $3.86 billion in exploration, and paying $63 billion in royalties and taxes throughout 2021-2022. As the world moves toward a net-zero carbon economy, the industry plays a vital role in discovering critical minerals for clean energy technologies like wind turbines, electric vehicles, and electricity networks, and demand for these minerals is only expected to grow.
With the mining project lifecycle typically spanning more than 16 years from discovery to first production (sometimes more depending on the mineral, location and mine type), junior exploration companies are likely to encounter significant financial and legal challenges during this time.
With this in mind, HopgoodGanim's Mining and Metals team will be releasing a series of articles outlining the mining project lifecycle, discussing some of the legal issues that junior explorers are likely to face and how they may be mitigated on your project.
Navigating the approval process and licenses in Australia
Assessing funding options for junior exploration companies
Environmental considerations for miners and explorers
Native Title and land access agreements
No JORCing matter: Digging into the mining reporting regime updates
Structuring your mining venture: Joint ventures vs. sole operations
Cutting through the fine print in mining contracts
Closure and rehabilitation obligations
Workplace, health and safety considerations
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Stay tuned as we discuss the legal and financial challenges that junior explorers will face throughout our Mining Project Lifecycle Series, by subscribing to our Resources and Energy mailing list here.