Mining

Simonsen Vogt Wiig has over several decades advised national and international mining companies and has developed a deep knowledge of the industry.

We have a detailed understanding of the regulatory system, exploration and extraction licenses, and other authorisations required to start exploration and mining activities in Norway. One of our partners has been a member of the Minerals Act Law Committee preparing the current mining legislation.

Norway has a considerable share of critical mineral resources and also deposits of future interest for the continued exploitation and development of a greener economy. The EU Commission has recently proposed a comprehensive set of actions through the Critical Raw Materials Act to secure sustainable supply of critical raw materials indispensable for a wide set of strategic sectors including the net-zero industry, the digital industry, aerospace and defence sectors. The proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), expected by the end of 2023, will be of further relevance to the industry, requiring reduced GHG emissions by 2030 and credible net-zero plans.

Norway may  become the first country in the world to open up for seabed mining. The Norwegian seabed consists of sulphides, manganese crusts, and nodules containing metals and minerals crucial for the green shift. The process to open such mineral activities is up for a formal decision within 2023.

Our dedicated mining lawyers will bring in experts across legal practices as needed.

We advise, in particular, on:

  • Mining Regulations and Policies
  • Landowner Agreements
  • Project Development and Financing
  • Construction and Infrastructure
  • Mining Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • ESG and Sustainability
  • Merger & Aquisitions
  • Joint Ventures
  • Commercial Agreements
  • Offtake- and Supply Agreements