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 Energy, Renewables and Mining 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
Equity financing vs. debt financing
Environment regulations and how to stay compliant
Native Title and land access agreements: What explorers need to know
JORC Code update
Workplace, health and safety considerations
Structuring your mining venture: Joint ventures vs. sole operations
Basic contracting for explorers and miners
Closure and rehab obligations: bonding and approval processes
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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.
