Mining & Water Law

Corporate & Business

Businesses and individuals involved in the mining industry regularly confront an array of legal and business issues that range from day-to-day personnel and operating concerns to complex regulation and litigation matters. Policies and procedures pertaining to hazardous materials, land preservation, air and water quality, the protection of endangered species, mine safety and health concerns require mining industry leaders to stay vigilant with regard to compliance and violation management.

What you’re looking for is a quality law firm that can help you through the complex universe of mining and water law. What you’ll find at our firm is a law firm that can not only help but can do so in multiple jurisdictions (with heavy emphasis on Texas and the western United States), with team members who’ve personally conducted exploration and mining activities for a gold mine in Alaska.

Considering the level of personal knowledge, it’s no surprise that our team has represented both small and large mining companies, with business plans tailored to meet their unique needs. Our mining industry attorneys provide comprehensive services relating to the financing and development of projects involving the exploration, extraction, processing, transportation and sale of non-ferrous and precious metals, coal and other minerals. We strive to develop a deep understanding of our clients’ business goals and operations to develop tailored, efficient and cost-effective compliance strategies and legal solutions.  We’re ready, willing, and able to structure and negotiate acquisitions, perform title reviews, and assist clients with the legal review, acquisition, and maintenance of water, mineral, surface, and access rights for mining, agricultural, industrial, and commercial real estate projects, as well as countless other mining and water law needs.

As a full-service mining law firm, we have the breadth and depth of experience necessary to handle the needs of any mining enterprise and water law issues. Our services include:

  • Acquisition and disposition of mine properties
  • Mineral title examination, opinions and curatives
  • Royalty agreements and disputes
  • Mining leases and joint-venture agreements
  • Split-estate and surface use conflicts
  • Regulatory compliance assistance
  • Appeals of enforcement actions, fines and penalties
  • Obtain and defend permits for mining operations
  • Public and private financing
  • Public land law
  • Environmental and natural resources law
  • Native American law
  • Endangered species concerns
  • Historic and cultural resource clearances
  • Climate change issues
  • Litigation
  • Water resources and strategy
  • Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) compliance and citation contesting
  • Water rights adjudications and litigation
  • Indian water rights settlements
  • Interstate compacts
  • Decree interpretation and enforcement
  • Assured and adequate water supply
  • Contracts and leasing agreements
  • Applications and permits
  • Colorado river issues
  • Severance and transfers
  • Wheeling agreements
  • Water banking
  • Exchange agreements
  • Groundwater regulations and compliance
  • Underground storage, groundwater savings facilities and recharge projects
  • Well sharing agreements
  • Water supply acquisitions
  • Due diligence review of water rights and supplies
  • Water policy and legislation
  • Strategic planning
  • Title examination

Attorneys in

Mining & Water Law