Mining

Welborn attorneys are end-to-end experts in the mining industry. We advise domestic and international mining clients in all aspects of their business – both legal and operational – in matters ranging from acquisitions and development to reclamation and post-mining use. Welborn serves clients around the world on projects involving gold, copper, other precious metals, base metals, coal and uranium. We offer leading expertise in environmental permitting, technical, safety, and regulatory matters related to mining and mineral development, including exploration agreements, feasibility studies, mine permitting and construction, mine closure and reclamation. Welborn also assists clients in structuring joint ventures and financing mining projects.

Welborn’s mining team performs due diligence, including mineral title examination, in connection with the acquisition, operation, and disposition of mines and mining properties.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:

  • Conducted mineral exploration projects in the United States, Canada, Chile, Argentina, French Guiana, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Peru
  • Developed a regulatory path for first-of-their-kind helium and biogenic methane projects.
  • Performed due diligence in connection with the acquisition of approximately one dozen existing and proposed mines in Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah and California
  • Managed the location and development of uranium mining claims and subsequent consolidation, permitting, construction, operation, and sale of a mine in San Juan County, Utah
  • Performed due diligence and structured the purchase of two operating coal mines in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming
  • Managed the state environmental permitting of gold mines in Colorado and Montana
  • Advised and litigated on behalf of the owners of coal interests in the first alluvial floor fee coal exchange under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
  • Advised and litigated regarding patented and unpatented mining claims throughout the West