Nigeria’s mining sector is burgeoning and our expertise and experience in this area is well ahead of the curve. Our lawyers understand the mining business and have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s mining sector policies and legislation. Remarkably, one of our partners drafted the Bill that has been enacted as the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act, 2007, which is the principal legislation that governs exploration and mining of solid minerals in Nigeria.

Our lawyers have offered transaction advise to several local and foreign investors in relation to the acquisition of mining interests in greenfield and brownfield projects through joint ventures, option, earn-in and earn-out arrangements; conducted title investigations in connection with stock exchange listings and initial public offerings; and advised on service agreements such as agreements for hiring drilling rigs and drill crew. Our lawyers have also advised on legal and regulatory requirements relating to mine development and ancillary infrastructure, environmental obligations, surface rights, host community engagement and labour relations.

Notably, our lawyers provided legal support to the operators of the Segilola Gold Project, advising on a wide range of transactions and regulatory compliance issues and assisting with the preparation of a bankable feasibility study for an estimated 700,000-ounce gold mine by providing relevant permitting and tax advice.