Mining
Navigate Nigeria’s mining sector with expert legal support on licensing, compliance, ESG, and reforms. Trusted by local and international mining clients.
Sectors
Expert Mining Law Services in Nigeria
Mining Law Services in Nigeria: Expert Legal Guidance for a Thriving Sector
At OAL, we specialise in providing comprehensive mining law services tailored to the dynamic Nigerian mining landscape. With over 40 years of experience, our team of seasoned lawyers helps clients navigate the complexities of exploration, extraction, and compliance. As Nigeria positions itself as a key player in Africa’s mineral resources amid global demand for critical minerals like lithium and gold, our services ensure your operations are legally sound, sustainable, and profitable. Whether you are a foreign investor eyeing untapped opportunities or a local operator seeking formalisation, we deliver strategic advice aligned with the latest reforms.
Our Expertise in Nigerian Mining Law
Nigeria’s mining sector is governed by a robust framework designed to promote investment while safeguarding environmental and community interests. Our expertise covers:
• The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007: The cornerstone legislation regulating all aspects of mineral exploration and exploitation, including licensing, royalties, and community development agreements.
• Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011: Detailed rules on operational standards, health, safety, and environmental protection.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act Cap. E12: Mandates assessments for mining projects to mitigate ecological risks, enforced by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
• Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations 2021: Requires local processing of minerals like gold and lithium to enhance value addition and reduce raw exports.
• Ongoing Reforms and the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill (Approved 2023, Under Review 2025): Introduces enhanced incentives such as tax holidays, profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). As of mid-2025, public consultations are shaping amendments for better enforcement and a critical minerals focus.
• Nigeria Mining Growth Roadmap 2016-2025: A strategic plan aiming for 3% GDP contribution by 2025 through diversification, with a N1 trillion ($630 million) allocation for exploration in the 2025 budget.
We stay ahead of developments, including the push for critical minerals reform to align with global energy transitions, and address challenges like weak enforcement and landowner consent issues under Section 100 of the NMMA.
Key Services We Offer
Our mining law services are customised to meet the needs of startups, mid-tier operators, and multinational corporations:
• Licensing and Permitting: Assistance with obtaining Exploration Licenses, Mining Leases, Small-Scale Mining Leases, and Quarry Leases through the Mining Cadastre Office. We handle applications via the digital eMC+ platform, ensuring compliance within 30-45 days.
• Compliance and Regulatory Advisory: Guidance on environmental regulations, health and safety standards, and anti-illegal mining measures, including the deployment of Mining Marshals.
• Contract Negotiation and Joint Ventures: Drafting and reviewing agreements for partnerships, community development, and local content requirements (e.g., 60% Nigerian participation in certain licenses).
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation: Representation in conflicts over mineral titles, revocations (under Section 151 of the NMMA), or environmental violations, with expertise in arbitration and court proceedings.
• Due Diligence and Risk Assessment: Pre-investment audits to identify legal gaps, including land rights and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance.
• Value Addition and Export Strategies: Advice on adhering to the 2021 Value Chain Regulations for processing facilities, boosting revenues through formalised exports.
• Policy Advocacy: Supporting clients in engaging with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) on reforms, such as the proposed amendments in the 2025 Bill.
Tailored Services for Foreign Investors
Foreign investors are drawn to Nigeria’s vast untapped reserves, with over 40 minerals across all states, but navigating entry barriers requires expert legal support. We help you leverage incentives like duty-free equipment imports and three-year tax holidays under the NMMA and the 2025 Bill reforms.
• Entry Strategies: Form joint ventures with local partners to meet ownership requirements and access geological data from the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Programme (NIMEP).
• Risk Mitigation: Address insecurity and smuggling through insured operations and compliance with international standards, drawing from events like Nigeria Mining Week 2025.
• Investment Incentives: Secure benefits from the African Mining Vision-aligned policies, including repatriation of 100% profits and partnerships via the 2025 South Africa-Nigeria minerals pact.
