Overview
Mining
Our work in the extraction industry includes both large, multi-jurisdictional and small, local projects. Regardless of the size, extraction projects need an array of permits from all levels of government. We have experience in coordinating the various agencies and types of authorizations needed to ensure compatible permit requirements. If disputes arise with a regulatory agency or a third party, our lawyers have extensive experience litigating issues unique to mining in administrative, circuit court, and appellate proceedings. Our team monitors trends to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
We have assisted clients with permitting numerous extraction projects, with a focus on phosphate and aggregate/construction material mining. The level of regulation for these industries varies by product and jurisdiction, and we assemble lawyers across multiple practice areas with the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish the client’s permitting, entitlement and operational goals. The scale of property involved, potential impacts, and multi-layered regulations associated with mining make it unique, requiring a blended skill set that includes environmental, land use, administrative and litigation experience. Our experience also includes agency rulemaking and legislative efforts, if needed.
Energy
We have decades of experience working with clients in permitting, constructing, and operating energy infrastructure projects, including solar facilities, transmission and distribution lines and substations. We have helped clients obtain local, regional, state and federal approvals to construct energy facilities throughout Florida. We build teams of lawyers with specialized knowledge and experience in land use, water, solid and hazardous wastes, wetlands and listed species to obtain necessary approvals and navigate potential issues. Our experience extends beyond construction to assist our clients in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and permit conditions or in enforcement defense when needed.
Our goal is to help clients prepare strategies that anticipate concerns raised by regulators as well as challenges from potential opponents. If a governmental entity or third party tries to block a project, we represent clients in formal administrative hearings, civil litigation, and appeals to demonstrate why the project should go forward. Our experience also includes agency rulemaking and legislative efforts when appropriate to meet the client’s goals.
Range of Services
Administrative & Regulatory
- Administrative hearings, appeals and litigation
- State and federal rulemaking
Corporate
- Internal controls and corporate compliance
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters
- Protection of confidential business information
Environmental & Natural Resources
- Establishment of exploration and mining rights
- Exploration, lease and option agreements
- Royalty and mineral streaming or lease agreements
- Transactional due diligence
- Mineral title examination
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- Local government permitting and compliance
- Environmental review requirements – National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Water rights
- Public lands
- Toxic substances reporting and disclosure
- Reclamation and remediation of mine sites
