Mining, Oil & Gas

Navigating the overlapping laws and regulations governing the mining, oil, and gas industries can be challenging, even for experienced businesses and individuals. An experienced legal partner can manage the complex and technical aspects of these matters, helping clients conserve time and resources while remaining focused on their core operations.

As a full-service law firm with attorneys across North America in key mining, oil, and gas markets, including Toronto, Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas, Dickinson Wright provides comprehensive legal services to mining, oil, and gas companies and other industry participants.

Our Team

Members of our Mining, Oil, and Gas practice are regularly recognized by Super Lawyers®, Chambers®, and other leading legal publications. They also publish articles and speak on current developments affecting the industry.

Our Services

Contracts, Agreements, and Titles

We negotiate, draft, and review a variety of contracts, royalties, leases, and related agreements, including:

Mergers and Acquisitions: From transaction planning and due diligence through tax structuring, negotiation, closing, and post-closing integration, our team advises mining, oil, and gas clients throughout the M&A process.

Regulatory Matters

Our attorneys help clients evaluate regulatory risks so they can make informed business decisions and address potential issues before they arise. We also advise clients on liability related to prior noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations. Our work includes:

• Permit development and review
• Statutory and regulatory review, summaries, and guidance
• Legislative drafting and review
• Counsel regarding state and federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Section 106, Clean Air Act, and reclamation laws
• Workplace safety and regulatory compliance
• Due diligence investigations
• Counsel regarding Native American Law compliance

Litigation

Our attorneys litigate mining, oil, and gas matters involving cleanup and cost recovery, personal injury, regulatory disputes, large class actions, multiparty commercial disputes, and individual permit denials.

Representative Matters

• Represented a national oil and gas producer in acquiring more than 100,000 acres of leased and held-by-production lands through multiple transactions.
• Advised mining and oil and gas companies on joint operating and joint development agreements.
• Represented an oil and gas services company in acquiring production and transportation facilities for use across multiple states.
• Coordinated reviews of land positions, mineral title, corporate structure, water availability, permitting status, and regulatory compliance for hard rock mining projects.
• Represented a mining company in federal district court litigation involving competing possessory mining claims.
• Represented a mineral estate holder in litigation with surface estate holders concerning rights involving tens of thousands of acres.
• Provided due diligence support in acquisitions and dispositions involving natural gas and biogas facilities.
• Obtained and defended environmental permits for mining projects in state and federal administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Represented a mining trade association in state and local regulatory rulemakings involving air quality, water quality, and reclamation.
• Defended a client in proceedings before a state mine reclamation agency regarding the respective obligations of the owner and former operators.
• Represented a mining company in securing access across tribal lands.
• Advised oil and gas producers on division order payment issues and procedures.