Critical Raw Materials and Mining

CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS AND MINING

Critical Raw Materials and Mining

DWG Next provides legal and strategic counsel across the full spectrum of activities related to the extraction, processing, and supply of critical raw materials. We assist clients in navigating the complex legal frameworks that govern mining operations, environmental compliance, and responsible sourcing within the EU and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team supports the structuring of projects that align with industrial policy objectives, regulatory requirements, and sustainability commitments. We address key legal dimensions of access, licensing, investment, and risk allocation, ensuring that operations are both viable and compliant. By engaging with public authorities, institutional stakeholders, and international initiatives, we contribute to the advancement of resource strategies that promote resilience, traceability, and long-term economic and environmental value.

We assist our clients by:

Advising on compliance with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the Raw Materials Initiative, and relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards applicable to mining and resource extraction activities.
Assisting with licensing, permitting, and environmental impact assessments in accordance with EU and national legislation, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Water Framework Directive, and the Industrial Emissions Directive.
Structuring and negotiating concession agreements, exploration and exploitation licences, joint ventures, and offtake arrangements for mining and processing operations.
Facilitating access to EU and international funding mechanisms supporting the sustainable and strategic development of critical raw materials value chains, including the Horizon Europe programme, the Connecting Europe Facility, and the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA).
Providing legal and strategic support on the localisation, diversification, and integration of critical raw materials supply chains within EU industrial policy objectives.
Advising on investment structuring, project finance, and risk mitigation for mineral extraction, refining, and recycling projects, including insurance and export credit arrangements.
Supporting due diligence and transactional services for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships involving mining assets and related infrastructure.
Assisting with compliance regarding responsible sourcing, traceability, and sustainability reporting obligations under the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and related instruments.
Advising on trade, customs, and export control issues affecting the cross-border movement of critical raw materials, including compliance with the EU Dual-Use Regulation.
Engaging with national authorities, EU institutions, industrial alliances, and international bodies on matters related to resource security, supply risk, and strategic autonomy.
Monitoring legislative and policy developments under the European Green Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), ensuring projects remain aligned with EU priorities and benefit from available incentives.