Mining and Minerals

Stephens Scown has extensive expertise in the complexities of mining and minerals law in England and Wales. 

For over 80 years, we’ve worked closely with the mining industry and mineral owners, gaining a vast amount of practical, commercial and legal knowledge while helping clients overcome some of the sector’s unique challenges.

Legal expertise for many of the industry’s most prominent companies as well as mineral estates

Today our team of dedicated minerals and mining specialists act for the likes of the Imerys Group, Raymond Brown Quarry Products, Cornish Metals, Portland Stone Firms and Tungsten West Plc, as well as smaller operators and landowners with extensive mineral interests.

Based in the heart of a historical mining region, but active nationally 

Our in-depth understanding comes from being based in the South West, and therefore surrounded by the mining industry’s past, present and future but we undertake minerals work across England and Wales. Unlike many law firms, we’ve been down the mines and walked in the quarries, so we’re connected to the industry by far more than phone or email. This makes us a popular choice for mining and minerals clients further afield, both nationally and internationally.

We can help you with legal knowledge and support throughout the lifecycle of a mine – from development to closure, through restoration projects, and everything from mineral leases to complex land assembly arrangements. Our advanced understanding of the industry means we can also anticipate and solve problems before they affect your business, thereby saving you time, money and unnecessary stress.

Our mining and minerals law experience includes:

• drafting and negotiating options for mineral leases for a variety of mineral sites, including sand and gravel, metals and clays
• advising on the development of the world’s third-largest tungsten mine, including site assembly, mineral lease drawdown and funding arrangements and subsequent acquisition
• real estate, planning and corporate due diligence on potential acquisitions and listings of mineral companies on AIM, including advising Canadian company Cornish Metals Inc on the completion of the acquisition of the South Crofty tin mine in Cornwall and its admission to AIM
• advice on compliance with terms of environmental permits and the application of EIA Regulations
• specialist mineral planning advice including advice in respect of ROMP reviews and mineral safeguarding and claims following planning Modification Orders
• advice on pursuing and defending applications under the Mines (Working Facilities And Support) Act 1966
• long-term supply agreements for secondary aggregate material and associated plant leases
• royalty arrangements for concrete block works
• advising on waste-related projects including EfW facility, infill licences and IBA plants
• registrations of mineral estates at the Land Registry
• advice on liabilities arising from mineral rights ownership
• advice on and handling claims in respect of mineral trespass

Integrated legal services

We’re committed to providing specialist legal advice when you need it. We work closely with our Real Estate, Planning, Construction and Property Litigation experts to deliver an integrated, seamless service across a wide range of related issues.

We provide the very best legal support for regional and national clients.

We’re recognised by the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession (2025) for our strong practice and coverage, with commentators saying “Stephens Scown has a wide range of expertise allowing priority projects to progress without delay.”