Mining and Natural Resources

Parr Waddoups has an in-depth understanding of the environmental needs of clients that produce oil and gas, coal, precious metals, industrial minerals and gemstones. We represent owners, developers, lessees, lenders, ranchers, miners, ski resorts, power generators, manufacturers, construction companies, water companies, consulting firms, conservation groups, municipalities, business entities and individuals.

Our attorneys have extensive experience with the mining and natural resources industries, and our legal expertise includes:

• all aspects of public land use and regulation such as ownership, access, usage rights, mining claims, mineral leases, permitting, patenting, operational agreements, acquisitions, divestitures, title and ownership analysis, boundary disputes, and regulatory compliance.

• oil and gas and mineral exploration, operation, development, sales, secured lending, and property and related asset transfers.

• resolution or litigation of disputes among parties to development agreements, leasing and mineral title matters.

• handling of water right transfers, water right modifications, title reviews, ownership changes, and related disputes as well as administrative proceedings and related litigation.

• assistance with disputes and proceedings involving the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the federal Interior Board of Land Appeals, the federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, th Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and the Utah Division of Water Rights.

• environmental due diligence, including environmental audits and title reviews.

• toxic tort lawsuits and private cost recovery actions.

• legislative activities and rule-making proceedings.

• environmental issues arising in the context of international trade.

• extensive experience in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, Chile and Africa.

Our attorneys counsel clients in the formation and financing of exploration ventures, including choice of business entity, tax planning, negotiation and documentation of exploration agreements, operating agreements, farm-out agreements, and geological consulting agreements. We counsel both producers and large landowners regarding lease transactions and mineral title matters.

For more information about our Mining and Natural Resources group, please contact Dan Jensen or Steve Christiansen.

Attorneys serving the Mining and Natural Resources group:

• Barnett, Daniel E.
• Christiansen, Steven J.
• Fleming, Matthew C.
• Jensen, Daniel A.
• Parr, Clayton J.
• Waddoups, Clark