Minerals, Petroleum and Natural Gas Exploration and Production

Lexglobe LLP has expertise in the law and practice relating to minerals, petroleum and natural gas exploration and production. Tanzania is one of the countries that have various minerals resources. There are deposits of gold, tanzanite, gemstones, nickel, iron, platinum, coal and natural gas. There are huge coal deposits in the southern part of Tanzania. There are substantial reserves of natural gas (about 33 billion cubic metres) in the southern coast. It has been reported recently that the country has huge petroleum deposits in the southern coast. Mineral production, especially gold, has increased in recent years and it now accounts for more than 40% of the total exports.

Our firm advises foreign sponsors and financiers in natural resources exploration and development projects . We also provide support to lead advisers in project finance. Our lawyers understand the key legal, commercial and political issues affecting the industry, and have the skills and knowledge to provide strategic and creative solutions. We generally advise foreign investors on the legal issues prescribed under the Mining Act, 1998, Income Tax Act, 2004, Value Added Tax Act, 1997, Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1980, Petroleum (Conservation) Act, 1981, etc.

Our law firm has very good relationship with all key stakeholders and we are generally recognized as one of the most established legal practices advising in the natural resources exploration and development (with particular focus on foreign investments). Specifically, we have close relationships with government authorities responsible for attracting investment in natural resources exploration and development, facilitating the development of the natural resources, and regulating projects on natural resources exploration and production. These authorities include the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Ministry of Finance, Tanzania Revenue Authority and Tanzania Investment Center. Lexglobe LLP provides advisory services in various aspects including the following:

• Mining tenements under the Tanzanian law.
• Priority, registration, mortgage and other dealings in mining tenements.
• Administration of justice in mining activities.
• Compensation and securities in granting mining tenements.
• Mergers and acquisitions advice in respect of mining assets.
• Employee relations advice.
• Foreign investment approvals.
• Mine development, construction and engineering, operations and manufacturing, mining and haulage.
• Project structuring and financing.
• Legal and risk management solutions.
• Tenders, purchases of major capital equipment, design, procurement, pit and plant construction.
• Project supply and sales agreements both domestically and internationally.
• Capital enhancement projects and outsourcing.
• State agreements .
• Environment, health and mine safety issues.
• Taxation issues.
• Negotiating and drafting joint venture agreements, and arrangements for joint ventures for the exploration, development and operation of mining and petroleum resources.
• Acquisition of interests in established mining and petroleum projects.
• Project acquisitions.
• Establishment of mining and resources companies.
• Project finance loan documentation.
• Negotiating land access agreements.
• Transport and shipping agreements.
• Litigation and arbitration in mining disputes.