A complex framework of laws and regulations govern activities in the mining sector from the point of exploration till closure. The Firm has one of the leading practices in handling mining disputes in India. Owing to our vast industry experience, we are equipped to provide the finest legal counsel to our clients on a wide range of issues concerning their mining operations.

We follow a quality-driven approach in advising clients on litigation risks in mining disputes in India. Our team also has an impressive record of being able to secure the rights and interests of our clients in mining operations across the country with respect to a diverse range of minerals and metals.

Our team has extensive experience in representing clients before the Mines Tribunal, the Supreme Court and various High Courts including High Courts of Delhi, Odisha and Jharkhand, in matters involving crucial questions regarding the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations including legislation enacted to protect the environment.

Key highlights

• The Firm successfully represented Tata Steel Ltd. in the High Court of Odisha and the Supreme Court which decided the question as to whether applicants for the grant of a mining lease in the chromite mines of Odisha were entitled to a hearing before the State Government prior to the renewal of the mining lease.

• The Firm represented Tata Steel Ltd. before Justice MB Shah Commission of Inquiry which was set up by the Central Government to enquire into large scale illegal mining of iron ore and manganese in various States. The Firm also represented Tata Steel in the Goa Foundation Writ Petition before the Supreme Court which had been filed to enforce the findings of this Commission.

• The Firm successfully represented Tata Steel Ltd. in four Writ Petitions filed in the High Court of Odisha seeking permission for resuming mining operations in its iron ore and manganese mines and secured interim orders allowing the resumption of mining activities in all four mines.

• The Firm was also successful in securing a stay from the High Court of Jharkhand on the demands raised by the State of Jharkhand amounting to approximately Rs. 2000 crores against Tata Steel Ltd. for producing coal allegedly without adequate environment clearances.

• The Firm has successfully advised and appeared on behalf of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Ltd. (formerly known as Essar Steel India Ltd.) before the Hon’ble High Court of Orissa in the writ proceedings, wherein the allotment of the iron ore mining blocks in Orrisa was challenged. This case answered an important question of law as to whether a concluded mining contract can be set aside merely because the recipient corporate entities have undergone the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.

• The Firm represented Sarda Mines Pvt. Ltd. in Supreme Court in the contentious matter of Common Cause vs. Union of India where allegations of violating various statutory provisions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957and the Environment Protection Act, 1986 had been levelled various mining lessees that were carrying out mining operations in the State of Orissa including Sarda Mines.