Forest Permits and Related Issues in Mining Investments

From: Public Law Insights Series

Forest permits may be required for mining activities both at the exploration and operation stages. Any decision to make forest land available for mining activities must be based on an assessment of overriding public interest.

Furthermore, circumstances arising during the course of mining activities, such as a change in the intended use of permitted forest land or the inability to carry out mining activities as a result of the annulment of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decision, may give rise to the adjustment or reimbursement of forest permit fees. Such fees may involve substantial amounts and consequently give rise to significant disputes.