Services to extraction & renewable energy companies

Finding potential new sites for future minerals extraction is increasingly difficult in the UK as the most favourable deposits are consumed.  Consideration of the geology, property ownership, planning restrictions, and competition within a client’s target market area are required to identify potential candidate sites.  We use GIS analysis to sift through the available data and provide a bespoke report on all potential sites based on pre-agreed criteria.

MSA member firms offer comprehensive services as agents in the acquisition and disposal of mineral related property assets.  In the sale and acquisition of extraction companies we work with the client’s legal advisers to carry out due diligence on the mineral property assets being offered or acquired with the business.

UK mining law and the question as to what is or is not a mineral has evolved over almost a thousand years, although the history of extraction in these islands goes back much further.  Our Chartered Minerals Surveyors are experienced at contextualising minerals rights, which is essential in advising the strength of a claim for minerals sterilised by surface development or being worked as part of the surface title.  Considerable legal costs can be saved by taking the correct commercial advice at an early stage.

Mineral extraction is a highly regulated industry; the average planning permission is subject to more than forty conditions.  Ancillary activities, such as restoration by the importation of inert waste, are subject to environmental permitting.  Permitting is also required for water abstraction and impoundment within the site.  A periodic independent compliance audit can minimise the risk of penalties arising from audits by the regulatory authorities.

The value of all property assets varies from year to year in response to market forces.  Minerals and tipping space change value as the asset is consumed by extraction or infill.  Renewable energy asset values vary as turbines or other plant requires replacement.  Companies require property values for annual financial reporting purposes.  Minerals and other wasting assets should be valued periodically to ensure a fair value is reflected in annual accounts.  Our RICS Registered Valuers offer valuation services covering mineral extraction sites, waste disposal assets, renewable energy, and brownfield development land. 

Environmental Impact Assessment is a necessary part of gaining and maintaining a mineral or waste management planning permission.  The multiple technical reports required to produce an EIA require project management skills to assemble and deliver a comprehensive document.  MSA has experienced EIA project managers capable of meeting your requirements. 

The UK has a Local Plan lead planning system for all new development.  Whilst mineral extraction permissions are still being granted for sites not identified within a Local Plan, the likelihood of consent being granted is significantly increased if the site is identified within a Local Plan at an early stage.  MSA is notified by Mineral Planning Authorities when any new Local Plan is being prepared and can promote sites to ensure the best chance of success.