In a recent article published in Pravna Praksa, our colleague Klemen Eržen, a distinguished lawyer, delves into the complex legal landscape relating to mineral resource sector. He highlights that concessionaires in this sector face various difficulties, especially concerning the extension and acquisition of mining rights.
In Slovenia, companies involved in the extraction of mineral resources grapple with numerous legal hurdles. These issues primarily revolve around the extension and acquisition of mining rights, as dictated by the Mining Act (ZRud-1). Complications often arise concerning property ownership and spatial planning requirements, leading to delays and uncertainty for businesses. To mitigate the impact of these challenges, the Slovenian government has enacted two intervention laws aimed at extending concession periods and alleviating certain requirements temporarily.
The management of mineral resources is shared between the state and local communities, with the state handling oversight and planning, while municipalities determine areas designated for mining activities.
Intervention laws such as the Law on Intervention Measures to Prevent Harmful Effects in the Extension of Mining Rights and Concessions (ZIUPRPK) have provided temporary relief by extending concession agreements and addressing delays caused by administrative processes. Despite these measures, many concessionaires still face prolonged waiting times for their applications to be processed, leading to concerns about potential disruptions in the supply of construction materials and broader economic impacts.
Eržen’s article also discusses the legal recourse available to concessionaires, including the possibility of requesting interim orders to prevent the immediate cessation of mining activities. The analysis underscores the importance of finding long-term solutions to ensure the stability of the mining sector and avoid adverse economic consequences.
For more detailed insights, you can read Klemen Eržen’s full article in Pravna Praksa. His expert perspective provides valuable understanding of the ongoing challenges and legislative developments in Slovenia’s mineral resource sector.
