Part IV Law and Applicable Principles, 20 Towards a Lex Mineralia

Abstract

This brief chapter discusses the emergence of a set of substantive transnational principles governing international mining disputes. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of arbitral awards relating to international mining disputes have been published. This is particularly so in the context of disputes between States entities and international mining companies. As was the case earlier with the petroleum industry, these public awards provide the source material from which customary law may be drawn. This has not yet created a mature set of principles and regulations, but it has developed the beginning of a lex mineralia that guides the international mining industry. As an increasing number of arbitral awards are rendered and become public, owing to a growing push for increased transparency in international arbitration, this lex mineralia may well mature and develop into a recognized subset of international law.