Mining Act

Everything that has to do with the exploration for, production and storage of oil and gas , is regulated in the Mining Act. This legislation and the various rules based on the Mining Decree and Mining Regulations determine what an applicant for a license must do to obtain a license, which procedures are applicable and under which conditions the license can be issued. 

Depending on the location and the particular circumstances, licenses based on other legislation may also be required, issued by another state, provincial or municipal bodies. 

An unofficial translation of the Mining act and pertaining regulations can be found here. 

Through the links below you will find the official Dutch text of the mining act and pertaining regulations. 

• Mining act (NL, current text)
• Mining decree (NL, current text)
• Mining regulations (NL, current text)

The oil and gas portal also provides links to mining legislation, including the unofficial translations. 

Environmental Management Act

In the case of offshore activities, in addition to exploration and production licenses an environmental license based on the Mining Act may also be required. 

In the case of onshore activities, a license is required based on the Environmental Management Act. In both cases the Ministry of Economic Affairs is the relevant authority for the issuance of such licenses.