#ECOR2603579AOrder of February 16, 2026, Granting Extension and Expansion of Exclusive Mining Research Permit 'Douillac'
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The law grants a five-year extension and expansion of the exclusive mining research permit known as 'Douillac' for various minerals including gold, silver, lithium, and rare earth elements. This permit is awarded to the Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes, covering an area of approximately 298 square kilometers spanning parts of two French departments: Dordogne and Haute-Vienne. The law also outlines strict regulations to protect the local environment, including prohibitions on mining activities in sensitive ecological zones and flood-prone areas.
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Key Changes
- Extension of the mining research permit for five years
- Specific restrictions on mining activities to protect riparian ecosystems and flood zones
- Mandatory minimum financial commitment of 3 million euros for mining research
Obligations
What this law requires
Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes must not conduct mining research activities that result in destruction of riparian vegetation (ripisylve) within the permit perimeter.
Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes must prohibit all mining surveys in flood-prone zones identified in the flood risk prevention plan of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche municipality.
Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes must prohibit all mining surveys in wetland zones recorded in the initial state documentation of the permit application.
Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes must prohibit all mining work within the Natura 2000 protected zone 'Pelouse et lande serpentinicole du sud de la Haute-Vienne' (FR7401137).
Compagnie des Mines Arédiennes must commit to a minimum financial expenditure of €3,000,000 for research activities during the permit duration.