Bangladesh has known deposits of coal, hard rock, limestone and other minerals, and heavy mineral sands along its south-eastern coast contain titanium and zirconium minerals and monazite, which can contain rare earth elements. Viability depends on geology, environmental and community considerations, and government policy. Exploration and mining require licences under the Mines and Minerals Act 1992 framework, and some materials involve state bodies or additional regulation. We advise investors on the current licensing route, the public bodies involved and the realistic legal pathway, bearing in mind that licence conditions, community consultation and environmental assessment shape what is achievable.

The contract should cover precise specifications and testing, delivery terms, volume commitments and flexibility, a transparent pricing mechanism linked to an appropriate index with adjustment rules, quality claims procedures, traceability and documentation obligations, and sanctions and export control provisions. Force majeure and change-in-law clauses should address export bans and new regulations, which have become more common. Payment security, such as letters of credit, and dispute resolution through international arbitration are usually important. We draft supply contracts that reflect Bangladesh import, customs and foreign exchange requirements alongside these commercial points. Payment terms should be precise.

The EU Battery Regulation applies to batteries placed on the EU market, including batteries contained in other products. It introduces requirements on labelling, performance, carbon footprint declarations, recycled content, extended producer responsibility and, for certain economic operators, supply chain due diligence on raw materials, although some timelines have been changed. Bangladeshi manufacturers supplying batteries or battery-containing products into Europe are likely to receive detailed information requests and contractual obligations from their customers. We help exporters understand these requirements, respond accurately and negotiate proportionate obligations, starting with organised supplier declarations, origin records and test data.

Yes. Several producing countries have introduced export licensing or restrictions on certain minerals, processed materials and technologies, including some graphite products and other inputs relevant to batteries and electronics. These measures can delay shipments, increase costs or make performance impossible. Sanctions rules can also restrict dealings with particular companies or countries. Contracts should allocate these risks clearly and include notice, mitigation and termination provisions. We help clients assess exposure, identify qualified alternative suppliers and routes before a restriction takes effect, and draft contracts that respond to sudden changes in export rules.

The main steps usually include company formation, investment registration with Invest Bangladesh or, in an export processing zone, BEPZA, land or zone allocation, environmental clearance appropriate to the plant's category, fire and building approvals, factory registration, import registrations, and product standards approvals for certain products. Plants handling hazardous chemicals or waste face additional requirements. Incentives may depend on location and activity. We prepare a consolidated approvals plan, identify the critical path and sequence dependent applications, such as land allocation and environmental clearance, so that none stalls the others.

Battery recycling engages environmental law, including environmental clearance requirements and rules on hazardous waste and e-waste, as well as labour, health and safety rules for workers handling lead and other hazardous substances. Imports and exports of used batteries and scrap may be restricted or require permits, and international rules on transboundary movement of hazardous waste can apply. Informal recycling remains a concern for regulators and buyers. We advise recyclers, battery producers and investors on compliant collection, processing and trading structures, and on keeping the waste transfer records, permits and safety documentation that buyers and financiers expect.

Options include trade finance through letters of credit, structured commodity prepayment and pre-export finance, supplier credit, equipment leasing, project finance for larger plants and investment from strategic partners or development finance institutions. Foreign borrowing must comply with Bangladesh Bank rules, and lenders will impose environmental, social and sourcing conditions. The Finance Act 2026 reduced withholding on interest paid to non-residents to 10%, which affects the cost of foreign debt. We advise borrowers and lenders on structuring and approvals, and on security, which commonly draws on equipment, receivables, offtake contracts and sponsor support, with lender conditions negotiated early.

The answer depends on the contract's specification, inspection, acceptance and claims provisions, including any time limits for raising quality claims and the testing method agreed. Give written notice within the contractual period, agree a joint sampling protocol, use independent testing and keep samples and test reports. Remedies may include price reduction, replacement, rejection or damages, subject to liability caps. If negotiation fails, disputes are commonly resolved by international arbitration. We advise on quality claims and, with the firm's dispute resolution team, pursue or defend claims, including enforcement of arbitral awards in Bangladesh and abroad.