Mining in investment arbitration: an analysis of mining companies’ legitimate expectations

Abstract

International investment agreements (IIAs) can be ‘obstacles’ to the green transition, but can also serve as potential ‘enablers’ of clean energy. This article analyses the role of IIAs in protecting mining investments, necessary to develop green technologies in the fight against climate change. As a result of increasing mineral extraction, more investment tribunals adjudicate mining disputes. The article provides a sectoral analysis of the legitimate expectations of investors in the mining sector. It argues that domestic norms are central to resolving investment treaty disputes and that investment tribunals must consider environmental and human rights domestic norms which impose limits on investment protection and configure investor’s property rights. Only by doing so can investment tribunals protect investments in accordance with the ethos of IIAs of promoting sustainable development.