For the mining industry, water is both an indispensable operational asset and one of its greatest potential liabilities. This session will provide a deep dive into the multifaceted legal issues governing water use in mining, from initial allocation to post-closure responsibilities. We will examine the legal frameworks for water permitting, the critical importance of robust tailings dam regulations, and the escalating legal battles over water contamination and community rights. The discussion will focus on risk allocation in project finance, corporate liability for environmental disasters, and the evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards that are reshaping the social license to operate for mining companies worldwide.