Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Mining

Bomchil’s 2020 absorption of energy and natural resources boutique Alliani & Bruzzon, brought mining specialist Alejandro D’Onofrio to the firm as an of counsel; his thirty year trajectory in the sector provides a notable foothold in the industry, and the natural resources team has already seen an uptick in its corporate, regulatory and contractual advice in the mining sector since his arrival. D’Onofrio co-leads the practice with energy and natural resources expert Pablo Alliani.
O'Farrell has a strong roster of clients supplying the mining industry and has also been active in the lithium space, a key metal for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and energy transition, where the firm has a strong focus. Antitrust and regulatory partner Agustin Siboldi is the main contact for mining-related matters.

Mining in Argentina

Allende & Brea

The Allende & Brea mining practice is one of the firm’s oldest and most active departments and remains very much a “go-to” option for domestic and international mining entities seeking advice on complex-cross border mining M&A and financing matters. The practice is renowned for the breadth, depth and sophistication of its offering, which also includes regulatory, environmental, tax, financial and contractual matters. The team is currently at the forefront of matters in the lithium sector, but is also sought out for its extensive expertise in Argentina’s burgeoning metalliferous space, with copper-related projects proving a particularly active segment for the practice. The firm also works closely with authorities at national level to mitigate the impact of a high tax burden and hyper-inflation on the industry. With more than three-decades’ sector experience, practice head Florencia Heredia has become an influential industry leader and holds prominent positions with various Argentine and international industry bodies. Senior Agostina Martinez is a key name at associate level and focuses her practice on mining and foreign investment matters, with fellow senior – ESG, environmental and administrative practitioner, Martín Alejo Prieto – also prominent.

Practice head(s):

Florencia Heredia


Testimonials

Very up-to-date and always willing to share public information and collaboration alternatives.

Florencia Heredia is very dynamic, disciplined and active in proposing alternative solutions to challenges that arise. Many companies value her work and fundamentally the frankness with which she gives her opinions. She is very disciplined.

Florencia Heredia was unashamedly honest which was greatly appreciated. Agostina Martinez displayed an infectious enthusiasm and was clearly experienced and across the detail in her field of expertise.

In my opinion, the mining practice of the Allende team is focused on providing a highly satisfactory quality service to meet the client’s needs.

Full dedication in time and form to meet customer requirements.

This team is unique in terms of knowledge of mining market players and mining practice in Argentina.

We appreciate the practical orientation and in-depth knowledge of mining legal institutions.

The team was honest and could demonstrate its experience.

Key clients

Río Tinto


Allkem


Pluspetrol


Volcan Compañía Minera


Royal Capital Management


Newcrest


Resource Capital Funds


Newmont Corporation


Livent Corporation


Macquarie Capital


Minera del Altiplano


First Quantum Minerals


Rincon Mining


Nomad Royalty Company


Sibanye Stillwater


Sprott Capital Partners


Scotiabank


Orosur Mining


Compañía Minera del Pacífico


Gold Fields


Critical Resource


Work highlights


  • Advised Allkem on the signing of a non-binding term sheet with the International Finance Corporation for a $200m project finance facility for a lithium project in the province of Catamarca, Argentina.
  • Advised Pluspetrol’s mining division Litica Resources on the sale of a lithium project to Ganfeng Lithium for a consideration of $692m.
  • Advised Gold Fields (in conjunction with Fasken Martineau) on Yamana’s Argentine mining assets, in the context of the proposed $6.7bn global acquisition of Yamana Gold.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja provides specialised expertise across all mining-related legal and environmental matters at national, provincial and municipal levels. The team advises mining corporations across the full mining lifecycle, covering acquisitions, permits, financing, project development and commercialisation, as well as incident management and audits. The team is co-led by highly-respected mining practitioners Sergio Arbeleche and Sebastián Vedoya, who have been active in the space for more than 25 years and boast extensive mining contacts at corporate, federal and provincial level. Arbeleche’s expertise is focused on contractual matters and administrative, constitutional and international public law. Vedoya advises local and foreign companies on various mining, hydrocarbon and environmental topics. Environmental and mining law associate Dolores Cattaneo provides key support to the senior team.

Practice head(s):

Sergio Arbeleche; Sebastián Vedoya


Testimonials

Sergio Arbeleche and Sebastian Vedoya are the best of the best in mining in Argentina. They stand out for their in-depth knowledge of the mining law in the country, coupled with a very proficient understanding of other areas of the law. Their commitment to client service is unrelenting.

Unlike other firms, the lead partners are heavily involved and do not simply delegate tasks to junior lawyers. This makes for a highly collaborative relationship, in which Sergio and Sebastian are almost members of our in-house legal team.

Bruchou’s team, in my opinion, is the best mining legal team in Argentina. Sergio Arbeleche and Sebastian Vedoya are outstanding and can be totally trusted.

Key clients

Barrick Gold Corporation


First Quantum Minerals


Yamana Gold


Lithium Royalty Corporation


Corriente Argentina


Mineros


Minera Andina del Sol


Barrick Exploraciones Argentina


Minera del Carmen


Lundin Mining Corporation


Minera Peregrine Argentina


Mexplort


Cerro Vanguardia


Realty Advisors


Stillwater Canada


Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt


Minera Agua Rica


Estelar Resources Ltd.


Lumina Copper


Metalla Royalty & Streaming


Tolsa


Yacimientos Patagónicos


Isemar


Cementos Avellaneda


Work highlights


  • Advised Barrick Gold Corporation on the negotiation and execution of an earn-in agreement with Latin Metals in connection with the Cerro Bayo Project.
  • Advised Barrick Gold Corporation on the expansion of the Veladero mine infrastructure through the construction and operation of an international power line connecting the Veladero Project to the Chilean Grid.
  • Advised Lundin Mining Corporation on the acquisition of the Josemaría Project, one of the biggest copper projects in Argentina.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal advises on all aspects of mining projects and mining operations, with transactional work a strong area of expertise. The team is also known for the quality of its offering in the areas of mining rights, project financing, environmental law, royalties, litigation and stakeholder management. Former practice head Luis Lucero has retired from the firm’s partnership, but continues to share his vast experience as of counsel. The team is now led by mining-focused Leonardo Rodríguez, who has more than two decades of dedicated industry experience. He is supported by a strong cohort of experienced associates, including Ignacio Alonso (mining-related litigation); Andrés Villarreal (mining M&A) and Agustina Dellacasa (mining M&A and project development). Associate María Mercedes Rudolph has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Leonardo Rodríguez


Testimonials

The team works very well and is very united. Their feedback is concrete and practical and it is obvious that they know about the subject, not only in theory but also in practice, which makes their advice very valuable when making decisions.

Leonardo Rodríguez is excellent and always ready to give practical advice. When we needed him he was always available. The same can be said of Agustina Dellacasa, an excellent associate with great projection in the area.

The team at Marval, O’Farrell & Mairal can advise not only on energy and mining-related regulations, but also foreign investment laws, which is very useful for foreign clients who are seeking to invest in Argentina.

Leonardo Rodriguez is very committed to his clients. His legal service is impeccable and he gives his clients valuable market insight.

They work as a team and interact with lawyers from the different practice areas of the firm without any problem. They share information and knowledge. In quality and price they are very good and competitive.

The clarity and speed in which they respond to queries stands out.

Key clients

Glencore


AngloGold Ashanti


Newmont Corporation


Pan American Silver


Hochschild Mining Corporation


POSCO


Sumitomo Corporation


Yamana Gold


Lilac Solutions


Nova Royalty Corp


Metalla Royalty & Streaming


Work highlights


  • Assisting Mara (a Yamana/Newmont Corporation/Glencore joint venture) with the development of its copper-gold-molybdenum Agua Rica Project in the Province of Catamarca.
  • Representing Glencore’s wholly owned subsidiary Pachón before a federal court in Argentina in its high-profile dispute with Minera Los Pelambres regarding a waste dump built by Minera Los Pelambres on Glencore’s property in Argentina.
  • Assisting Eternal Tsingshan with a joint venture with Eramet to develop the Centenario-Ratones Project.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie builds multidisciplinary teams to assist mining clients on sector-specific regulatory issues as well as tax, labour, environmental and corporate matters. The team has advised on some of biggest mining transactions in Argentina and leverages its international network to secure engagements from multinational mining companies wishing to operate in Argentina. The head of the firm’s Buenos Aires office, Adolfo Durañona, is known for his expertise in natural resources and leads the practice alongside mining, oil-and-gas, energy, renewables and infrastructure partner Ezequiel Artola. Associate Delfina Ferrario arrived at the firm in May 2022 and has experience of electricity, mining, and banking and finance matters.

Practice head(s):

Adolfo Durañona; Ezequiel Artola


Testimonials

Adolfo Durañona displays transparency and professionalism. Ezequiel Artola is experienced and exemplifies professionalism and attention to detail.’

Our company works with a team of lawyers from Baker Mckenzie on a lithium project. The team is very professional with extensive experience in the mining field, the Argentine legal framework and international transactions.

Adolfo Durañona and Ezequiel Artola are specialists in the mining field and show great professionalism and extensive experience. They are always attentive to our needs and calls.

Key clients

Albemarle Corporation


Orbit Garant


Vale


Bunge Minera


Rincon Litio


Puna Group


GanFeng Lithium


Rio Tinto


Work highlights


  • Assisted Rio Tinto International with a competitive and binding sale process that resulted in the company’s $825m acquisition of Rincon Mining.
  • Advised Ganfeng Lithium Group on the acquisition of Argentina-focused lithium explorer Lithea.
  • Assisted Rio Tinto with analysis of the status of mining rights related to a copper project.

Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados

Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados’s fast-growing mining practice has carved out a strong presence in the lithium segment and has also been active advising on mining development and construction mandates. Other areas covered by the multidisciplinary team include cross-border investments, M&A and project finance. Transactional and projects lawyer Matías Olcese is active across a range of regulatory, finance and M&A matters in the sector; he co-leads the team alongside experienced corporate and finance lawyer María Paula Terrel, who has returned to Buenos Aires after a spell in Chile and advises mining clients on their day-to-day operations, and on the acquisition, development, financing and sale of projects and assets.

Practice head(s):

Matías Olcese; María Paula Terrel


Testimonials

The team is very quick to respond to our needs and also contributes beyond what is strictly required,  great contributing new ideas and out-of-the-box solutions.

Maria Paula Terrel is proactive, intelligent and knowledgeable about her area of expertise. She constantly contributes with advice, suggestions and vast experience. Matias Olcese is very pragmatic and experienced, and looks at matters from the client’s perspective.

The Mitrani team is a very united team, which works extremely well not only among themselves but also with the teams of the firms or clients, which means that the transactions are carried out in a very efficient, organized and professional manner. They don’t get lost in the “legalities” – they understand the client’s goals and focus on solutions rather than problems.

Matias Olsece and Maria Paula Terrel are the key people in this team. Not only are they excellent from a legal point of view, but they are also very hardworking, always available, and most importantly, they understand the objectives of the client and the transaction and are focused on the important points and solutions. They are very practical, detailed and efficient.

Key clients

Lithium Power International


Fortuna Silver Mines


Toyota Tsusho


Shandong Gold Mining Co


Kinross Gold Corporation


RHI- Magnesita


K.R.Energy


Tor Investment Management


Rumble Resources


Uranium One Holding


Livent Corp


New Era Metal


Shenzhen Chengxin Lithium Group


Vertex Holdings


Next Lithium


RTCR Solutions


Work highlights


  • Advised Livent Corp on the $640m expansion of its lithium processing plant and associated facilities; including the full suite of construction and services-related contracts.
  • Advised Mansfield Minera on multiple gold sale and purchase transactions, under its precious metals purchase agreement, with a global physical precious metal trader.
  • Advised Next Lithium on several bidding processes, to acquire an interest in different lithium exploration areas, under the public tender process launched by the state-owned energy and mining company of the Province of Salta, REMSA.

Alfaro-Abogados

Transactional work involving mining assets in the fast-growing lithium space has been a key focus area for the Alfaro-Abogados mining practice, which is known for supporting exploration and development companies focused on gold, silver, copper, uranium and lithium projects. The firm advises a cluster of multinational and domestic miners on government contracts, joint ventures, supplier agreements and project finance. Experienced mining practitioner Ignacio Celorrio and Federico Palavecino - who focuses on the provision of advisory services to mining clients - co-lead the team. Focusing on mining, regulatory and general corporate work, Nicolás Ferla offers additional partner level back-up.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Celorrio; Federico Palavecino


Testimonials

First line lawyers, with extensive experience in the field, focused on added value and the client. Available at any time responding to business needs.

What stands out is practical experience combined with solid legal and procedural knowledge, always focused on going the extra mile to secure the best work for the client.’

Ability to understand the business.

Proactivity and high availability.

I believe that this firm is the best mining legal organisation in Argentina. Besides the broad breadth of expertise in mining and mining related matters, Alfaro-Abogados understands the business aspects of every issue that arises and is able to provide credible, creative and practical solutions to any problem we bring to their attention. Our organisation has been active for 30 years in Argentina’s mining industry; our success would not be possible without the legal guidance of the team at Alfaro-Abogados.

Honesty, intelligent and solution oriented are the characteristics that stand out the most from the partners we have dealt with. The individuals in particular include Ignacio Cellorio, Nicolas Ferla and Federico Palavecino. They are approachable and eager to listen to the problem at hand; with that, they provide practical advice timely that almost always resolves the situation. Specifically, Ignacio’s knowledge of government matters as they pertain to mining makes his advice indispensable.’

Key clients

Lithium Americas


Zijin Mining Group


BHP


Golden Arrow Resources


Argosy Minerals


Argentina Lithium & Energy


Minera Exar


Power Minerals


Blue Sky Uranium


Imerys


Work highlights


  • Advised Lithium Americas Corp on its acquisition of Millennial Lithium Corp, the owner of the Pastos Grandes lithium brine project located in the province of Salta, Argentina.
  • Advised Zijin Mining Group on the acquisition of Neo Lithium, the owner of the 3Q lithium brine project located in the province of Catamarca, Argentina.
  • Advised BHP on its investment in Filo Mining through a private placement of $100m in order to foster the development of its Filo del Sol project.

Beccar Varela

Investors, exploration companies and equipment suppliers in the mining industry turn to Beccar Varela for support on the regulatory aspects of the Argentine mining industry, including public law, tax, and financial regulations, as well as labour, land use and temporary importations of machinery. The team serves a broad mix of clients, including senior and junior developers, and covers all phases of the mining life cycle, advising on transactions, provincial permitting issues and negotiations with landowners. The team is co-led by banking and finance veteran Roberto Fortunati, who has long been active in the sector; and corporate, project finance and mining partner Alejandro Poletto.

Practice head(s):

Roberto Fortunati; Alejandro Poletto


Testimonials

They manage financing questions in the sector very well; Roberto Fortunati has considerable knowledge and seniority.

Key clients

Southern Copper


Centaur Resources


Sandvik


Saint Gobain


Esco Servicios Mineros


Placo Argentina


Lake Resources


Work highlights


  • Advising Group Centaur on the corporate status of its local subsidiary in Argentina as well as on its lithium investment projects.
  • Advised Southern Copper Corporation on the transfer and registration of mining properties as well as regulatory compliance issues arising from the option agreement for the Hoyada Project in the province of Catamarca, Argentina.
  • Advised Southern Copper Corporation on the drafting of drilling contracts required for the development of the mining activity in the province of Río Negro, and exploration contracts required for the development of mining activity in the province of Catamarca.

Beretta Godoy

Beretta Godoy provides local and international mining companies with support on day-to-day operations, title deeds, mining contracts, tax issues, regulation and deal structuring. The team’s work on complex tax matters is particularly noted, with the firm at the forefront of implementing complex cross-border mineral stream tax structures in Argentina. Firm founder Federico Godoy has stepped back from his role as practice head but remains available to the team in an of counsel role. Litigation and natural resources expert Juan Sonoda now co-leads the practice alongside special counsel Pablo Sbarra and transactions-focused senior associate Juan Nasuti.

Practice head(s):

Juan Sonoda; Pablo Sbarra; Juan Manuel Nasuti


Key clients

JinYuan Ep


Yamana Gold


Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt


China Gezhouba Group Corporation


Ganfeng Lithium Co


CRRC


Alpha Lithium Corporation


AAJ Computers Services


Heil Trailer International


Inpet


Inelectra


Perrigo


Work highlights


  • Advised Yamana Gold on the integration of the Minera Agua Rica project with the Minera Alumbrera plant and infrastructure, both located in the Catamarca Province of Argentina.
  • Advised Yamana Gold on the execution of an option agreement related to the gold mining Suyai Project.
  • Represented Yamana Gold in the sale of its Gualcamayo mine, located in San Juan, Argentina, to Mineros.

Nicholson y Cano Abogados

Nicholson y Cano Abogados supports clients throughout the mining production cycle, with expertise that covers exploration and development, commercial exploitation and closure. Clients seek out the team for advice on claims and properties, mining rights due diligence, mining code compliance and associated environmental and human rights matters. Experienced oil-and-gas and natural resources practitioner Nicolás Perkins co-leads the practice alongside Fernando Caruso, who has more than three decades' experience advising companies in the sector.

Practice head(s):

Nicolás Perkins; Fernando Caruso


Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani

Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani has successfully broadened out what was primarily an electricity-sector focused natural resources team and has seen a steady uptick in mining-related work during the last 12 months. The hire of specialist mining practitioner Marcos Moreno Hueyo as partner and practice head has been the main driver of this development, helping the the team to win business from developers in metals and minerals ranging from gold and silver to copper and lithium. The practice also advises on all the regulatory aspects associated with the Argentine mining industry, including public law, tax and financial regulations. Transactional work, and environmental and royalties' matters are also covered. In addition to the hire of Moreno Hueyo, the firm has also recruited mining-law focused associate Dolores Reyes.

Practice head(s):

Marcos Moreno Hueyo


Key clients

Desarrollo de Prospectos Mineros


Lundin Mining Corporation


EMX Royalty Corporation


Centaur Resources


Eramine


Loma Negra Compañía Industrial Argentina


Work highlights


  • Advised Desarrollo de Propectos Mineros on an agreement for the operation and maintenance of the Josemaría copper-gold mining project in San Juan province in Argentina.
  • Currently advising EMX Royalty Corporation on royalties in Argentina as a result of a global agreement entered into with SSR Mining.
  • Currently advising Eramine’s Centenario-Ratones lithium project on  surface and environmental permitting related to the solar photovoltaic power facility that will supply energy to its mining project.