Firms To Watch: Mining

Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's mining and natural resources team is headed up by former Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría associate Francisco Varela, a specialist in mining project developments and mining companies’ M&A deals; Varela is supported by associate Fernanda Contreras, who advises on water use rights and mining concessions.
In early 2022, IMAD Abogados' mining practice received a boost with the hire of mining law specialist José Manuel Correa -from Chile’s National Geology and Mining Service, where he was head of legal for three years- as director; Correa’s recent workload includes assisting mining companies with permitting issues and sanctioning procedures.
The mining law practice of natural resources and environmental law boutique Lawgic Abogados (established in early 2020) is co-led by senior of counsel Andres Verdugo, who has longstanding experience in large mining investment projects; and water law and mining specialist Agustín Walker; both Verdugo and Walker previously worked at well-known mining specialist firm Núñez Muñoz Abogados (as partner and of counsel, respectively).
With longstanding expertise in natural resources law (particularly mining, energy and water), Quinzio & Olivares Abogados‘ five-member mining practice is co-led at name-partner level by Cristián Quinzio, who routinely leads mining projects’ international negotiations; and Marcelo Olivares, the former vice-president of legal at Chilean exploration and mining company, Andes Iron.
Urzúa created a mining practice during the course of 2022 with the recruitment of mining transactions specialist Daniel Weinstein (as a partner) from global mining company BHP, where he led a team of six senior in-house lawyers (based in Canada and Chile).

Mining in Chile

Baker McKenzie Chile

Baker McKenzie Chile houses a go-to mining team for mining companies’ transactional, regulatory and operational requirements. The group’s track record includes advising on several greenfield mining projects; and it is particularly well known for its representation of junior exploration companies. Clients with interests across Latin America also benefit notably from the firm’s extensive LatAm coverage. Recent highlights include assisting Battery Mineral Resources with the mining, environmental and corporate aspects of plans to resume mining and milling operations in the Altos de Punitaqui mine. Heading up the mining practice group for Santiago, Antonio Ortúzar Jr has longstanding experience in large-scale natural resources projects; and mining and foreign investment expert Mirco Hilgers routinely assists with the incorporation, maintenance and development of foreign mining industry companies (and their Chilean subsidiaries). At associate level, Santiago Vial is experienced in mining, infrastructure and corporate work.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Ortúzar Jr; Mirco Hilgers


Key clients

Sierra Gorda


Weston Energy


Mantos Copper


Fortescue Metals Group


Battery Mineral Resources


Haldeman Mining Company


KGHM International


New Tech Mining


Orica Chile


China United Engineering Corporation


Fortescue Future Industries


Mantoverde


SBX Inversiones


Valbifrut


Work highlights


  • Assisting Battery Mineral Resources with the mining, environmental and corporate aspects of plans to resume mining and milling operations in the Altos de Punitaqui mine.
  • Advised Mantos Copper on legal, corporate, mining, labour and tax issues.
  • Advising Fortescue Metals Group on mining, environmental and corporate matters.

Bofill Mir Abogados

Spinning out of Bofill, Mir & Álvarez Jana in March 2022, Bofill Mir Abogados‘ mining lawyers have longstanding experience in advising on the acquisition and operation of small, medium, and large-scale mining projects in Chile (as well as cross-border matters); and the department is particularly active in the copper, gold, iron ore and lithium segments. A significant part of the firm’s recent practice has involved advising on the country’s recent Constitutional proposals, which included matters directly impacting the mining industry. Founding partner Pablo Mir is a renowned mining and natural resources law specialist who routinely advises on mining operations, financings, M&A, and engineering and construction projects; his recent accolades include being elected co-chair of the Mining Law Committee of the International Bar Association Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure. Notable team development during early 2023 include the promotion to partner of Alina Bendersky, who has extensive experience in permitting and special mining contracts; and the return of corporate, finance and project expert Francisco Ducci (as partner), after two years at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s New York office. At senior associate level, Alonso Calderón is experienced in mining-related foreign investment projects.

Practice head(s):

Pablo Mir


Testimonials

Bofill’s team, both partners and seniors, are very willing to help clients, and they respond quickly and professionally.

A firm with a diverse team that can help with many different aspects.

Exceptionally commercial, very client oriented, and great at achieving results.

Pablo Mir is a mining great and a true leader in his field.

Key clients

EMX Royalty Corp


The Lundin Group


Vale


Mitsui & Co


Rugby Mining


Freehill Mining


Marimaca Copper Corp


Wheaton Precious Metals


Sumitomo Corp


Pampa Metals Corporation


Bifox


Work highlights


  • Advised EMX Royalty Corp on two transactions concerning the purchase of shares in SLM California (the owner of a 1.944% NSR royalty interest in the Caserones copper-molybdenum mine).
  • Advised Wheaton Precious Metals on the execution of a gold stream financing agreement with Rio2.
  • Advised Josemaría Resources (now Lundin Mining Corp) on the development of the large-scale Josemaria copper-gold-silver project in Argentina.

Carey

The ‘great team' at Carey is routinely involved in the development and financing of Chile’s most significant mining projects. The firm also fields a go-to practice for major mining sector-related M&A transactions; and regularly advises domestic and foreign metallic and non-metallic minerals companies on their exploration, exploitation and processing activities. Other key areas for the team include mining, water and land use surface rights; environmental and community issues; agreements for mining projects; and mining-related litigation. Jointly leading the group, Rafael Vergara (‘the best mining lawyer in Chile') acts for many of the world’s largest global mining companies; Alberto Cardemil is a renowned water rights specialist; and counsel Francisco Corona regularly acts on major mining transactions. At associate level, Maximiliano Urrutia focuses primarily on natural resources, mining and energy work; and Esteban Fresno's track record includes the corporate governance aspects of a copper project development.

Practice head(s):

Rafael Vergara; Alberto Cardemil; Francisco Corona


Testimonials

The team has a lot of experience. It compares positively with other firms due to its level of expertise in each area.

A great team and the product delivered is excellent.

The team is at a very good level and understands clients’ needs.

Rafael Vergara is the best mining lawyer in Chile – his experience translates into the level of advice he delivers.

Key clients

Teck Resources


CODELCO (National Copper Corporation of Chile)


Barrick Gold Corporation


Minera Valle Central


Minsur – Minera Andes del Sur


Kinross


Arauco


Aftermath Silver


Hudbay Minerals


Sichuan Tianqi Lithium Industries


Melón


Marimaca Copper Corp


New Century Resources


Quiborax


Antofagasta Minerals


Work highlights


  • Advised KGHM on the sale of shares (owned by Sumitomo) in the Sierra Gorda project.
  • Advised Nueva Unión (subsidiary of Teck Resources and Newmont Goldcorp) on the implementation of a copper project.
  • Advised Marimaca on the implementation of its Marimaca Copper project in the Region of Antofagasta.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' seven-member mining practice is highly active in mining sector-related M&A deals, joint ventures and projects. In the projects space, it advises on the exploration, development, financing and operation of mining projects, as well as worksite closures; while on the M&A front, the firm’s track record includes high-profile acquisitions and sales of mining companies and assets (copper, gold, silver, nitrates, iron ore, coal and salt). The practice is jointly led by corporate, commercial, mining and environmental law specialist Carlos Pérez-Cotapos, who routinely advises on mining investment projects, mining companies’ M&A deals, and mining-related project financing; and Gonzalo Grez, an expert in mining high-tech contracts, community issues and land access, who advises companies on mining, energy and regulatory matters in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Within the firm’s associate ranks, senior Cristóbal Herrera has significant experience in mining-related constitution processes, mining property defence work, and litigation involving mining issues; and the practices of Patricio Turner, María Belén Fuenzalida, Lucas Antúnez and Sebastián Manzur also feature mining-law related matters.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Pérez-Cotapos; Gonzalo Grez


Key clients

BHP


Rio Tinto


Newmont


Hudbay Minerals


Franco-Nevada


South 32


JSW Steel


Newcrest Mining


SSR Mining


Iamgold Corporation


LS Nikko


Planta Recuperadora de Metales


NuevaUnión


Boart Longyear


Norte Abierto


Solaris Copper


BZ Aquamin


Minera Ricardo Resources


Trimetals


Lumina Capital


Minera Cordillera


Moly-Cop


Torino Metals


Imerys Minerales Chile


Work highlights


  • Advised South32 on the acquisition of a 45% stake in Chile’s Sierra Gorda copper mine from Sumitomo Metal Mining Co and Sumitomo Corporation.
     
  • Advised Franco Nevada (through its subsidiary Minera Global Copper Chile) on the acquisition of a 0.458201% net smelter return royalty for the Caserones copper-molybdenum mine.
  • Advised SSR Mining and Silver Standard Ventures on the execution of an assignment and assumption agreement.

Guerrero Olivos

The eight-strong mining department at full-service firm Guerrero Olivos acts for both domestic and international mining clients, as well as non-mining clients (such as private investment funds) with significant mining sector interests; and the firm houses specialists in the gamut of metallic and non-metallic mineral mining, including copper, lithium, gold, saltpetre, iodine, potassium, and lime/stone. The practice’s wide-ranging credentials span environmental and local community issues, regulatory work and mining disputes, as well as high-value project acquisitions, project financing, joint ventures, M&A, and royalty and streaming agreements. Mining practice head Pedro Lyon is a renowned mining-related project development and finance expert, who has broad experience in environmental, regulatory and community matters; Marco Zavala acts on both the transactional and regulatory aspects of mining work; and the expertise of current President of the Mining Committee of the Australian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce, Benjamín Pérez, covers mining related-regulatory and environmental issues, mineral exploration, project development, mining agreements, due diligence, sale structures, and mining M&A. A June 2022 hire from Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados, senior associate and mining project development specialist Sebastian Mozó has ‘great experience in the mining sector'.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Lyon; Marco Zavala; Benjamín Pérez


Testimonials

There are several aspects that make them different and attractive to clients – availability to the client, vision and knowledge of clients’ business.

Easy access to the lawyers, and a wide range of mining sector-related services and knowledge.

Pedro Lyon – vision, attitude, knowledge and experience of the mining business.

Associate Sebastián Mozó – great experience in the mining sector and great ability to serve the client.’

Key clients

Rio2


Fenix Gold


Lince


Antofagasta Minerals


Torq Resources


Anglo American


Yamana Gold


Glencore


Denham Capital


Santiago Metals


Simco


Source Energy Global


Simbalik


Golden Arrow


Atacama Natural Resources


MMG


Albemarle


Work highlights


  • Advised Canadian-listed mining company Rio2 on the financing process of its Fenix Gold mining project.
  • Advised Atacama Natural Resources on the acquisition of a stake in a BVI company, which is the holder of a large and unique brownfield polymetallic deposit in eastern Paraguay.
  • Advised Yamana Gold on the potential sale to Rio Tinto of Yamana’s participation in the Agua De La Falda project.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's ‘great team of lawyers' is particularly well known for its mining-related M&A and project finance credentials; the group’s expertise takes in due diligence, deals involving mining issues, and mining contracts. The firm additionally houses a robust mining dispute resolution practice. Mining and natural resources group leader Juan Paulo Bambach is an expert in corporate law, M&A, energy, mining and natural resources, and enjoys a track record that includes high-stakes transactions on behalf of national and international mining exploration companies; mining and energy law expert Jerónimo Carcelénprovides an exemplary service'; while María Paz Pulgar (who was promoted to counsel in March 2022) is experienced in major mining deals. At associate level, principal Felipe Ossa P handles mining-related regulatory issues, in addition to advising mining companies on corporate, M&A and financing matters. Former senior Natalia Czwiklitzer and principal María José Sotomayor both left for in-house roles during the course of 2022.

Practice head(s):

Juan Paulo Bambach; Jerónimo Carcelén


Testimonials

Very good handling of the entrusted issues, very well-ordered documentation, and great delivery at closing.

Solid preparation in environmental and corporate issues, good command of English, and very detailed.

PPU is a great office, with internal systems that really stand out.

An available and trustworthy team that is willing to listen and solve.

PPU has a great team of lawyers, with the necessary experience and knowledge to resolve all the queries that clients might raise.

Provides a comprehensive service, which includes the most varied areas of law. The lawyers generate the confidence that clients need to make decisions.

Deep knowledge and practical solutions.

Jerónimo Carcelén provides an exemplary service.

Work highlights


  • Advised Sumitomo Metal Mining Co and Sumitomo Corporation on the sale of a 45% stake in the Sierra Gorda Mining Project.
  • Advised Compañía Minera Mantos de Oro (a subsidiary of Kinross) on the process of reopening the La Coipa project.
  • Advised MSB on the consolidation by Lithium Power Investment of up-to 100% equity ownership of the Salar Blanco lithium project (through a three-party cross-border merger and stock acquisition arrangement).

CMS Carey & Allende

CMS Carey & Allende‘s mining practice is experienced in mining property issues, mining contracts, and permits and licenses. The team can draw on the office’s accumulated expertise in the acquisition of land for mining purposes; and it assists with the legal and regulatory aspects of bidding processes, transfer contracts, concessions, investments, community relations and surface rights. The practice also advises on due diligence processes, joint ventures, exploration agreements, mining easements, mining disputes, and procuring water supply for mining activity. Heading the practice, engineering and construction expert Jorge Allende Z acts on a range of mining projects. Further partner-level support is provided by mining and non-conventional renewable energy project specialist, Ignacio Errazquin, who routinely advises on operating agreements; and at senior associate level, mining and water rights practitioner Manuel Ponce focuses on projects’ subsoil protection processes.

Practice head(s):

Jorge Allende Z; Ignacio Errazquin


Testimonials

Knowledge of the many different disciplines and particularities that are relevant to mining operations.

Specialists in each of the necessary fields.

Ignacio Errazquin has in-depth knowledge of what corporate law is, particularly in the preparation of contracts and negotiations.

Key clients

Inversiones Alxar


Canadian Solar


Solarpack Chile


María Elena Solar


Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama


Work highlights


  • Advised Inversiones Alxar on the sale of its shares in its former subsidiaries Compañía Minera Can-Can and Compañía Minera La Merced.
  • Advised Solarpack Chile on mining matters.
  • Advising Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama on various contractor relationships.

Larrain y Asociados Abogados

The eight-lawyer mining practice at Larrain y Asociados Abogados acts for major mining companies at survey, exploration, development, construction and operational stages. It also advises on the acquisition and sale of mining companies and mining assets; and is sought out by mining clients to negotiate royalty agreements, as well as key supply and infrastructure project contracts for gas, fuel, chemicals, mining equipment, and train and port services. The practice is jointly led by Jorge Granic, whose clients include a number of major mining companies; and Cristóbal Morandé, whose practice encompasses energy and natural resources, project finance, M&A, and commercial and corporate law. Growth in the team includes the 2022 promotion of project development and financing specialist Joaquín Larrain to partner; while Francisco Cerda (a former foreign associate in Herbert Smith Freehills' New York office) and Javiera Méndez (energy, gas, public law and regulated services) are the associates to note.

Practice head(s):

Jorge Granic; Cristóbal Morandé


Testimonials

Great firm and lawyers for mining law and litigation.

Jorge Granic’s work is highly precise.

Key clients

Gold Fields


Sociedad Punta del Cobre


Flux Solar Energías Renovables


BHP


Minera Goldfields


Metka EGN


Reden Solar


Sociedad Punta del Cobre


Work highlights


  • Advises South African mining company Gold Fields on the Salares Norte mining project.
  • Advising Pucobre on the El Espino mining project, a greenfield deposit in the Coquimbo Region of Chile.
  • Advised Pucobre on a joint venture with Codelco for the exploration and development of a copper mining project in Antofagasta.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr fields a seven-member mining team with longstanding experience in advising both domestic and international clients on mining projects. The group’s representative expertise covers mining title reviews, as well as the negotiation of agreements (such as purchase options), financings, joint ventures, explorations, royalties, streaming and easements. It also assists with reviewing titles to water rights, obtaining permits, and reclamation actions. The practice is led by Sergio Orrego, who assists with a broad range of mining transactions, while fellow name partner Gonzalo Rencoret regularly advises on mining projects. The next line of active practitioners features Rafael Rencoret (promoted to partner in January 2023), who maintains an active mining practice; while at associate level, Verónica Roa routinely drafts complex mining agreements and Javiera Vicuña advises on mining, water, energy, and corporate law matters.

Practice head(s):

Sergio Orrego


Key clients

BHP


Minera Escondida


Yamana Gold


Royal Gold


Next Minerals


Minera Meridian


Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile


Moolmans South Africa – Aveng


Amerigo Resources


Astra Exploration


Osisko Gold Royalties


Newmont


Mine Discovery Fund PTY


Minera Spence


Compañía Minera Cerro Colorado


Work highlights


  • Advised Yamana Gold on the due diligence of mining projects owned by Gold Fields in Chile (in relation to the proposed merger transaction between Yamana Gold and GFL).
  • Assisted Osisko Gold Royalties with an investment contract and a royalty agreement for the purchase of a 1% net smelter return royalty in certain claims over the Marimaca Oxide Deposit.
  • Advised BHP on the acquisition of an interest in Filo Mining Corp, which is developing a copper-gold-silver project that straddles the Argentine-Chile border.

Barros & Errázuriz

The six-lawyer mining practice at full-service law firm Barros & Errázuriz routinely assists with obtaining, defending and acquiring mining concessions. The group also advises on mining industry-related transactions, including associated due diligence processes and the negotiation of related corporate documentation. It further assists with non-traditional financings (through royalty and streaming agreements), option agreements, and mining leases. The practice is led by Felipe Allende, who acts for mining companies and mining-focused investment funds - primarily as regards transactions and financings; and experienced senior associate Martin Vial, who is particularly focused on mining concession processes.

Practice head(s):

Felipe Allende


Key clients

Albemarle


Caitán


Explora Resources


Minera Peñoles


Work highlights


  • Advising Albemarle Corporation on mining development projects.
  • Advised Explora Resources on the negotiation and sale of three mining projects.
  • Advised Caitán on the development, construction and operation of a desalination plant for the Spence mine.

Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co was established in August 2022 following the merger of Grasty Quintana Majlis (previously in association with London-headquartered global law firm Clyde & Co) and Halpern Pino. The group advises Chilean and foreign mining companies with regard to mining title reviews, mining concessions’ due diligence, option and royalty agreements, financing, and project development. It also advises on land use and easements, construction issues and mining disputes. The team is led by Hugo Prieto, who routinely negotiates option agreements and service provision contracts in the mining sector. At associate level, José Francisco Osman is active in mining, real estate, energy, and corporate law work; José Fernández advises on corporate and commercial law matters; and Sebastián Acevedo focuses on real estate, urban planning and corporate issues.

Practice head(s):

Hugo Prieto


Key clients

Tecnomin


Sociedad Minera La Frontera


Minera Tres Valles


Compañía Minera Milena Chile


Bridgestone Mining Solutions Latin America


Terremoto Mining


Work highlights


  • Acting for Tecnomin on the execution of the legal procedures required for mining concessions.
  • Acting for Sociedad Minera La Frontera on the acquisition of the Cortadera Project.
  • Assisted Sociedad Minera La Frontera with the acquisition of the Purísima Project.

Dentons Chile

The five-lawyer practice at Dentons Chile advises both national and international clients on mining matters, including mining-related arbitral disputes and matters before Chile’s ordinary and specialised law courts. In relation to mining projects, the group’s expertise ranges from exploration, development, construction, operation and closure stages, to the constitution of mining easements. The team is led by mining law and litigation expert Gonzalo Nieto; Jose Ignacio Moran advises on the water and environmental law aspects of mining work; and Pauline Chiffelle is an experienced mining litigator. Among the associate ranks of the Santiago office, the mining litigation practice of senior Jaime Cruzat covers nullity proceedings, oppositions, easements and the expiration of mining concessions; and Cristián Vial’s experience includes mining concession processes, and administrative and judicial proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Gonzalo Nieto


Key clients

Tewoo Group Co


Compañía Minera Nevada


Agrícola Super


Compañía Minera Zaldívar


CTS Global


Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alcántara


Inmobiliaria Uncastillo


Barrick Servicios Mineros


Agrícola La Vega


Compañía Minera Salitrales


Haciendas Talinay


Matetic Group Wine


Compania Minera Arqueros


Agrosuper


Los Cobres de Atacama


Work highlights


  • Ongoing advice to Compañía Minera Nevada regarding its mining projects.
  • Assisting Agrícola Super with its mining easement trials.
  • Advising Barrick Servicios Mineros on its day-to-day mining issues.

Lembeye

Founded in 2017, Lembeye‘s four-member mining group handles exploration issues, project development, acquisitions and sales, financing and permitting. The firm also houses experts in project closures, environmental approvals, and construction and operational matters; and additionally assists with options and earn-ins, farm-ins, mine construction work, joint ventures and shareholder agreements, and royalties and streaming contracts. Other notable areas include stakeholder and local community matters, and litigation regarding mining concessions. The department is led by longstanding mining industry specialist, the dual-qualified (Canada/Chile) Rony Zimerman (a former Bofill Mir & Álvarez Jana partner), who acts on a range of transactional and regulatory mining matters. Fellow partner Guillermo de la Jara assists clients with regulatory mining matters, including exploration permits, easements and environmental authorisations; while associate Lukas Hudson maintains a broad mining practice.

Practice head(s):

Rony Zimerman


Key clients

Angold Resources


Rio Explorations


Equus Mining


Southern Gold


Nutrex


Andex Minerals


Legend Dragon


Summit Nanotech


Solgold


Work highlights


  • Advised Rio Explorations (and its parent company Angold Resources) on the Dorado Project, an early-stage gold exploration project.
  • Advised Angold Resources on the development of the gold exploration Cordillera Project.
  • Advised Australian company Equus Mining on the acquisition of a 19% stake in the Cerro Bayo mine.

Morales & Besa

The five-member mining law team at full-service firm Morales & Besa handles all aspects of mining projects. Its specialisms range from exploration and exploitation issues and complex regulatory work, to project feasibility matters, and high-value acquisitions and financings. The group is also able to leverage the expertise of its transactional and environmental law colleagues for mining issues. Recent mandates encompassed permitting, mortgaging transactions, mineral-acquisition agreements, and the purchase of mining rights. The practice is led by Aldo Cardinali, the former head of the Ministry of Mining’s Sustainability Division, who returned to the firm as a partner in early 2022 from Infante Valenzuela Molina Abogados. Associate Catalina Troncoso  is also a key member of the firm’s mining team.

Practice head(s):

Aldo Cardinali


Key clients

Rio Tinto Exploration


KGHM


Minera Carrizalillo


Las Cenizas, SCM Franke


Monte Oscuro


Eccora Resources


DIF Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Assisted Rio Tinto with negotiating the issue of a permit to explore on military land.
  • Provides KGHM with legal reports on different aspects of its mining activities.
  • Advised Ecora Resources on the postponement of a mortgage established by Mantos Copper.

Núñez Muñoz Abogados

Núñez Muñoz Abogados is a well-known boutique legal practice with notable experience in mining contracts and deals. The firm also houses experts in project development, mining property and financing work, as well as mining sector-related M&A deals. Director of the Chilean-Canadian Chamber of Commerce since 2018, founding partner Patricia Nuñez is a longstanding mining law specialist, who is consistently mandated on mining-related investments, financings and infrastructure matters; while the broad practice of fellow name partner Rodrigo Muñoz covers mining law, public works concessions, foreign investment, energy and natural resources, and environmental law and community issues.

Prieto Abogados

The ‘very responsive' 10-member mining practice at full-service firm Prieto Abogados advises an array of domestic and international clients (including investment funds) on mining rights - particularly since these have become increasingly critical to the funding sought for the development of energy, infrastructure and real estate projects. The mining department also assists with a range of judicial proceedings and private arbitrations. The team is jointly led director of the firm's environmental and public law practices, Agustín Martorell (who was raised to the partnership in January 2022), whose broad expertise covers environmental law and project development, in relation to the mining, energy, infrastructure, and fishing and aquaculture industries; and M&A leader Juan Tagle, who is also experienced in mining projects. Associates Ignacio Matte (environmental, regulatory and mining law) and Ignacio Quintana (a 2022 hire from BEC Abogados) complete the team. Former seniors Andrés Maldini and Jorge Echeverría left the firm for Solek Holding Chile and Rockville Capital, respectively, during the course of 2022.

Practice head(s):

Juan Tagle; Agustín Martorell


Testimonials

The team is very responsive, and clients can see that there is real teamwork, which results in better service for the client.

Knowledge of the matters that are dealt with – responsible and responsive.

Key clients

Cleantech Lithium (and its Chilean subsidiaries)


Inmobiliaria Puente


Agrícola Ballerina Chile


Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi


Andes Copper


Anglo American Chile


CODELCO


YPF Chile


Engie Energía Chile


Work highlights


  • Advised Cleantech Lithium (and its Chilean subsidiaries) on the negotiations with several mining concession owners for purchase agreements and purchase option agreements.
  • Assisted Inmobiliaria Puente with the judicial procedure to constitute exploration mining properties (to protect several real estate development projects).
  • Advised Agrícola Ballerina Chile on maintaining mining concessions to protect agricultural projects developed on surface lands.

Claussen & Velasco

Founded in 2017, specialist mining, environmental and corporate law firm Claussen & Velasco routinely acts for Chilean and international mining companies, as well as businesses operating in the mining sector’s supply chain. The team covers all stages of projects, from implementation to exploitation (along with closure when productive cycles end). The practice also represents clients’ interests during the litigation and arbitration of mining matters. Jointly leading the group at name-partner level, current director of national mining company ENAMI, Carlos Claussen, regularly acts in contentious mining matters; and Felipe Velasco advises mining sector-related companies on commercial, corporate and tax issues. Mining and environmental law associate Lester Maxwell leads the firm’s litigation team.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Claussen; Felipe Velasco


Testimonials

Great availability, legal knowledge and strategy.

Solid teamwork and ability from the whole group.

Work highlights


Schenke Brancoli Abogados | SLBZ

Boutique law firm Schenke Brancoli Abogados | SLBZ houses an 11-strong team that specialises in the constitution, protection and safeguarding of mining concessions. It also represents Mining Code-governed mining companies; and advises on mining legal easements, mining law contracts, mining property audits, and due diligence processes regarding mining companies and projects. The practice is additionally mandated with particular frequency to prepare mining and water law-related reports. Mining department head Hipólito Zañartu is a widely-respected natural resources expert, whose practice encompasses both water and mining law; and name partner Ricardo Brancoli specialises in regulatory, environmental and natural resource law-related disputes. Associate Camila Pozo Parot is also an active team member.

Practice head(s):

Hipólito Zañartu; Ricardo Brancoli


Key clients

Aguas Andinas


Essal


Arauco


Forestal Russfin


Ecomac


Pacific Hydro Chile


Ingeniería y Construcción Ingesal


Inmobiliaria KCP


Soprole


Agrícola y Lechera La Greda


Arauco Inmobiliaria


Inmobiliaria Los Silos III


Constructora Altius


Inversiones KB


Inmobiliaria Agrícola Los Huapes


Recondrilling Chile


Pan Pacific Copper Exploration Chile


Minera ACF


Compañía Mantos de la Luna


Longaví River Surveillance Group


Minera Los Pelambres


Constructora Bío Bío


Compañía Minera Gatico


Construcciones y Transportes Laja


Work highlights


  • Advising Recondrilling Chile on the application of Chilean legal regulations.
  • Advised Algorta Norte on the constitution of easements and mining property matters.
  • Acting for Minera Los Pelambres in mining lawsuits, which relate to the constitution of easements on properties that (although not owned by Los Pelambres) it has the right to use.

Valdivieso, Gutierrez & Manríquez Abogados

Founded in 2014, Valdivieso, Gutierrez & Manríquez Abogados' recent track record includes significant mining industry transactions, such as the purchase of a royalty for a group of mining concessions; a mining project-related option-to-purchase agreement; advising on the feasibility of a mining project to exploit lithium; and the sale of mining prospects. The ‘very good' four-strong group is jointly led by name-partners Francisco Valdivieso and Juan Francisco Gutiérrez (former Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' lawyers), both of whom are particularly focused on the acquisition and development of mining projects.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Valdivieso; Juan Francisco Gutiérrez


Testimonials

A very good team that provides very comprehensive support, and reacts to emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Responses that are quick and personalised.

Key clients

Antofagasta Minerals


Nomad Royalty Company


Nueva Unión


Triple Flag R&S


Greenfield Explorations


Glencore


Sociedad Minera Candelaria


Consejo Minero


Confederación para la Producción y Comercio


Mario Hernández


Hong Kong Brunp and CATL Co


Work highlights


  • Advised Triple Flag R&S on the acquisition of a royalty to a copper project.
  • Successfully assisted Sociedad Minera Candelaria with obtaining a suspension of the effect of a sanctioning resolution.
  • Defended Compañía Minera Cerro del Medio at the Supreme Court, after the Court of Appeals of Copiapó refused its request to constitute a mining easement over state land for a mining project.

Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados

Highly focused on environmental and regulatory law matters, Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados' mining practice handles the securing, regularisation and perfection of water rights, as well as advising on the viability of water supplies for mining exploration and exploitation. The team additionally assists with the constitution and protection of mining property, mining project-related dispute resolution, and the processing of permits and compulsory easements. A professor of mining law at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, practice leader Winston Alburquenque specialises in mining, water and energy law.

Practice head(s):

Winston Alburquenque


Testimonials

Knowledge of specific topics and a great understanding of technical problems that require legal and/or regulatory support.

Very available, which gives them a better understanding of the issues to be dealt with.