Mr Santiago Vial KC > Baker McKenzie Chile > Santiago, Chile > Lawyer Profile

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.

Baker McKenzie Chile‘s environmental law practice routinely leverages the firm’s well-known mining law prowess. The team’s coverage includes assessments regarding compliance with environmental regulations and administrative procedures to obtain permits. In cross-border environmental work, clients additionally benefit from the Santiago office’s membership of the firm’s global and Latin America environment practices. Heading up the group, Chilean mining law expert Mirco Hilgers also has extensive experience in natural resources, energy and infrastructure work. During 2022, senior associate Santiago Vial (mining projects) re-joined the firm (further to completing a Master’s Degree in London), while former associate Rosario Preuss departed for an in-house role at Innergex.

Baker McKenzie Chile’s five-member group is best known for its mining-sector credentials. The firm’s projects practice is also increasingly active in relation to renewable energy (solar, wind and geothermal), desalination plants, and port and road projects. The department is co-led by Antonio Ortúzar Jr, who has longstanding experience in natural resources and large-scale projects; and mining project specialist Mirco Hilgers. Experienced in energy, environmental and mining work, associate Santiago Vial re-joined the team in October 2022 (further to completing a Master’s Degree in London).