The multidisciplinary mining practice at Allende & Brea demonstrates profound know-how on all aspects of mining project development, from regulatory and environmental issues to tax, financings and contractual matters, but is increasingly recognised as a “go-to” strategic advisor during difficult times in the Argentine mining sector in general. The team is particularly strong in the lithium segment, as well as in cross-border work. Another distinguishing factor is the team’s presence in mining organisations and thought leadership in the field, notably practice head Florencia Heredia, one of the foremost figures in the sector. Vice Chair of Seeril (energy, environment, natural resources and infrastructure law section) and a member of the Academic Council of the Latin American mining law network REDMIN, Heredia provides expert advice to financing institutions and companies on mining and -increasingly- other natural resources transactions in Argentina, particularly representing lenders in mining project finance in the country. Key support comes from associates Agostina Martinez and Valentina Surraco, who both focus on mining, associated corporate issues and foreign investment; and senior Martín Alejo Prieto, who specialises in environmental and administrative matters. Since publication the team has been further strengthened with the arrival of semi-senior Maria Milagros Pieroni, formerly in-house legal and compliance officer at lithium junior, Minera Exar – effective as of November 2022.

Handling all issues related to mining projects and mining operations, Marval O’Farrell Mairal  has ‘proven that it is able to advise on different aspects of complex cross-border transaction because of its wide offering of legal services’. The practice’s strengths include large mineral-resources deals, complex regulatory matters and niche mining-related litigation. The team is also experienced in day-to-day advice on mining projects and operations in Argentina, from acquisition, exploration and feasibility, to construction and operation. Another feature of the practice is its advice to the Argentine mining chamber (Cámara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros). Following the retirement of veteran practitioner and former departmental head Luis E Lucero , practice leadership has passed to Leonardo Rodríguez a deeply experienced mining specialist with some 20 years’ dedication to the sector. He is flanked by an experienced line of associates including: seniors Ignacio Alonso (who recently assisted Glencore, Newmont and Yamana subsidiary, Minera Alumbrera, with complex litigation and regulatory matters); and Andrés Villarreal (whose recent matters include advising Anglogold Ashanti on exploration and option agreements with Latin Metals, regarding gold projects Organullo, Ana María y Trigal); along with recently appointed senior Agustina Dellacasa, whose practice centres on mining, natural resources and climate change, and associate María Mercedes Rudolph, who has a decade’s experience working throughout the mining sector.

Specialising in the legal and environmental matters associated with mining operations at the municipal, provincial and national levels, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja‘s team covers the full project lifecycle, from project finance to the environmental ramifications of such developments. The practice benefits from good relations with federal and provincial authorities and utilises this to assist mining companies throughout the project development stages, from acquisition, prospection, exploration and financing to the obtaining of all necessary licenses and permits to facilitate construction and commercialisation. Sergio Arbeleche and Sebastián Vedoya are the key names for mining and environmental advice; Arbeleche focuses on contractual matters along with administrative constitutional and international public law; while Vedoya’s practice centres on advising local and foreign companies on mining, hydrocarbon and environmental issues. Senior associate Dolores Cattaneo, who divides her practice between mining and environmental matters, is also noted.

Recommended for its ‘great knowledge of the mining sector’, Alfaro-Abogados is experienced in joint ventures and strategic alliances, exploration and option agreements, permitting and project construction. In addition, the team handles a range of issues related to Federal and Provincial Government relations, regulatory matters, compliance and litigation in the sector. Mining specialist Ignacio Celorrio co-leads the team with Federico Palavecino, whose expertise covers mining and tax law. Nicolás Ferla is another key name in the practice and handles mining, regulatory and corporate law matters.

With ‘high experience in the laws and regulations of Argentina in the mining field’, Beccar Varela  can advise along the length of the industry’s value chain, including investors, producers, exploration companies and service and equipment suppliers. The practice group’s activity is centred on mining transactions, corporate governance and advice on negotiating and drafting easement agreements with surface rights holders and landowners, as well as assisting with provincial permitting issues. M&A, banking and project finance specialist Roberto Fortunati   is head of the team and has a lengthy track record in the sector. However, the September 2022 departure of key senior associate Marcos Moreno Hueyo is a loss. Tax specialist senior associate María Luján Callaci  is also active in the area.

The experienced Mitrani Caballero & Ruiz Moreno Abogados' practice advises on all phases of mining projects, from finance, development and construction to commercialisation, regulatory matters and day-to-day operations. The team has particular experience in the lithium segment, where it is particularly active in M&A but also brings together multidisciplinary strengths from across the firm to advise on a range of cross-border investments, project finance and mine development. Matías Olcese is the name to note; he focuses on regulatory, finance and M&A transactions in the mining industry. He co-leads the practice with corporate and finance specialist María Paula Terrel who has extensive mining-sector experience; she is currently working out of Santiago, Chile.

With expertise throughout the entire mining lifecycle, Nicholson y Cano Abogados  has in depth experience from exploration and development, through to commercial exploitation and closure. Work includes advisory regarding claims and properties, mining rights due diligence, as well as processing the granting of exploration permits, and ongoing advice on compliance with mining code provisions. The firm supplements this expertise with its environmental law, and business and human rights practices. Nicolás Perkins is a recognised mining specialist, as is Fernando Caruso, who has a 30-year track record in the sector; the pair co-lead an eight-strong team.