Bustamante Fabara | View firm profile
Quito, Ecuador – March 11, 2026 – BUSTAMANTE FABARA, a leading law firm recognized for its expertise in complex transactions and its extensive experience in mining projects and cross-border investments, is pleased to announce its role as Ecuadorian legal counsel to Jiangxi Copper in connection with its acquisition of 100% of SolGold, thereby securing full ownership of the Cascabel copper-gold project in Ecuador, one of the most significant undeveloped copper assets in the world.
The transaction, valued at USD 1.17 billion, involved a complex cross-border structure spanning Ecuador, China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Canada, reflecting the international nature of large-scale mining investments in Latin America. Cascabel is widely regarded as one of the most important undeveloped copper deposits globally, with an estimated post-tax net present value of approximately USD 3.2 billion.
In the context of this transaction, BUSTAMANTE FABARA advised Jiangxi Copper on the Ecuadorian legal aspects of the deal, including comprehensive legal due diligence and regulatory analysis covering all relevant areas of Ecuadorian law. The firm conducted an in-depth review of the project’s legal, regulatory, environmental, social, land tenure, permitting and operational framework, as well as broader corporate and transactional matters relevant to the acquisition.
The multidisciplinary team at BUSTAMANTE FABARA was led by Partner Rafael Valdivieso, together with Director Bruno Pesantes, who advised Jiangxi Copper on the Ecuadorian legal aspects of the transaction. The transaction also involved Anjie Broad Law Firm, which acted as international counsel to Jiangxi Copper.
This matter further reinforces BUSTAMANTE FABARA’s leading role in Ecuador’s mining sector, as the firm has acted as Ecuadorian counsel in two of the largest mining acquisitions in the country in recent years. In addition to the Cascabel transaction, the firm advised CMOC Group in its acquisition of Lumina Gold Corp., securing ownership of the Cangrejos Gold Project, the largest primary gold deposit in Ecuador.
Together, these landmark transactions highlight the firm’s deep expertise advising international investors on complex, high-value mining investments and cross-border acquisitions involving world-class mineral assets in Ecuador.
About BUSTAMANTE FABARA
BUSTAMANTE FABARA is one of Ecuador’s leading law firms, with a strong track record advising on complex financial transactions, cross-border deals, and international projects. With over 120 lawyers and 190 total team members, the firm continues to lead in shaping Ecuador’s legal landscape.
About Jiangxi Copper
Jiangxi Copper is one of the world’s largest integrated copper producers, with operations spanning mining, smelting and refining, as well as the development of strategic mining projects worldwide. The company plays a key role in the global supply of critical minerals essential for energy transition and industrial development.