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

The Santiago office of Baker McKenzie Chile fields an eight-strong energy, mining and infrastructure team that has an enviable track record for assisting large, medium-sized and small mining companies with transactional, regulatory and operational matters (including high-profile mining projects). Clients looking to internationalise additionally appreciate the firm’s global network, while those with operations across the Latin America region seek out the practice for its significant regional coverage. Examples of the department’s recent mandates include its advice to global mining services company Orica on regulatory matters; and its assistance to Sierra Gorda SCM regarding compliance with mining regulations. The practice is led by Antonio Ortúzar Jr, a longstanding specialist in significant natural resources projects, whose experience includes international joint ventures, project finance, foreign investment, corporate and commercial arrangements, and major infrastructure projects. The practice also showcases Chilean mining law expert Mirco Hilgers, who advises on the incorporation and development of foreign mining businesses. In the firm’s associate group, infrastructure, environment, mining and corporate law-focused senior Santiago Vial advises on a broad range of mining matters, such as the acquisition of mining companies, including the implementation of mining property-related strategies. Vial also assists with mining-related environmental, regulatory and energy issues.

Displaying ‘a willingness and determination to resolve challenges’, Baker McKenzie Chile‘s four-member team has wide-ranging experience in mining, energy and environmental matters. The full-service group’s advice ranges from compliance with environmental regulations, to obtaining project-related permits. The Santiago office also routinely liaises with the firm’s large global and Latin America environmental practices on cross-border mandates. The department is led by mining law specialist Mirco Hilgers, while senior associate Santiago Vial is experienced in mining, infrastructure and corporate law.

Demonstrating ‘willingness to resolve the challenges of projects’, Baker McKenzie Chile is a familiar presence in the area, where it is well known for its mining-sector credentials. The nine-strong team is also increasingly mandated on renewable energy (solar, wind and geothermal), desalinisation, port and road projects, with clients additionally benefitting from the group’s access to the firm’s enviable regional and international networks. The team’s key practitioners are Santiago mining practice leader Antonio Ortúzar Jr; Mirco Hilgers, an adviser to energy, mining and infrastructure companies; and Jaime Munro, whose broad expertise encompasses major infrastructure projects. In the firm’s associate group, Santiago Vial is experienced in energy, environmental and mining matters.