Bruchou & Funes de Rioja houses ‘one of the most experienced mining teams in Argentina’ and offers strategic counsel across the exploration, construction, and operational phases of mining projects. The department is especially active in the lithium, gold, and copper industries and frequently advises on bidding processes, negotiations with public authorities, permitting, environmental approvals, and royalties. The team also supports international investors and companies in the acquisition of mining rights, including guidance on registration procedures, potential tax benefits, and regulatory compliance. The practice is led by the ’quick-thinking’ Sebastián P. Vedoya and Sergio Arbeleche, who assist with M&A transactions, joint ventures, and the assignment of mining rights, including due diligence and title assessments. Pablo Crimer, who was promoted to partner in April 2025, has expertise in environmental matters related to mining. The partners have the backing of a skilled junior team, including associates Josefina Piñeiro and Constanza Rebolo and senior associate Dolores Cattaneo, who provide counsel across various project phases, such as permitting applications and contract negotiations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The mining team at Bruchou are the leading mining group that I have come across in Argentina. With their in-depth knowledge of mining law, coupled with a sensitivity to the needs of industry participants, they are the perfect advisers.’
- ‘Their Mining Law Department is composed of highly qualified lawyers. They not only know the theory but also the daily practice of Mining Law. In my opinion, these professionals are leaders in their speciality.’
- ‘The lawyers in this department are the best prepared for the challenges of today's Argentina. They have the best knowledge in mining matters and also know how to carry out the necessary procedures before the authorities to be as efficient as possible.’
- ‘The partner we worked with was particularly strong in helping foreign clients navigate the domestic legal and business environment. He understood the requirements of foreign clients but also the practical realities of business in the big mining provinces and had strong contacts within local governments.’
- ‘Sergio Arbeleche is an expert in mining law; his knowledge is comprehensive, and he is a leader in his field in Argentina. Sebastian Vedoya is an experienced adviser on mining transactions and has excellent skills in the corporate and M&A fields.’
- ‘One of their strongest points is their deep knowledge of our company and the pragmatism of their advice. They know the mine and the business, and they orient their counsel to solve the issue at hand.’
- ‘They have a solid knowledge of the sector at a national level and stay updated with the constant regulatory and political changes that occur.’
- ‘Sergio Arbeleche, Sebastián Vedoya, and Dolores Cattaneo have an agility for resolving issues and see beyond what competitors generally analyse, which gives them significant added value.’
- ‘They are fair, hard-working, down to earth, smart, and logical thinkers with a great deal of experience and connections in mining law and transactions.’
- ‘The team has a solid knowledge of mining law, with the backing of a firm that has specialists in all areas. It is probably one of the most experienced mining teams in Argentina.’
Key clients
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- First Quantum Minerals
- Yamana Gold
- Lithium Royalty Corporation
- Corriente Argentina
- Minas Argentinas
- Minera Andina del Sol
- Barrick Exploraciones Argentina
- Minera del Carmen
- Vicuña Project JV
- Minera Peregrine Argentina
- Mexplort
- ERIS
- Marhen Lithium
- Central Puerto
- United Mining Projects Corporation
- Minera Agua Rica
- Draco Capital
- Lumina Copper
- Metalla Royalty & Streaming
Work highlights
Advised Lundin Mining Corp. on the negotiation and closing of the 50/50 joint venture agreement entered into with BHP regarding the Josemaría and Filo del Sol Projects, resulting in the creation of the Vicuña Project.
Providing ongoing advice to the Barrick Group on the development of several exploration and exploitation projects in Argentina, which include the Veladero Mine and its continued expansion (in a JV with the Chinese company Shandong Gold), the Pascua Lama project and other projects located in San Juan and other Argentine provinces.
Advised First Quantum Minerals and its Argentine subsidiary, Corriente Argentina, on its operations in Argentina, including mining, environmental, and commercial issues, particularly concerning the development of the Taca Taca copper project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Dolores Cattaneo
Practice head
Sebastián Vedoya; Sergio Arbeleche
Other key lawyers
Pablo Crimer; Dolores Cattaneo; Josefina Piñeiro; Constanza Rebolo