The April 2026 return of Florencia Heredia to Beccar Varela (a firm she left in 2008), accompanied by much of her market leading team (formerly at Allende & Brea) has transformed an already capable practice into a go-to destination for mining entities and financial institutions alike, particularly those involved in large-scale mining projects concerning lithium, copper and other critical minerals’ developments. Heredia has some 35 years’ experience at the forefront of the industry and leads a consolidated team that is well equipped to handle the financial, corporate, environmental, regulatory and administrative aspects of complex projects. Manuel Frávega advises on ESG and compliance risks throughout the lifecycle of mining projects, Alejandro Poletto handles sector-specific M&A and joint ventures; Juan Pablo Perrino combines mining regulatory advice with significant public law knowledge; while Agostina Martínez, who was made up to partner upon her arrival with Heredia, handles mining, corporate and foreign investment matters and has particular knowledge of the lithium segment. At associate level, key support is provided by senior Maria Milagros Pieroni who handles environmental regulatory and permitting matters. The group can also call on senior statesman, advisory partner Roberto Fortunati, for further expertise as regards banking & finance, project finance and M&A in relation to mining (as well as oil & gas and electricity).
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Manuel Frávega is a great lawyer with a practical and business-oriented mindset.
- Beccar Varela is a truly full-service firm in the sense that it offers high-quality legal service in any aspect of law.
- The team's greatest asset is the quality and commitment of its members. They are directly involved in matters, contributing sound judgment, experience, and execution skills. They don't delegate critical issues and are always available to answer our questions. In our experience, Alejandro Poletto stands out. He combines in-depth technical knowledge with a great ability to understand our business objectives and exceptional negotiation skills. On one occasion, we changed a strategic decision thanks to his advice. He is also always available and a true deal maker. But the rest of his team also makes a difference. Eugenia Radaelli and Mora Mangiaterra contribute hard work, stability, and work as a cohesive team.
- Beccar's mining practice stands out for its rare combination of technical expertise, regulatory understanding, and keen business acumen. The team not only masters the complex legal aspects of the sector, including concessions, permits, project finance, and M&A, but also understands how operations are structured and executed in practice.
- The firm has a solid and reliable technical foundation; the real advantage that can consolidate it as a strategic partner is to evolve towards a more agile, decisive service aligned with the business.
Key clients
- Royal Gold
- Lake Resources
- Southern Peru Copper Corporation (Grupo Mexico)
- Kabil
- Saint-Gobain
- World Metal & Alloys
- Eramet
- Pluspetrol
- Teck
- Rio Tinto
Work highlights
Acted as Argentine local counsel to Royal Gold in the due diligence for its $3.5bn acquisition of Sandstorm Gold.
Advised Lake Resources on the $9m sale of three lithium brine assets in Jujuy Province to Austroid Corporation.
Ongoing legal advice to Southern Copper on a wide range of mining and corporate matters related to its two exploration-stage copper projects.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Florencia Heredia
Other key lawyers
Roberto Fortunati; Alejandro Poletto; Manuel Frávega ; Juan Pablo Perrino; Agostina Martínez; Maria Milagros Pieroni