Combining mining, regulatory, corporate and financing expertise, CMS Carey & Allende’s five-member department acts throughout the life cycle of mining projects in Chile. The practice is particularly experienced in mining property structuring, including the acquisition, defence and reorganisation of mining concessions, statutory mining easements, and subsoil protection strategies. The group also comprises experts in regulatory issues, taxation and policy frameworks, especially in relation to mining royalties, environmental regulation, and strategic minerals such as lithium. Highlights include advising Chilean mining company Inversiones Alxar on the structuring, reorganisation and divestment of mining assets, including lithium exploration projects in the Salar de Maricunga. The mining practice is co-led by Jorge Allende Z, who is well known for structuring and negotiating engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts and EPC management agreements; and Ignacio Errazquin, who advises on mining-related asset reorganisations and M&A. In the senior associate ranks, Manuel Ponce focuses on mining concessions, subsoil protection, and mining-related litigation.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Extensive knowledge, experience, and follow-up on mining issues. Furthermore, there is a high level of commitment from the relevant lawyers.
- The lawyer in charge of mining matters, Manuel Ponce, is highly proactive, constantly monitoring issues important to the company and alerting us whenever something arises that could affect our interests. Furthermore, Jorge Allende Zañartu has a long history and commitment to our company.
- Manuel Ponce Delgado is an excellent lawyer, very approachable and with extensive experience in the field. He offers relevant and useful solutions for businesses.
- The team is very realistic in its advice, offering practical solutions to the business.
Key clients
- Inversiones Alxar
- Zelestra Energy
- Hidroeléctrica Lumen
- Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama
- Bioaqua
Work highlights
Advised Inversiones Alxar on mining agreements and statutory easements for lithium exploration projects in the Salar de Maricunga (involving Codelco and Minera Salar Blanco).
Advised Zelestra Energy on subsoil protection and mining strategies for renewable energy projects.
Advised Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama on the acquisition and reactivation of a distressed mining project, including ongoing operational, regulatory, and expansion-related mining advice.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
Jorge Allende Z; Ignacio Errazquin