Dentons fields ‘highly specialised professionals with extensive knowledge of the mining business’. In addition to its environmental, water and energy law credentials, the Santiago office is home to mining law experts who routinely assist both domestic and international clients on regulatory compliance, transactions, and high-stakes litigation and arbitration. Heading up the mining department, Gonzalo Nieto is a mining law and litigation expert, who assists at every stage of project development. Nieto’s experience ranges from the acquisition of mining concessions and obtaining permits and authorisations, to operational and closure stages; while José Ignacio Morán, advises mining companies on project-related regulatory, environmental and water law matters. The practice further includes Pauline Chiffelle, who focuses on defence-side mining disputes and regulatory proceedings. At associate level, senior Jaime Cruzat advises on royalty agreements, mining options, easements, mineral property planning and permitting; and Cristián Vial advises mining, energy and industrial companies on compliance and sustainability strategies that incorporate environmental, social and governance principles. In March 2026, former associate Juan Pablo Alliende left the firm to join the Chilean Ministry of Mining.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Extensive knowledge of the subject.
- Good knowledge, willingness and customer support.
- The team boasts professionals who demonstrate a high level of commitment to the client, excellent technical knowledge, experience, and a personal touch, fostering trust. Internally, they are well-coordinated and communicate effectively as a team. They exhibit strong analytical skills and leadership in finding solutions, giving them a significant advantage over their competitors in the market. I can mention Gonzalo Nieto, Jaime Cruzat, Juan Pablo Alliende, Pauline Chiffelle, José Ignacio Morán, and Cristian Vial.
- This firm boasts highly specialised professionals with extensive knowledge of the mining business. They are agile, communicate clearly, and are results oriented. Their proactive, approachable, and capable teams give them an edge over other firms. They adapt to new technologies, allowing them to adjust easily to legal and market changes.
- What stands out most is the mix of experienced lawyers and young tech-savvy individuals, making them a highly competent law firm. I would highlight Gonzalo Nieto, Jaime Cruzat, and Juan Pablo Alliende.
- Clients benefit from a team of highly experienced professionals. They are quick and assertive in the advice they provide; in this respect, they surpass other firms. Furthermore, they clearly explain complex issues and successfully navigate them before the country's courts.
Key clients
- Compañía Minera Arqueros
- Tewoo Group Co
- Compañía Industrial El Volcán
- Inversiones Barrick Conosur
- Agrícola Super
- Agrícola Esmeralda
- Minera Valparaíso
- Haciendas Talinay
- Agrícola y Ganadera Corralillo
- Agrícola Fusión
- Matetic Group
- Los Cobres de Atacama
Work highlights
Advising Compañía Minera Arqueros on mining legal matters for its copper project (under construction), including mining easements, concession strategy, PPA negotiations, community engagement and regulatory compliance.
Advising Tewoo Group (Atacama Minerals Chile) on mining, environmental and water matters for its iodine project, including permitting, concession strategy, acquisitions and litigation, so as to protect and expand its mining rights.
Advised Barrick Gold on the $50m sale of the Alturas Project, and on concession strategy, regulatory compliance and corporate structuring, so as to optimise and protect its Chilean mining assets.
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.
Jaime Cruzat
Practice head
Gonzalo Nieto