
The seven-member environmental, energy and regulatory law department at Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos offers strategic, cross-sector environmental and regulatory counsel to international clients from the energy, mining, infrastructure and food production industries. The team's environmental law expertise includes territorial planning, permitting and environmental compliance, with particular expertise in advising clients on risks and compliance strategies related to emerging regulations - including Chile’s environmental crime legislation. Recent matters include extensive advisory and training in relation to the new law on economic and environmental crimes; assisting a client with seeking to oppose a new regional regulation that would prohibit mining in the area where its facilities are located; and advising a client in the pharmaceutical sector with the evaluation of a contingency encountered during a due diligence process. Department head Martín Astorga can draw on over two decades' experience advising on environmental assessments, emissions, and territorial planning. As head of the regulatory law practice, Gonzalo Jiménez counsels on large infrastructure and energy projects, environmental litigation and contracting. At associate level, senior Verónica Cuadra leads major regulatory due diligence procedures, while also advising international mining clients on environmental compliance; and intermediate Miguel Ortiz provides supports across a range of regulated industries, advising on permits, public procurement, sanctioning processes and due diligence.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Deep knowledge of our matters and a great willingness to listen and analyse. Rigorous and in-depth case study. A willingness to interact with professionals from other firms. Excellent ongoing follow-up,'
Key clients
- Captone (Mantos Copper)
- BHP
- Teck
- IBM
- Soprole/Prolesur (Fonterra)
- Association of Water Rights' Oweners of the Aconcagua River
- Vidrios Lirqueén (NSG – Nippon Sheet Glass)
- IANSA
- Nutreco
- Medtronic
- Coexpan
- B. Braun Medical
Work highlights
Advised Vidrios Lirquén over the last two years on the implementation of an emissions reduction system (which has suffered significant delays), and on its defence in a sanctioning process initiated by the Superintendence of the Environment.
Advised Soprole/Prolesur on submitting observations regarding the environmental assessment process of a project located on the land adjacent to the company's plant in Osorno and on the development of a new production plant in the municipality of Frutillar.
The firm has a permanent relationship with the Association of water right owners of the Aconcagua River and advises them on all environmental issues, especially regarding water; it is currently advising the client on the filing of legal claims regarding decisions made by the Environmental Superintendence, and alsoregarding the filing of several claims for non-compliance associated with mining projects located in the basin.
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.
Practice head
Martín Astorga; Gonzalo Jiménez