Described by clients as ‘undoubted leaders in the market’, the nine-strong team at the environmental and natural resources practice of Dentons Chile specialises in designing water supply strategies for mining companies, agribusinesses and energy projects. Led by José Ignacio Morán, who brings ‘great experience and problem-solving skills’, and also serves as the firm’s global mining and natural resources leader, the team is expert in securing social licenses for projects while ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance. As co-leader of the environment practice, José Domingo Villanueva provides expert advice on regulatory matters, with expertise obtaining permits guaranteeing mineral and agricultural projects’ water supply. Supporting the practice, Gonzalo Nieto specialises in mining law and litigation; while Pauline Chiffelle brings specific energy and litigation expertise to the team, defending energy and mining companies and projects. Associate Cristián Vial, who ‘stands out for the speed of his attention’, assists national and international companies on water supply strategies, with a particular focus on integrating ESG principles to secure sustainable water use.
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Key clients
- Desarrollos Logísticos del Sur
- Agrícola Chilco
- Haciendas Talinay
- Agrícola Santa Sara
- Barrick Gold Co.
- Agrícola Santa Teresita
- Rentas Puerto Santiago
- Rentas Noviciado
- Agrícola Pruitt Land and Timber Co.
- PAFAL Áridos Limitada
- Compañía Minera Arqueros
- Compañía Minera Zaldívar Limitada
- Agrosuper
- Minera Lo Valdés
- Atacama Minerals Chile
- INARCO
- Agrícola Lurín Sur
- Compañía Industrial El Volcán
- Inmobiliaria Codigua
- Agrícola Palma de Aculeo
Work highlights
Advising Compañía Minera Arqueros on developing and implementing a strategy to strengthen the water supply for this client’s mining operation, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders.
Advising Compañía Minera Zaldívar Limitada on several key water rights issues, including assisting with the regularization of water rights titles and initiating and leading the procedure to organize a groundwater community, fostering relationships with key stakeholders such as agricultural businesses, rural potable water communities, and private individuals.
Counseling Agrosuper on processing various administrative procedures for the complementation of water rights titles, regularization of water rights, and development of strategies for non-use water rights fees.
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.
Cristián Vial
Practice head
José Ignacio Morán, José Domingo Villanueva
Other key lawyers
Gonzalo Nieto, Pauline Chiffelle, Cristián Vial, Juan Pablo Alliende