With eight offices across the country, EC Rubio is perhaps best known for its international trade practice; but with an office in Chihuahua, the firm is particularly well positioned for mining matters. Indeed, managing partner of the firm’s Chihuahua office, Pablo Méndez is also the director of the firm’s eight-strong mining department, having established the practice back in 2007. The group has particular expertise in the negotiation of exploration and exploitation concessions but also covers the gamut of sectoral matters, from permitting and licenses, surface rights’ contracts and all corporate aspects of the industry (including tax planning); to joint ventures, project development (including community matters); and civil, penal and constitutional (‘amparo’) litigation regarding mining properties and activity. Méndez, ’a good lawyer and a good litigant’ according to peers, focuses primarily on civil and administrative contentious matters; he is flanked by fellow partners César Holguin Córdova, who focuses on tax; and Juan Salvador Vázquez Silveyra (in Monterrey), and Javier Canseco (in Querétaro) who both handle mining-related labour matters along with a mix of real estate, regulatory compliance and transactional work. Further strength-in-depth is provided by senior associates Alejandro Guerra Herrera (mining & civil/commercial litigation), and Jorge Hernández Ogaz (mining), along with associate Daniel Rico. All lawyers are located at the firm’s Chihuahua office unless otherwise noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The EC Rubio team is always available for any task, very open to exploring new possibilities, and their knowledge and commitment make them unique. I highlight their knowledge, availability, and achieving the "as if"—not just what's necessary, but beyond.'
- 'The team is highly professional and sensitive to each situation or case handled. They are very respectful of each party they come into contact with.'
- 'Pablo Mendez is a great lawyer. He knows the law and has extensive experience in the mining sector and its related areas, which supports us in ensuring successful cases. Alejandro Guerra is always available to handle matters and willing to travel to provide the necessary attention to the parties we deal with.'
- 'This legal team is distinguished by its highly specialised approach and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the legal environment.'
- 'Compared to other firms, this team stands out for its comprehensive approach, which not only covers the legal aspects but also understands the business needs. In many firms, the separation between legal and commercial matters can be more pronounced, while here, there is close collaboration with other areas of the company, which improves the overall result.'
- 'Deep sector knowledge: each member has specialised experience in their area, allowing them to confidently address the legal complexities of the business.'
Key clients
- Pacemaker Silver Mining
- Infiniti Resources
- Discovery Silver Corp.
- Mithril Resources Ltd.
- GoGold Resources Inc.
- Alamos Gold Inc.
- Silver Tiger Metals Inc.
- Sonoran Desert Copper Corp.
- Gold Resource Corp.
- ProesmmaImpact Silver Corp.
- Coeur Mining Inc.
- Southern Empire Resources
Work highlights
Advised Alamos Gold on the drafting and management of contracts and agreements for the construction of a 32.5-km transmission line connecting the company’s Mulatos and La Yaqui Grade mines to the national grid of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), which is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by replacing diesel-generated power with electricity from the national grid. The project also involved the transfer of a 34.5-kilovolt distribution line and a state-of-the-art switching station to the CFE for operation and management, while Alamos retains control over the 115-kilovolt transmission line and a 20-megawatt substation.
Advised Coeur Mining on the Mexican due diligence for its $1.7bn takeover of SilverCrest Metals, an acquisition that includes the Las Chispas mine, a subterranean mining project located in the state of Sonora, Mexico.
Advised Alamos Gold on obtaining environmental authorisation for the development of the “Puerto del Aire” project, a new underground mine located within the Mulatos mining district; said authorisation will allow the project’s development, extending the productive life of the Mulatos mining district considerably.
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.
Alejandro Guerra Herrera
Jorge Hernández Ogaz
Practice head
Pablo Méndez